Shalom!

I've been thinking a lot about stories lately, not only the ones I write, but the ones I want to talk about. I have a YouTube channel, and I want to do more with it: make it a place to sit down with you, tea in hand, and share what I'm learning as an author and believer in Messiah.

I've started writing scripts for video posts. I’ll attempt to post twice a month and if that goes well, try it weekly. My first topic is a simple question:

Why are hardship, and even tragedy, so important in storytelling?

In any good book, even the “cozy” ones, you find tragedy, whether it’s in the backstory where it affects how the characters in the story act  and react, like in Anne of Green Gables. Or in some genres like ‘cozy mysteries’ it’s a second-hand tragedy that creates the mystery that must be solved. If a story we’re reading has no conflict, or trouble, most of us don't finish those. We need the hard chapters. Not because we love pain, but because that's where character shows, faith is tested, and growth begins.

Even in Scripture we read of Joseph in the pit. Ruth leaving everything familiar behind. David running for his life long before he sat on a throne. God doesn't tribulation. He puts them on the page, because that's where faith is forged. 

When I write, I see the same truth in my characters. Easy days don't reveal much. The storm shows what someone is made of: whether they run or stand, blame God or cling to Him, look only after themselves or reach for the person beside them. Hardship gives a character something to overcome. And because we've walked the valley with them, their victories mean something. A triumph that costs nothing feels empty. A triumph that follows faith through the fire feels like hope we can practice in our own lives.

That's the heart of the first script I'm working on, "Why Do We Need Tragedy in Stories?" When that video is live, I'll send a newsletter with a link so you can watch it. I do have two videos up on my channel now, one is an interview I did on another channel. https://www.youtube.com/@shimrithanesauthor  

A quiet word about the next storytellers

 Something else has been blessing me beyond belief: my teen granddaughters are budding writers, working on their own stories. Watching them discover that joy reminds me why this craft matters, not only for the books on my desk, but for the next generation who will tell stories of faith, courage, and hope. 

I’m planning on starting a book project with my eldest granddaughter this winter. It will be emails and texts written back and forth between a grandmother and her granddaughter just before and then in the aftermath of a Carrington Event (look that one up, it’s fascinating and it’s happened before!) I’ve already helped her get a children’s book written (My 5 year old grandson loves it) I’m just waiting for her to get the illustrations done so we can get it published.

I'd love your thoughts

 What would you like me to cover on YouTube? Book craft, faith and fiction, behind-the-scenes peeks at the Terra Colony Project? I'd love to hear your ideas as I shape the next scripts.

If you're new here, take advantage of the free novella when you join my mailing list, and the first two ebooks are on my Buy Now page (click Buy Now, then Buy Direct to buy from me). These newer revisions have new scenes and stronger character development than the original book The Dreamers that they were derived from. Book three is finished and should be out by the end of the month!

Thank you for walking with me. May God turn every hard chapter in your life into an amazing victory.

Blessings, Shimrit