Announcements

Authors we are offering two sessions this month on writing book proposals. Kylee Woodley and Terry Whalin will be joining us on September 14th and 19th. If you cannot make it to one session then join us for the other or both as these two experts share the how and why behind writing a book proposal that catches the eye of an agent. Full details and registration can be found at www.literaryscape.com/events. These events are free for our Editing HCRW members and just $17 for anyone who would like to join. We hope to see you there.

The Unwavering Faith crowdfunding campaign is off to a great start. I am thankful for each and every person who has purchased a book. We are just 40 books away from unlocking the first bonus item. Please consider sharing this campaign with others as we work toward the goal of publishing Unwavering Faith.

This week’s Writers Wednesday episode features one of our very own HCRW members, Marline Williams. She is a debut novelist and unapologetic Jesus freak since 1971.

In her pre-authorial existence, Marline Williams was an advertising copywriter and editor. After half a century of convincing consumers to buy things they don’t need with money they don’t have, Marline retired. She tossed her snarky coffee mugs and reunited with her childhood joy—writing crazy, wonderful stories.

Marline weaves midcentury-modern nostalgia and Jesus Movement memories into offbeat love stories for women who aren’t sure they believe in happily-ever-afters anymore. Her offbeat, faith-soaked romances are set in the swingin’ ’60s and funkadelic ’70s (with occasion trips to the nifty ’50s). Sweet-yet-swoony stories that go deep, but not dark.

Her debut novel, All Men Are Liars (Jesus Revolution Romance, Book 1) launched on September 1, 2024. Wild and Sweet, a 1960’s Christmas novella (part of the Christmas in the Cascades anthology) launches October 2024.

It was such a joy to talk with Marline. Our discussion was uplifting and inspiring as it centered on God and how he has worked in our lives and through our writing. Enjoy this conversation with author Marline Williams.

Episode Notes

Marline discusses her experience writing books set in the 1960s and 70s and the challenges she faced in finding a publisher. She shares how she decided to go the indie publishing route and the freedom it has given her to write from her heart. Marline emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and following His guidance in the writing process. She also gives a sneak peek into her newly released book, 'All Men Are Liars,' which is part of the Jesus Revolution Romance series.

Takeaways

• Writing books set in the 1960s and 70s can be challenging to find a publisher for, as it is often considered a 'no man's land' in the publishing industry.

• Indie publishing provides the freedom to write from the heart and express what is truly on the author's mind, even if it doesn't fit into the current market trends.

• Trusting in the Lord and following His guidance is crucial in the writing process, especially when facing obstacles and uncertainties.

• Marline's upcoming book, 'All Men Are Liars,' is part of the Jesus Revolution Romance series and explores the conflict between staying true to oneself and finding true love.

• Readers can connect with Marline and stay updated on her book releases through her website, www.marlinewilliams.com.