Adventures in Writing-Guest post from Mandy Fender

Since I was a kid, I wanted to write. I even have my very first effort of a story (It’s dreadful, but awesome at the same time lol!) from when I was eight sitting on my desk as a reminder of why I write. I write because I love to write and truly believe it is something in which I can use to honor the Lord.

When I write I ask myself this question: Who am I trying to please?

My answer must always be Christ first and foremost.

That is not to say, though, that I do not wish to entertain readers, but it is to say that as a believer my faith seeps into everything I do—the choices I make, the characters I create, the stories I build—they all come from a place of seeking to point others to the love and redemptive power of the One and True Living King.

I started with inspirational non-fiction works such as devotionals and short encouraging books, then a story about a girl who stood dropped in my spirit like a two-ton brick and I could not work on anything else. The Defier world held me in its grasp until I put ink to the page and the reason for this was because of something very real that I saw. Scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed I saw brave Christians stand for their faith in Christ. Their courage strengthened my own faith and, to this day, I have not forgotten what it really means to stand for what you believe, thus The Defier Series was born.

I am the first to say that it’s not perfect and I learned A LOT about the writing world in the process of publishing this trilogy. My hope as an author is to continue to grow in my craft and provide God-honoring content all along the way. I am sure I will still be learning new ways to improve my stories when I am old and gray. “Always be teachable” is my motto. I definitely had to learn the difference between constructive criticism and destructive criticism, help from hindrance, and purpose vs. rules.

Writing is not for the faint of heart and if you choose to tell the story God has put on your heart, I encourage you to stay the course. Keep writing. Keep pursuing the dream of publication whether it be through traditional methods or independent ones. I used to think that because I decided to independently publish that I was not a ‘real’ published author and that somehow my work was not as important as others. Truth is…I had to get over my pride—get over myself—and just write.

Write for you. Write for Christ. Just keep writing. Good stories should always be told!

Blessings,

Mandy Fender

About Conqueror

-A Christian Dystopian Series-

The Final Battle is on the Horizon . . .

Still heartbroken over the loss of her best friend, Sky, Lennox must face her own demons as she continues to fight against Ahab and the Regime. She now serves as a combat medic, desperately searching for survivors in war-torn America. But as the Regime grows stronger and begins to genetically enhance both humans and animals, she questions whether she and her fellow Sparrows are doing enough. After an encounter with a Prowler changes everything, she must choose between vengeance and faith in God because the next mission she goes on could be her last.

Secrets will be revealed.
Pasts will be forgiven.
Defiers will be strengthened.

When all hope seems lost, who will be left standing?

• Amazon (available on KU): http://a.co/jf2aA7p

• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36002413-conqueror

About the Author

Mandy Fender is an award-winning author, speaker, and blogger who hopes to glorify God and uplift others. She guest blogs for Broken, Beautiful, and Bold and has a monthly inspirational article in a local newspaper. Her writing has been featured in Devozine magazine for teens and Epifiction.

It is her aim to live and love like Christ and her writing is just another avenue to do that. She’s a new homeschool mom and serves in full time ministry with her husband in the great state of Texas.

If you’d like more info on her work visit:mandyfender.com