AUTHOR JANET W. FERGUSON
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Blog: Under the Southern Sun

Why Do I Write? Some Giveaways!

8/1/2018

16 Comments

 
Hi friends!
Some of you have read about or heard me share about the reasons I write, but in case you missed it, I've posted them here.


Twenty-six years ago, a car ran a red light and crashed into the vehicle I was a passenger in. At the time, I was pregnant with my daughter. Time seemed to move in slow motion as I watched the car coming toward us. 

On impact, we spun around and landed an inch away from a telephone pole in the yard of a fire station. I left in an ambulance, due to neck pain, but my fear was for my unborn child. She’s grown and perfectly fine, but what I didn’t know would stay with me, other than some aggravating neck problems, after that wreck….was anxiety.

I began feeling tremendous anxiety in vehicles. And eventually, I began having panic attacks on the interstate while driving, which was odd because my wreck wasn’t on an interstate. The wreck triggered something in my brain that had to do with the fight or flight mode—an acute stress response.

I’d heard of panic attacks on a news show and thought, That’s silly. Just do whatever it is, and go on with life. But that judgement (like so many I’ve made) came back to bite me.
The issue that I thought was silly became a problem I would deal with for the rest of my life. So far.

I’m an open person. I am what I am. This is it. I share about my problems. I joke with my friends about the fact that if we’re going somewhere requiring us to drive on the interstate, we can take my car, but I’m not going to be the driver. Because I’ve been candid about my anxiety issue, over the years, I’ve met a lot of people who confided that they too had panic attacks, or some suffered from depression, bipolar, or another brain disorder.

I also learned something else that made my heart ache. Not only did these people suffer from a disorder that, in and of itself, was miserable, they also endured shame because of it. They experienced embarrassment because they felt no one would understand--that people would think, like I used to, they should 'just get over it.' People like me before I had suffered my own first panic attack.

I wanted to write a story that showed no matter what the weakness or problem or disorder, we are all still useful to our families, our churches, and our communities. We can be a part of doing good things in God’s kingdom, even while we are still suffering. Sometimes, we just have to accept ourselves and look outside of that issue. Look outside and see how we can be a good friend, a good family member, a listening ear, a volunteer—do a job that we can do. And know that God loves us.
 
So that’s one strand of how I came to write a book.

The other reason? I was a prodigal.
No excuses. I had a good family. They taught me right from wrong and raised me well, took me to church, supported my extracurricular activities. Still—in my late teens, I chose to wander a different path. It was the path culture sold through media and song and books--an alluring path that promised happiness, but one that ended in sadness. No, I didn’t end up in a literal pigpen. I went to college, got a degree, worked at my job, and made friends. I knew and still believed in what was right, but didn’t want to give up control of my life.

Inside, though, the old expression held true. I had a hole in my heart only God could fill.
At twenty-six years old, I hit my knees and begged the Lord to take me back. I was finally willing to go where He led me if only He would have me.

From then on, I heard the prodigal story anew. The parable was more about God than it was about the prodigal. The fact that our loving Father is waiting, watching, and searching us out. And He yearns to have his children back with Him. In Luke 15, Jesus describes a scene like that, where a father is waiting. He runs to his son who has finally turned down the road toward home. The father throws his arms around his long-lost child's neck. He puts a ring on his finger and throws a party to celebrate.

Like our Father does when we come back to Him. 

So, I write stories with prodigals as characters because that’s what I know.  The messes of our past also don’t eliminate us from being useful in God’s service. Isaiah 61 says God gives beauty for ashes. He can transform the ashes of our pasts into something beautiful if we give Him the chance. If we let Him take over. That was the second message I wanted to share in that first book, Leaving Oxford.
​
And I want to share that message in all my stories. Otherwise, this writing gig is way too hard for me. Honestly, I'm always surprised when I finish writing a book. If it's good, it has to be God! The mess-ups...all me.

Picture
My book Leaving Oxford is temporarily free as an eBook. Do you know someone who needs that message of God's love—the message about His ability to take our messes and make something beautiful? Maybe share the freebie with them?
​https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DJJKRJM

I also have some Audible codes to share. Tackling the Fields is the latest production by narrator Naomi Karez, and I'll give away five codes to audio readers who comment on this post that you're interested in receiving them. (Void where prohibited.) Here's a sample: 
https://www.amazon.com/Tackling-Fields-Southern-Hearts-3/dp/B07CXZJLWB/
​

What's coming up? I am currently writing a story that deals with addiction, a painful issue which affects so many families today. I would appreciate your prayers that I follow God's leading as I write.

Finally, how can I pray for you today? Feel free to send me a message on my contact page.

Blessings,
Janet W. Ferguson

​
16 Comments
Teresa Davis
8/4/2018 06:19:05 am

Janet, thank you for your honesty and openness. I also deal with addiction with two of my three adult children. So yes your upcoming story interests me very much. These types of messages remind me that our Heavenly Father is truly in control and that I need to trust Him every step of the way. Thank you for your transparency.

Reply
Janet Ferguson
8/4/2018 06:27:58 am

Teresa, I'm so sorry you are living and walking that road with your children. It's viscous, and definitely affect the whole family. You're right. God is in control and we must cling to that. Saying a prayer today for you! Thank you for sharing.
Hugs and blessings,
Janet

Reply
Perrianne Askew
8/4/2018 07:33:54 am

My half brother and step brother both have problems with drugs so I know your new book will be very relevent in today’s society. I’m sorry you struggle with anxiety but I’m sure we all do in some shape or form. The audiobook sounds like something I’d like to try.

Reply
Janet Ferguson
8/4/2018 07:39:20 am

Hi Perrianne! Anxiety is universal for sure! I think that's why the Bible says so often, Do not fear. I'm so sorry you are familiar with the drug issue, but we really seem to be under attack with that, don't we? Saying prayers for your family. I'll put your name in the hat for the audio!
Blessings,
Janet

Reply
Natalya Lakhno
8/4/2018 05:14:20 pm

I would love to listen! Thank you for sharing your story!

Reply
Janet Ferguson
8/4/2018 06:02:09 pm

Thanks Natalya!
I put your name in the hat!
Blessings,
Janet

Reply
Brenda Hughes
8/4/2018 06:47:20 pm

Janet, thank you for sharing your story and for writing characters who are like the real people we know and love. I ask God to bless you and all Christian authors. Now, I will also add you to my prayer list for healing.

Reply
Janet Ferguson
8/6/2018 08:54:10 am

Thank you so much! I can't tell you how much I value your prayers!
Blessing,
Janet

Reply
Kai W
8/4/2018 11:09:05 pm

My sister has a disorder. She is a kleptomania. Our relationship became estranged after I have put up with her theft and the denial of the theft too many time. It may not be an addiction but it is a behavior that needs to be reconditioned.

Reply
Janet Ferguson
8/6/2018 07:15:28 pm

Kai, That sounds tough. There are many kinds of addictions and disorders. I am praying for all involved.
Blessings,
Janet

Reply
Medenna Walton
8/5/2018 11:05:11 am

This post/email touched such a deep place in me.

I was a prodigal for many years too. When my adopted son went as far into addiction and sin as people can go, it sent me to my knees, and finally completely surrendered. I need to read this book. I have not read any of your books yet, but I certainly will be doing so.

If there are any codes left, I would appreciate it. If not, I understand.

Medenna

Reply
Janet Ferguson
8/6/2018 07:14:24 pm

I'm so sorry you went through all of that. I am praying for y'all now.
I will put your name in the drawing for the audio.
Blessings,
Janet

Reply
Janice
8/6/2018 03:31:14 pm

Thanks for sharing, very inspiring.

Reply
Janet Ferguson
8/6/2018 07:12:53 pm

Thank you, Janice! :)

Reply
Catrina Pomerleau
8/7/2018 10:10:48 am

Thank you for sharing your story.

I would love to have the opportunity to listen to Tackling the Fields.

Reply
Janet Ferguson
8/14/2018 08:03:45 am

Sent out 5 codes today to random winners, but I may have extras to share with more of you! Watch for an email!
Today I sent codes to
Roger-Jean
NoBrainLeft
Perrianne
Natalya
Medina
Catrina
plus two others from the FB page

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