Deeanne Gist Answers The Faithful Fifteen
August 2005
Deeanne Gist has worn many hats in her lifetime: wife and mother of four, elementary school educator, entrepreneur, business executive, and journalist turned inspirational historical romance novelist. Her debut novel, A BRIDE MOST BEGRUDGING, was published by Bethany House in July 2005. In this interview, Gist explains how themes of faith find their way into her writing, recalls her spiritual awakening at the age of nine while eating a bowl of cereal, and shares with readers an endearing family holiday tradition.
FaithfulReader.com: What kind of testimony to your faith are you demonstrating in this book? If you are writing fiction, do you write fiction that is based upon your faith or that has a message for the reader? Is your goal to demonstrate your faith in your writing?
Deeanne Gist: My main goal in writing is to use my gifts and talents to glorify the Lord. I have themes for my novels, but I don't set out to convey a particular spiritual message to my readers. To me, that is between God and the reader. Any faith issues that appear in my novels were not planned, they just sort of happen. In other words, I don't have a spiritual agenda, but if my character wants to tap into their spiritual selves, they usually let me know (just like they let me know when they want to tap into their sinful selves).
FR: When did you come to a saving knowledge of Jesus? Where are you today in your walk? Is your faith an important part of what you do?
DG: I was introduced to Christ at the same time I learned about Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. One by one, the imaginary entities fell to the wayside, making way for the One and Only. I committed my life to Him at the age of nine while eating a bowl of Fruit Loops. (Which is still my favorite cereal!) My faith has been an important part of everything I do ever since.
FR: Tell us about your church experiences, how you grew up (or maybe didn't grow up) in the church, where you attend now, your involvement in your local assembly, etc.
DG: I grew up in a small, small Bible church. My parents introduced me to Christ and showed me the difference between believing in Him and walking with Him.
FR: Tell us about your current church family/fellowship. How does it influence your work?
DG: My family recently moved from a large seekers church to a Bible-based church. From time to time, though, we go back and visit our seeker church where we were for several years and that we love very dearly. Both influence me greatly. The seeker church offers practical, life application messages and the Bible church digs into God's word chapter by chapter, verse by verse. Both have blessed me immensely.
FR: Who are your spiritual mentors? Your professional mentors?
DG: My grandfather was a huge spiritual influence on me. I have missed him greatly. My parents continue to be wonderful sources of inspiration and support. The Lord has used Beth Moore's Bible studies to grow me and to try me. My pastors never fail to challenge me.
FR: Discuss your calling/mission --- as a writer and as a Christian.
DG: I have but one calling: to use my gifts and talents to the best of my ability to glorify God. I fall way short of that mark many a time, but that is my ultimate goal. Not just in writing, but in everything. I really, really want to please Him.
FR: What are your Scripture reading habits?
DG: I do a Women's Bible Study every fall and spring. In between those, I read my Bible in chronological order.
FR: What books have most influenced your work?
DG: A WRITER'S JOURNEY by Christopher Vogler and TECHNIQUES OF THE SELLING WRITER by Dwight Swain.
FR: Do you read secular fiction at all? If so, who are your favorite authors and why?
DG: I read quite a bit of secular fiction. My favorite author is LaVryle Spencer. She has retired now, and my favorite works are her early historicals. I enjoy her books because she is at the top of her craft and her stories are real, honest and engaging.
FR: What are your other media habits --- television, movies, music, etc.?
DG: I can't stand television. I love movies and contemporary Christian music. But, not surprisingly, I'd rather read than most anything else.
FR: Do you and your family have any special faith-based traditions?
DG: We had four kids in four years. Because of that, one of my favorite traditions is our Christmas date-night. My husband and I go on separate dates with each child. It is often the only time we have one-on-one time with the kids. For example, let's say I am going on a date with Carolyn. We go to dinner at a place of her choosing. After dinner, we Christmas shop for two of her siblings and her father. At the conclusion of the evening, we go out for dessert, then return home to immediately wrap up the gifts she purchased and put them under the tree.
On Christmas morning, we have large cardboard boxes that the children have decorated. They are called their "FROM" boxes. (From Carolyn, From Neal, etc). Carolyn gathers up all the presents she purchased for her family and puts them in her "From Carolyn" box. Then one-by-one the children take turns giving their presents to the person they bought it for. The entire process emphasizes the "giving" part of Christmas instead of the "receiving" part of Christmas.
FR: Tell us about your prayer life and habits.
DG: The most important thing I have found is to start my day with Him. I pray, I listen, I read His Word. If I miss a morning, it affects my whole day. In the meanwhile, I try not to limit my time with Him to the mornings. I talk to Him often and praise Him with song while driving in the car. He is truly my best friend.
FR: Describe what you believe the role of writing in religion is.
DG: I would not presume to do such a thing. Our God is so huge and I have seen Him use people's gifts in the most unexpected and surprising ways. I would hate to unintentionally put him in a box of some kind and lead someone to believe that the only way He can use their writing is via my all-too-mortal view of this role. I am doing well enough just to figure out what He wants my role in writing to be!! I hope that's okay!
FR: Tell us about one or more of your favorite encounters with readers.
DG: I have a wonderful reader in Wisconsin who actively participates in my blog. She has a wonderful sense of humor and keeps my blog hopping. I have found myself growing quite fond of her as I get to know her better.
FR: Would you share a story about someone you've brought to Christ or share how your writing has helped someone?
DG: Here is an excerpt of an email I recently received from a reader...but remember, it isn't me who has done anything. All the glory goes to God.
"I finished [A BRIDE MOST BEGRUDGING] at 10:30 last night. Not only did I love the book but the biblical truths in the book were just what I needed to hear. Last night before I went to bed I prayed the same prayer that Drew prayed near the end of the book. I have to remember that not only is Jesus my Lord and Savior but He must also be my Master."
Do we have an awesome God or what?! Praise His Holy Name!
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