Friday, December 7, 2012

Dan Walsh: Celebrating Weakness

Everyone's Story warmly welcomes multi-published and award-winning author Dan Walsh.  I do not believe in coincidences and this morning's devotional, entitled The Power Of God based on 2 Corinthians 12:9, helped to further open the cyber doors of what I believe will be an awesome week here with Dan. Dan is offering a book giveaway (see below), shares his view on weakness and strength, and then answers a few questions. Please join the fun and insights, and remember, Dan looks forward to hearing from you.




Book Giveaway:
One randomly chosen commenter will receive their choice of either Dan's recent release of THE REUNION or THE DEEPEST WATERS, which won the Carol Award for Best Short Historical. The winner will be announced here on December 14th between 4-5 EST. For convenience, please leave your email address within the body of your comment. Thanks!

The Paradox of Weakness by Dan Walsh

Paradox: “…a proposition that seems self-contradictory or absurd but in reality expresses a possible truth.”

The apostle Paul said, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” What? Well, that’s why it’s a paradox. But in a way, I get it. I feel weak sometimes. No, I feel weak a lot.

For example: I’m beginning to write my 10th novel this week. Seven of the other nine are already published by major publishers (Revell and Guideposts). Novels eight and nine are in the pipeline, due out in 2013. In 4 years, I’ve won three ACFW Carol awards (book-of-the-year). All my novels have received rave reviews in magazines, blogs and Amazon. I’ve been asked to co-author a fiction series by a mega bestselling author (Gary Smalley). My most recent novel has been optioned by a movie producer who has made several Hallmark films (including The Christmas Shoes).

You’d think I’d feel confident inside as I set out to write a novel #10. But I don’t. I feel weak. I have doubts about whether I can do it again. What if I can’t? It’s my livelihood now. People are depending on me. What if the well runs dry? What will I do then?

Where does such weakness come from? Was something missing from my childhood? Have I experienced some traumatic things as an adult that have eroded my self-confidence? The answer to both of these questions is “yes.” But that’s not why I feel weak.

The real reason I feel weak, I believe, is a kindness from God. It’s not something I should dread but something to celebrate. God, in His mercy, has lifted the veil of false confidence and self-sufficiency to help me see my true condition before Him.

By design, we were made to walk in a dependent relationship with God. Adam’s fall created the illusion that we can make a success of things on our own. The truth is, God created us for intimate fellowship with Him. We are hard-wired for dependence.

That is why so often we feel weak. The good news is, because of Christ, the strength we lack is continuously available in abundant supply. But we won’t benefit from it if we continue to walk in the illusion of strength (or the delusion of strength). We must learn Paul’s secret and become content with this feeling. It’s the very thing that draws us to God.

Two scriptures come to mind:

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Cor 12:8-10, NLT)


Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Phil 4:11-13, NLT)


How about you? Feeling weak and overwhelmed lately? Where does your heart go when you feel this way? May I suggest what Paul says here? I’ve tried to make this my habit now, and it’s made a HUGE difference in my life.



Questions for Dan:
Writing fiction is a second career for you. In hindsight, would you please share some pros and cons of becoming a published author a bit later rather than earlier in life?

I guess the first thing I should say about this is that it didn’t start out as a second career idea, more of an enjoyable pastime (the way some people enjoy painting). I actually wrote my first three published novels in my spare time while I was a pastor. This expectation seemed realistic, because I read that 95% of published authors don’t make enough to live on their writing alone. Almost all of them have a “day job.” It was a pleasant surprise when I realized I was actually making enough to retire from pastoral ministry and write fulltime. Pastoring for 25 years was beginning to take a toll on my health.

I’m not sure I’ve experienced any “cons” from starting to write late in life, but one possible benefit comes from the old saying “write what you know.” I know a lot more now and have traveled quite a bit more now, so I have a lot more things to draw from now than I did when I was young.

Whether intentional or not, do you have a reoccurring author's theme throughout your novels? If so, why aren't you able to detour away from these subjects?

Dan's April '13 release
I write, basically, love stories and family-life dramas. There are a lot of themes that flow from these two big areas of life. Things like romance, relationships and reconciliation are some themes I visit quite often in my novels. I often like to set them in historically significant time frames, because I think it adds more interest and tension to the stories. I suppose I am “able to detour away” from these subjects, I just choose not to. These are areas that interest me and seem to be relevant subjects for a wide range of people.

And, as a companion question to the first question, after putting your novel aside for 10 years, why did you come back to writing . . . or better yet, why couldn't you stay away from the keyboard? 

It really came from some strong encouragement from my wife to finish a novel she had really liked (The Unfinished Gift), now that I had more time on my hands. This “free time” was due to the fact that our children were now grown and I would no longer have to choose between spending time with them and time on a pastime that I enjoyed. Once I started writing again, it all came back to me, just like riding a bike. I still enjoy it very much, even though it’s shifted from a pastime to my livelihood. Right now, I’m working on my 10th novel.

Author Bio:

Dan Walsh is the award-winning and bestselling author of 7 novels, published by Revell and Guideposts, including The Unfinished Gift, Remembering Christmas and The Reunion. For those who haven’t read Dan’s books, reviewers often compare them to Nicholas Sparks and Richard Paul Evans. His latest project is partnering with Gary Smalley on a 4-book fiction series. The first is called, The Dance. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Word Weavers, Dan served as a pastor for 25 years and now writes fulltime. He and his wife Cindi have been married 36 years and have 2 grown children, both married, and 1 grandson. They live in Port Orange, FL.

You can follow Dan on:

Website
3 Men Walk Into A Blog
Facebook
Twitter

41 comments:

  1. Hi,Dan!

    I've passed your books on to friends. They have really latched onto your style of writing. I am waiting for replies back from a few publishing houses about my historical romances series. My agent says it's going to happen--that I'll have my books published. When I find myself doubting, I tell God that I know he gave me this talent and the need to write. I'm willing to write and whatever happens is His will. While I wait--I write. My blogs sometimes turn into short stories. Today I posted one about looking back, remembering the past. God allows us to glance back, but he wants our attention on the goal ahead of us.

    Keep up the good work. People love your books. If you get a chance, stop in and pull up a chair at my blog ... rest a spell. Read about a barn. :)

    Karen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen, welcome to Everyone's Story. So glad you're a fan of Dan's. I'm going to visit your blog right now. Hope to see you back here :)

      Delete
    2. Elaine, I guess I replied back to Dan when I should have replied to you? :) Oh, well, guess it doesn't hurt anything. Just shows I'm moving too fast through things and not paying attention! Yes, I will return. Thanks for checking out my blog.

      Karen

      Delete
    3. Karen--absolutely no harm. Both my guests and I reply back to visitors... I think I just beat Dan here, but than again, I have an edge I'm just very happy that you visited. Enjoy the holidays.

      Delete
    4. Karen, thanks for stopping by. Waiting is hard, and it doesn't get easier after you're published, and what you're writing is under contract. There are still big gaps of time waiting, wondering if they'll like or hate what you sent in, wondering when it's time to send in a new proposal whether they'll want to resign you, or whether they'll love/hate your new ideas.

      That's why it needs to be about Jesus. Learning to wait on Him, making it about what He gives us to do in the day at hand.

      Delete
  2. Just stumbled upon this blog on FB. Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to reading your books Dan. You're an author new to me and I plan to read everything you've written. I often think on Paul's words in the Bible, the same verses you listed above. Found it fascinating that you were a pastor. My husband is too although he's retired as well due to illness. Ministry can take a toll on one's health and I'm sorry to hear that this happened to you. Your wife sounds like a wonderful helpmate. In future interviews, or on FB would you speak about her a little more too. You're such a humble servant of God. Daily I pray for you authors that write Christian fiction that God continue to bless you and inspirte you. Blessings, Susan Fryman susanngarrylee@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan, welcome to Everyone's Story. Thanks for letting me know how you found out about this blog--very helpful info for me. Hugs to you for becoming a Follower--you just made my day ♡

      Delete
    2. Susan, by the time I retired from ministry, honestly, I was doing terribly. My health dramatically improved within months after leaving.

      You are right about my wife. I'm lost without her. If you'd like to read more of my interviews, I posted a bunch of them on my blog (probably more info there than you'd want to know). Here's the link: http://danwalshbooks.com/interviews/

      Delete
  3. I also was married to a pastor for 24 1/2 years and it is very stressful on the pastor! Thank you for sharing this interview with Dan and thanks to Dan for sharing your talent with us! Would love to read the book: The Reunion as I have heard many good things about it! Rhonda
    rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the visit, Rhonda. I'm glad you enjoyed Dan's feature. Hope to see you again.

      Delete
    2. Being a pastor is very stressful, so much more than most people realize. My church was about 250 people, and I had been the pastor at the same place the entire time. About 200 of them were wonderful. The stress came from the other 50, mostly from about 10-15 people. For me, it was all the expectations people put on you. People who, sadly, were looking to the pastor in way they should be looking to God. That's how it seemed to me anyway.

      Being an author has been so much easier (and better for my health).

      Delete
  4. I didn't know that Dan was a Pastor for 25 years and I certainly have never thought that being a Pastor would be so stressful. Then I got to thinking, oh my, a Pastor and his wife would have a lot to bear on their shoulders. I realized that yes, Pastor's do lead a stressful life. I am so glad that you have found joy in writing books. I haven't read any of your books yet but I hope to soon. I hear and read about great reviews on the books you have published.

    I battle with a lot of weaknesses. Thank you for sharing Paul's words. I have read them many times. I guess it just takes awhile for something to sink into my brain! While you may laugh at that, it is so true. Can you believe it took me years to finally get the fact that there is NOTHING I can do that would ever separate me from the love of God?

    Blessings!
    Judy
    judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judy, it's not hard for me to believe that it took you years to become convinced of God's love. When I said we are "hardwired for dependence" I meant that this is how God created us. I should add that Adam's fall resulted in us being born separated from God and more accustomed to being independent and going our own way.

      We need him, desperately, but we imagine we only need him a little (unless we're going through a crisis). In almost every relationship we have for the entirety of our lives our being loved is conditional on our performance. This is what were used to.

      What we're not used to is someone who loves with an everlasting love, who is faithful when we are faithless, who forgives thoroughly and completely no matter what. That is why they call it Amazing Grace.

      Delete
    2. Judy, you're such a blessing to me each time you visit :) With me, like a daily dosage of vitamin, I need to be reminded that God will never separate Himself from me and I am so thankful for this. His love for me often brings happy tears to my eyes.

      Delete
  5. Thank you both, Elaine and Dan for the great post. It's a wonderful reminder of where to go in our weakness. Would love to read either one of Dan's books you've offered.

    Blessings,
    Cindy Elliott
    cselliott3(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Welcome, Cindy, to Everyone's Story. I'm glad you enjoyed Dan's segment. Hope to see you again :)

      Delete
  6. Thanks Elaine for hosting Dan on your blog:) I love that you talked about weakness...and your perspective that it's a kindness from God. Maybe it helps us get to our knees more often too. From the conversation above, I totally understand about Pastoring affecting your health as my husband burned out last year from his years of pastoring.(Well I should mention he had a mon-sat job and still preached and pastored the rest of the week;( Anyway, so I'm glad for you Dan that God has blessed you with the gift of writing and that you're feeling better! I feel really weak when it comes to writing, especially as I'm still in the process of editing my 1st Historical Romantic Suspense novel. Didn't realize it was sooo much work. But I'm learning, slowly but surely, what it takes to write a good novel:) Would love to be entered for a chance to win "The Deepest Waters." Thanks again for the great interview!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lorna, a warm welcome back :) I wasn't aware that your husband was a pastor, nor thought about the stress until Dan, you, and a few others have shared here.

      Delete
    2. Thanks Elaine...glad I caught your interview of Dan:) My husband used to be a pastor but now he's a Production Supervisor at company that makes the equipment for Oilfield companies. Yes pastoring was quite stressful...for us it was because we started a new church plant with hardly any support and then we merged with another church and needed to be the 'mediator' between alot of differing opinions. Thankful that God somehow made a way for another pastor to step in to take our place. Great interview...thanks:)

      Delete
    3. Lorna, I now can see how that can be quite stressful. I'm thinking that not only did God pave the way for another pastor to come along, but that it took your husband (and you and your family) to build a firm foundation for the church to move forward. A lot of responsibility!

      Delete
  7. Laura, I did what your husband did for the first few years (working full time and trying to pastor). Had I not gone full-time, I never would've made it for five years, let alone twenty-five. He has my respect, and my sympathy.

    All the best on your self editing project. BTW, have you ever read Self Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King? Best book on the subject I've ever read (read it 4 times).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Dan for your encouraging words and wisdom. I've never read "Self Editing for Fiction Writers" by Browne and King...I'll need to get it and study it. I'm sure it'll be a big help. Thanks again for sharing your heart on this interview :-)

      Delete
  8. Elaine,
    Thank God that when we are weak, "He is strong." We can never make it in our own strength.
    How encouraging that Dan has moved into this gift of writing at this time of his life. And so beautiful to have such a supportive spouse. I know how special that is since my husband has been my biggest fan on this writing journey.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cynthia, a big Amen when it comes to God providing the strength when we're weak. I too couldn't make it on my own. I'm very appreciative that Dan has gently reminded us of this, especially in the perspective of writing.

      Nice to see you again ♡

      Delete
    2. Elaine, it really is a gift to have such a supportive spouse. Sadly, I've talked with so many authors whose spouses are tolerant, at best. Most of them are women, whose husbands (like many men) "just aren't into fiction." To me, even so, they should be "into" whatever their wives are doing, as much as they can.

      Delete
  9. Great interview. Love to see the backstory of a writer's life. Funny how God brings scripture to you. This is the 3rd time today I've read these references to depending on God, starting with my daily Bible reading and then devo and now your post. I think that's been the main thing I've learned this year--to depend on God and wait for His timing. And in His timing, Revell offered me a contract in October!

    Look forward to reading Dan's books. Which one should I get first?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat--happy to see you on Everyone's Story. Congratulations on His perfect timing with Revell. Wonderful news. Please think about sharing your story on publication with my viewers... I'd love to host you on Everyone's Story!

      Delete
    2. I would love to be on Everyone's Story. This is a fabulous website! What do I need to do? My book won't be out until February 2014. ;-)

      Delete
    3. Pat (or anyone who is interested), please contact me using the Email button on the top right-hand column of this page, under my bio.

      Please note though, I don't want to take eyes off of Dan. It's his segment, and his week to shine here as my guest :)

      Delete
    4. Congrats Pat. I love the folks at Revell. 6 of my 7 novels are with them, all with the same team. And I have 2 more coming out in 2013 with them, and 4 more after that. They're wonderful people to work with, and now friends.

      Delete
  10. Hi Dan and Elaine!

    Great post, Dan! Your honesty and the Scripture are a great reminder to me that when I am weak He is strong. In weakness, I'm not trying to rely on "my" ability to write but on Him to tell His story through me.

    Thanks & God Bless!
    Morgan Tarpley

    www.morgantarpley.com

    morganltarpley@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Morgan, thanks for visiting Everyone's Story and for welcoming Dan.

      Though I whisper prayers continuously throughout the day, I found a remarkable change a few weeks ago when tackling my WIP. I love this story! But... some of the aspects of the story is demanding more than simple creativity. One particular scene had me staring blankly at the screen. I prayed for God to take over and started writing again only to realize that the direction turned out totally different than I had planned. I'm now making a stronger effort to remind myself not to get overwhelmed with my writing because God's leading me. Then again, isn't this the way for everything in life? I am such a weak human that daily I forget this and so daily I need a reminder.

      Delete
    2. Elaine, that happens to me all the time. And all the time He is faithful. He really does, and is able. to care for us at this level.

      Delete
    3. Thanks, Dan, for sharing this :)

      Delete
  11. Great post Dan and Elaine. I sooo experience the same feeling of weakness when I write, which is a true blessing I think. Reminds me where my inspiration comes from, sure keeps pride from creeping in, and like you said above, Elaine, keeps us seeking his leading. I often wonder how non-believers persevere!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice to see you here again, Sandra. I always enjoy your visits.

      Not to say that believers never look pained or broken-hearted, but seems to me that a few non-believers often carry the extra burden of anger and disappointment of not having someone more powerful and loving to lean on. At least, that's my two-cents.Or, maybe not. Maybe I'm entirely wrong. I certainly don't want to be judgmental. All I know is Who I lean on.

      Delete
    2. I don't think you are wrong, Elaine. I think that they also be why so many of our secular counterparts' books are often so dark and sad, and often end in a hopeless note. They feel they are simply being honest and reflecting life "as it really is." Many who write today seem to resent books that end on a positive or hopeful note, as if they're not being realistic.

      I do think that comes from, at least in part, and outlook on the future without God or the love of God in the picture. I believe, if we have a healthy faith and a clear understanding of God's purpose in our lives, and his intentions for our future, we have every reason to move in a hopeful direction with our books.

      Delete
  12. Thank you, Elaine for allowing Dan this opportunity to share his hard-won insights on life and weakness. And many thanks to you, Dan, for sharing with such honesty and simplicity. The older I become, the more I feel like Peter next to Paul, when he first followed Jesus: Will I ever get this right?
    Peter so brash and determined and Paul so wise and faithful. I also read today how our weaknesses drive us to our knees to seek God more fully for all we need, especially HIS strength. I pray this is one Scripture I will not forget! I'd love a copy of The Reunion. Thanks. patsw5@cfl.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your visit... Pat, is it? You had me smiling when you wondered "will I ever get this right?" I'm so there with you. So thankful God is right besides us.

      Delete
    2. Pat, thanks for stopping by. I feel that way too sometimes. But I think that's the general idea here. That is, feeling that way. We prefer to feel strong and confident; we prefer a secure plan. But that's the illusion, not just for those who temporarily feel weak but for everyone.

      The problem is not feeling weak, it's what we do when we feel weak. Our orientation is to rely on ourselves, maybe on others, and only to turn to God when nothing else seems to work.

      This is the secret Paul learned about weakness. Turn to the Lord first when you are aware of it, allow his strength to fill you right off the bat. When this becomes our instinct, walking in his strength instead of our own becomes the norm.

      Delete
  13. Another week wraps up for us on Everyone's Story. Heartfelt thanks, Dan, for taking the time from your busy schedule, and during the holiday season, for being a guest on my blog. As you can see, many visitors enjoyed your uplifting encouragement. I'm also much appreciative.

    And thank you for your generous book giveaway...

    The winner of a choice between Dan's two novels is Susan. Congratulations. Dan and I will be in touch with you shortly.

    And to all, may His peace and joy be with you during the holidays, and in your heart every day.

    ReplyDelete

Add This