Deconstructing is all the rage these days. You can see it on cooking shows. Deconstructed lemon meringue pie or apple crumb cake. You can see it in political speeches and written texts. You can even find deconstruction when it comes to faith. If you haven’t heard of this latest fad in Christian culture, it’s a focus on untangling beliefs a person has held on to for years to see if it aligns with truth. This can be related to traditions, the way we ‘do’ church, Read More
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How to Find Joy in the Uncomfortable with Erica Vetsch
Today, Tara chats with a phenomenal author and woman of God, Erica Vetsch! Erica talks about her passions–history, teaching, and museums–and has discovered the greatest stories of local lore come from small county museums. Tara tells Erica about the Ganster Museum near her town in Hot Springs, Arkansas and Erica shares that St. Paul, Minnesota is the gangster capital of the world. Who knew? Erica talks about her transition from writing stories based in cowboys and westward expansion to Regencies, and how Julie Klassen and Read More
The Ultimate Summer Reads Sweepstakes is here and YOU can win!
It’s here! The ultimate Summer Reads Sweepstakes is live now! Each time you sign up for an author’s free newsletter, you are entered for another chance to win ALL 24 books! Contest ends on July 22nd and the winner will be announced on July 25th. Enter the contest here: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/9f9885a13/?
God Didn’t Call You to be Nice
My family was chatting Bible over dinner one evening and I asked my nine-year-old son if he could remember the Ten Commandments. Nate nodded and put down his fork. “Sure. God is number one. There is no one before Him. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not lie. Thou shalt be nice.” “Whoa.” I felt my eyes bugging out as my fork paused in mid-air. “The Bible doesn’t say to be nice.” “Sure it does,” my teenage daughter piped up. I arched an eyebrow. “Where Read More
Theatre, Story, and Laughter with Ane Mulligan
Tara can’t wait to introduce you to her talented friend, writing partner, and cup of sunshine Ane Mulligan! The ladies start off talking coffee and how Ane got her start in writing. Tara and Ane talk drama in church, the stretch between writing for stage versus novels, theatre roots, and drama for kids. Ane shares her passion for theatre and how it allows people to let down their guard to receive the message of the gospel. Also in this episode: Planting seeds, criticism, what readers Read More
All Things England with Michelle Griep
Today, Tara chats with her critique partner, award-winning author, and dear friend Michelle Griep! The ladies discuss Michelle’s love of story, even back when all she used was Crayolas. Michelle shares that she started writing to escape her kids (lol) and the women discuss all things England and their passion for the quirks and beauty of the land beyond the sea. Michelle inspires Tara with a story about Iron Bridge and they brainstorm ways to be called into ministry in the U.K. Michelle discussed her Read More
YA and Fly-by-Faith Fiction with Amy Earls!
Today I’m hanging out with my fun-loving, ever-talented friend Amy Earls! Amy is surprised to learn Tara was born in her hometown of Corvallis, Oregon. The girls talk about all things Corvallis and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Tara talks about how her husband doesn’t listen to female Siri and Amy shares how her tagline was inspired by youth adult fantasy blended with faith. The ladies talk about the supernatural and how story can show us much about God through parallel worlds. Tara learns Read More
Research, Writing, and Control…oh my!
Today, Tara sits down to visit with her buddy, Kathleen Denly–wife, mom, and author of beautiful historical romances! The ladies swap weird research stories, misnomers about California, Mr. Math Man, and early childhood reading influences. Kathleen tells Tara about her writing process (developing characters) and midnight inspiration. Also in this episode… Fingerprints of light, control issues, barking dogs, NOOM, and the difference between knowing Jesus is Lord and making Him Lord of your life. Links: www.kathleendenly.com www.TaraJohnsonStories.com
If you’re struggling today…
For the contaminated, He washes away the grime until we’re whiter than snow. For the broken, He binds up our wounds. For the empty, He fills us. For the hurting, He soothes. For the tattered heart, He sews it back with threads of grace. For the rejected, He embraces us. For the fallen, He lifts us back to our feet. For the depressed, He gives hope. For the unwanted, He adopts. For the weary, He gives rest. For the unlovable, He says, “I love you.” Read More
Walking Through Grief with Alisha Bozarth
Today, the enemy really wants to stop my chat with the lovely Alisha Bozarth…the first fifteen minutes of our chat disappeared, but we managed to save the rest! Alisha is a writer, mom, and grief survivor since losing her precious husband Kyle several years ago. Alisha and I talk through the emotions of grief, how to accept our weaknesses, Alisha’s writing inspiration, and what God teaches us while writing through the pain. Also in this episode… What not to say, Job, and getting comfortable with Read More