Inspired by the Bible story of Elijah raising the widow’s son from the dead, author Dana McNeely wondered what became of the boy. She began research for her novel, “Rain,” which tells the story of the three-and-a-half-year drought from his perspective. No stranger to drought, Dana lives in an Arizona oasis with her hubby the constant gardener, two good dogs, an antisocial cat, and migrating butterflies.
In 2021 RAIN became a finalist in The Christy Award (use the registered mark) and was also a finalist in the 2022 ACFW Carol Award® and was also a finalist in the 2022 ACFW Carol Award.
WHIRLWIND, the second novel in the "Whispers on the Wind" series, tells the story of a king's downfall and a love that transcends war.
Sign up for Dana’s newsletter HERE to get book updates, garden exploits, butterfly effusions, and writerly fiascos.
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I’ve answered versions of this question before, usually in connection to what made me want to pen a specific work of fiction. Recently this specific question was posted in a chat, and I felt stumped. How could I answer such a broad question, tapping awkwardly with my forefinger at the tiny keyboard on my phone? …
Although I write historical fiction set in Bible Times, I often read other genres. Sometimes I enjoy a book so much, I want to share it with all you. Sub Tales is a somewhat quirky choice, and I can’t wait to hear what you think of my review and, if you read it, the book …
God had something to say to me this week. He said it three times, so I guess He knows I’m a poor listener. On Sunday, the song “He will hold me fast” brought tears to my eyes. I can’t quote the words due to copyright, but the part that struck me spoke of my inability …
A Prophecy In an advent series, our pastor taught us interesting points about the birthplace of Jesus beginning with a prophecy made 750 years before His birth (around 750 BC.) The prophet Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, wrote: But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet …
It’s been said that writers look on their books as children. While I wouldn’t go so far as to say that, this week, I found a writer’s application for a devotional on praying for children, titled “The Waiting Prayer.” This was in a lovely little book by Catherine Marshall, ADVENTURES IN PRAYER. My current book …
Like most of you, I’ve always loved books. I wanted to write as well as read them. But I didn’t always want to write Christian Fiction, didn’t even know what it was for much of my life. Now I realize how much more depth there is to Christian Fiction. Even when a story doesn’t contain …
Although I believed in Jesus at a young age, it wasn’t until I reached my forties that I began reading through the Bible each year. A pastor challenged the church with the sentence, “You don’t have time to read the Bible? How many novels have you read this past year? Magazines? Newspapers?” I took the …
At times, most of us have struggled with our writing. Sometimes we’re working through a story problem, but sometimes it’s an emotional or spiritual matter. Recently I allowed someone’s words to discourage me, and I could not write for a while. Thank you for the encouragement some of you offered. One day, the Lord sent …
Buried between layers of genealogy, an obscure biblical passage comes to life in Naomi Craig’s lively tale, She’erah’s Legacy. I really enjoyed the characters. She’erah is a strong-minded dreamer, an architect in ancient times. She’s also the granddaughter of Joseph (yes, that Joseph) and the daughter of his half-Egyptian son Ephraim. Her personality and goals …
As a reader who enjoyed all of Mesu Andrews’ novels, I’ve found my new favorite. IN FEAST OR FAMINE is masterfully told historical fiction set in Bible times. The story world is magnificently rendered. You will see ancient Egypt, the intrigues, the glitter, and the danger. And I loved the characters! They have deep desires, …
