WHY I CHOSE TO WRITE CHRISTIAN FICTION

When I started my first novel, Dreams Of Tamar, it was initially a secular novel. A quarter into the story I got stuck. I had an idea where my characters were going but I didn't know how they would get there.

Then I stumbled across two articles by TD Jakes pertaining to Tamar, David's daughter. I received so much revelation and insight from those two articles, I knew I would change the focus of my story. I prayed about it and I said Lord I know you have a story for me to tell. I will wait for you to give it to me and then I will finish. That was in 2004.

One evening in December of 2014 I was sitting alone in my large empty house. My children had all moved out. AJ was in Tuscaloosa working at an automotive plant in Tuscaloosa and Tim was in Texas working for a professional sports organization. Daniel, Benjamin and Brian had all moved into an apartment together near the local university where Benjamin was enrolled. And there I was, alone with my dog Jack, waiting for my divorce to finalize in January of 2015. 

As I reflected over the state of my life I was reminded of the characters in my still unfinished book, Dreams. I prayed to God and asked "Is it time?" I believed that it was. I dug my manuscript from the bottom of a plastic tote in my living room closet and started reading through it. As I read the story, the characters who had lay dormant  for 12 years, began to breathe again. As their story unfolded onto the pages before me I became more certain that this was a story God intended to use to uplift and encourage others.

I picked up on the last page and as their story poured onto the screen, I knew this is what I am called to do.

Darlene Pryor

A poem by Darlene Pryor

I AM TAMAR

I am not a weeping willow, nor a shrinking violet.

Many have tried to break my spirit,

No matter what life has brought against me,

My spirit remains intact and my will remains strong.

I am like butter that has been beaten and whipped into cream.

And cream always rises to the top.

I am a palm tree.

Storms may rage against me, and fierce winds may blow,

I sway back and forth, and I may even bend.

But I never, ever, break.

I am Tamar.

Everyday is a gift from God. What are you doing with yours?

Welcome

Hello, my name is Darlene Pryor and I am excited to have this opportunity to introduce myself to you today. I was born in Ancon, Panama in the Canal Zone. Growing up in a military family, I was fortunate to experience life both in Alabama and overseas in Germany. My educational background consists of a Bachelor’s degree in Corrections with a minor in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. I believe everyone has a story to tell, and as a mother of five sons who is also a breast cancer survivor, I draw from my personal experiences to write of love, redemption and restoration, with the intent of uplifting and encouraging my readers. I have completed my first novel entitled Dreams of Tamar; a compelling tale of a group of young Christian friends who learn the meaning of grace. I am currently engaged in the editorial process as I embark on my second endeavor, Dreams of Her Father. I currently reside in Lancaster, Ca.