Grace and Faith and Maybe Even That Secret Formula

Everyone wants to learn about Grace, and especially that faith we all want to see come alive.

But to learn a little more about the Grace you see in the picture at your right, you might want to read Ms Bridges' various sites online.

I've learned myself this week that Grace Bridges is of Irish descent and lives in New Zealand. That's unique in itself.

At a young age, Grace taught herself to read and enjoyed reading the Narnia series at age five then a few years later (okay, so maybe a lot of years) received her Bachelor of Arts at Auckland University and then a Graduate Diploma in Translation Studies. Also during her high school and university years the Grace we're learning about today entertained notions of musicality and was involved in the Elkanah Music School for a number of years. 

Some of the songs she's written were recorded live and rough with her band.

Now, Grace keeps busy as an Independent Publisher. We will be learning about some of her own books while she joins us here at A Pen for Your Thoughts. 

SKC: Weclome, Grace. What book or project would you like to tell us about today?

GB: Legendary Space Pilgrims was born out of a very vivid dream a couple of years ago. If Pilgrim’s Progress happened in space, this is what it might look like. On a planet that has never seen the sun, a harvester hears a Voice from beyond. It's time to leave the oatfield. Mario and Caitlin escape the mind control of Planet Monday, following the Voice to unknown worlds where wonders and challenges await. Have you got what it takes...to be a legend?

SDC: I think all of us do. What inspired you to become a writer of inspirational books?

GB: Most likely all the reading I’ve done. A book with true depth always had a greater impact on me than the ones that were only entertainment. I love it when a good book blows my mind, and this is especially true of science fiction for me. The universe is a very huge place, and anytime an author helps me to comprehend just a little more of that hugeness, it expands my thinking to understand God a bit more, too, and reading becomes an act of worship.

SDC: What encourages you to continue?

GB: Good friends, supporters, beach walks, and because it’s fun. Plus that tantalising possibility that I might someday write something truly mind-blowing. LOL.

SDC: Hey. That's a dream most writers have, I would imagine. Are you in any ministry groups online? If so, tell us about them and how they minister to you and you them.

GB: I don’t know if you’d call it that, but there is the Lost Genre Guild which is a group for writers of Christian speculative fiction, i.e. science fiction and fantasy. There is lots of support there as we discuss various issues, cheer each other on, and swap critiques on manuscripts. They are awesome, and we have the weirdest discussions about faith and fantasy all intermingled.

SDC: What is your GRACE secret to writing a good book?

GB: Have FUN! If I’m having trouble writing a particular scene, often the reason is because I’m bored with it. And if I’m bored, it’s safe to assume the reader will be bored too. So that’s when I change it around, throw something different in, skip over the boring bits.

And for heaven’s sake, don’t let life get too busy! Peace within is a must for writing.

SDC: I agree with that. But unfortunately that is what too many of us do. What plans do you have for 2011? And what reflection question would you like to ask our viewers for this month of Thanksgiving, in order for me to draw a winner of your book?

GB: A little travelling around the South Pacific – love those tropical islands, and they’re not far from New Zealand – and a whole lot of writing. I have three novels under construction, and I hope to have one of them ready for publishing next year sometime, as well as a few more short stories.

(The question for the viewers.) Have you ever had your mind blown by a book, in a good way? Of course I’m especially interested in the effects of science fiction (it can’t be just me, right??) but perhaps you’ve had it happen in another genre too. I’d love to hear about it! How did it expand your thinking, and did it change the way you think about God?

SDC: Interesting question. Grace, we want to thank you so much for joining us! I understand you have a free book offer. Fill us in a little more on that before you go, and please tell the readers about it and how they can find you on the web.

GB: Well, anyone who wants to is welcome to an ebook review copy of my book – or indeed any of the other books I publish. They are all listed at my website http://www.splashdownbooks.com/ . For this post I’ll be offering a choice of my two books Faith Awakened or Legendary Space Pilgrims, in print, to a lucky winner if we get enough comments. I’m also on Twitter and Facebook, and blog at http://www.gracebridges.blogspot.com/  (personal), http://www.splashdownreviews.blogspot.com/  (spec-fic book reviews), http://www.lostgenre.blogspot.com/  (spec-fic news) and once a month or so at http://www.internationalchristianfictionwriters.blogspot.com/ . Oh yes and I have lots of videos on my YouTube channel – from photographic travelogs to book trailers and much more: http://www.youtube.com/user/gracebridges1  You can write to me at the contact page on http://www.splashdownbooks.com/ .

SDC: Let's relook at the question Grace has for us from above. Have you ever had your mind blown by a book, in a good way?  How did it expand your thinking, and did it change the way you think about God?

WE LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR ANSWERS! I'M SURE YOU'D LIKE A CHANCE TO WIN THIS BOOK.

Congratulations to Ann Lee Miller of Gilbert AZ