People are always surprised to learn that I have sold everything I ever sent out. From that first magazine article to my first novel. Yes, God was blessing my socks off and assuring me that He had called me to write. At least that's what I thought . . . until 2007 when I began to write my fifth novel, The Next Target.

The economy had begun a downward spiral, CBA was looking to broaden their appeal by moving toward fiction written from a Christian worldview rather the message fiction I was known for, and the subject of my book was evangelizing Muslims. There's a dicey topic to promote on a national stage. Especially after 911!

Though my previous books had won many awards, suddenly sales were not so stellar, and my once rising star seemed to dim. My agent couldn't sell my manuscript. In some cases, publishers offered a contract if I would write something else. But I knew the Lord had called me to write about the need for safe houses for Muslims in America who convert to Christianity. Many of you reading this know what I mean. God has given you a story and a passion to write it. But nothing is coming together. At every turn a door closes. You wonder if you are called to write.

I continued to work on The Next Target. I rewrote the book three times, I fought writers block, and yes, even despair. Always coming back to the one thing that could sustain me. This was a book He really had called to write. Finally, through prayer and a willingness to be broken, the Lord led me to the truth.

I am not called to write. I am called to intimacy with Him. It is about letting your dreams die and being willing to live out His dreams for you. It is about spiritual growth that has nothing to do with the writing itself. It has to do with the journey. It has to do with sanctification, being set apart for His purposes, realizing that you are not meant to serve God, you are meant for God to serve man through you. I no longer wonder if He has called me to write. I know He hasn't. He hasn't called me to do anything in my own strength. He has called me to intimacy with Him. Everything else is just the fruit of that relationship. It was the dawning of this life-giving truth that finally assured me about my writing, about God, His purpose, and His timing.

Surrender and seek Him. He will do the very thing that you think tests the limits of His power.

Book Blurb For The Next Target:

The Next Target is a chilling tale pitting Austia Donatelli, the leader of an underground Christian ministry that brings the gospel to Muslims, against a powerful terrorist. Austia lives and works in an Islamic neighborhood and God’s call on her life seems to be a death sentence. But her ministry isn’t somewhere in the Middle East . . . it’s in Southern California. The plot takes unexpected twists and turns as the clock ticks and Austia courageously seeks safety for the Muslim women who have become her sisters in Christ. Her faith is tested to the breaking point as death stalks her and God seems distant. It is then, with terrifying certainty, she realizes she is in a spiritual battle with Satan himself.

Prologue:

In the great expanse between the dimensions of space and time, a luminous form arched itself above a spiritual universe. The transparent, multifaceted figure consisted of three faces, parallel planes ablaze with the power and glory of the eternal love that begat the genesis of man. Above the figure shone a brilliant white light. Its name, Truth. Below the figure, a spectrum of refracted light. Rays of incandescent color, ruby, sapphire, lapis, amethyst, amber, emerald, and gold, each forming an angelic being. They were called Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, and Faith. Each purposed to serve mankind.

Love heard His name called. Love, ruby red, the color of the blood shed at Calvary. Strengthened by the spittle, steeled by the nails, girded by the thrust spear.

He rose.

The air was thick with prayer. Words imbued with deep emotion and sustained by the fervent pleading of a small spirit-filled army. Followers of Christ. Devotees to the Word of God, they had discerned that the end times spoken of in the book of Revelation had begun to unfold. Persecution of Christians had begun, and the polarizing of nations was underway for a great final battle. A battle between good and evil. A battle between love and hate. Ushering in the Day of Judgment for all mankind. Their voices raised, petitioning the Lord, asking that He tarry just a little longer. Just a little longer so more might be saved.

Suddenly, Love, the only force able to defeat the principalities and powers and the demons of darkness coming against the Kingdom of God, the only answer to the prayers of the saints, was lifted up by the wings of Mercy and released.

Now, unfettered by time or dimensions, transported by the Spirit already indwelling every Believer, Love stands ready. Waiting only for the surrender of the human heart, the act of volition that empowers Him to work through the lives of His people and touch the hearts of His enemies. Changing the heart of man. Desiring that none die lost.