I have not yet had the privilege of meeting author Ginger Garrett in person, but we have exchanged several emails, and I have found Ginger to be a warm, caring person—-not to mention a wonderful author! I loved her biblical novel on Esther and her second in this genre, Dark Hour was truly captivating! I wanted to read the rest of the series, and hope someday she will finish it so that I may do so!

Ginger Garrett is an expert on women’s history with a special interest in biblical women. She is the author of several critically acclaimed books. Ginger’s first novel, Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther, was a finalist for the Christian Book Award, recognizing it as one of the top five inspirational novels for 2006. Ginger was also nominated for the Georgia Author of the Year Award for her novel Dark Hour. Her popular nonfiction Beauty Secrets of the Bible reveals how biblical women viewed beauty and the natural foods, perfumes and cosmetics that complemented their spiritual beauty. (I loved this book too and have tried several of its suggestions!)

In September 2008, Ginger released In the Shadow of Lions, the first of a three-part fiction series from David C. Cook. The new fictional series will focus on the most influential women in history and the guardian angels who watched over them.

Ginger is a popular speaker at women’s events, and a frequent radio and television guest. Ginger has been interviewed by media across the country including Fox News, The New York Times, FamilyNet Television, National Public Radio, Billy Graham’s Hour of Decision, Harvest Television, and more.

Ginger is a native Texan, a chocoholic, triathlete, and dog lover. She likes slippers more than bare feet, coffee without sugar, and scary movies more than chick flicks. Part Choctaw Indian, part Irish blarney, she stays busy raising three kids and ironing her husband’s shirts.

Ginger’s latest book In the Arms of Immortals, book 2 in the Chronicles of the Scribe series releases from David C. Cook this month.

Here’s the blurb:

“The age of the angels is over. The Age of Fear has begun.”
A strange ship docks in a medieval Sicilian harbor. That night an old man falls ill… then the baker’s wife… then a street urchin. By morning half the townspeople are dead and more are dying—horribly. And no one has a clue what is happening or how to stop it. Not the local priest. Not the rich baron or his powerful knight. And not the three women at the heart of this book: the baron’s proud daughter, Panthea, the outcast healer, Gio, and Mariskka, an unwilling visitor from another time.

Though the Church fights to stand between the plague and the people, the sickness is too powerful for a Church that will not allow medicine to be studied outside its walls. The Church holds a monopoly on healing and on God, but when neither rescues the people, the people lose hope in both, and the conflict between Science and Faith begins its long burn.

In a time when the faithful have no answers and the faithless terrorize the countryside, only the bravest will dare hold on to a silent God.

You can find In the Arms of Immortals at these online bookstores: Amazon, CBD, and Barnes & Noble

I asked Ginger to give us some insight into how God is using her and her writing.

Jill: When and how did you know that you wanted to be a writer?

Ginger: I fell into it by accident. After experiencing a difficult battle with miscarriages and infertility, I began writing short passages to inspire and comfort myself. Eventually, these became my first book, Moments for Couples Who Long for Children. For some odd reason, I went straight from that into my first novel, Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther.

Jill: I loved Chosen!. Well done! Can you share with me some of the highlights of your writing journey–something particularly memorable or humorous?

Ginger: I’m short and so is my chair, so I have to sit on books to reach my keyboard. I pick these books very carefully. I hate to disrespect anyone’s work. But then, I must say, Tolstoy offers quite a lot of lumbar support….

Jill: Too bad you can’t tell him that… :)
Tell me a bit about what you write now and what you hope/plan to write in the future. Do you have a favorite genre?

Ginger: I fell into writing historicals, which combine a love of hidden history and a passion for women’s lives today. Women live richer lives when we understand what our foremothers fought for.

Jill: Do you consider your writing the work God has given you to do for a lifetime or for a season of your life? If you could pursue anything else, what would it be?

Ginger: It’s a lifetime calling, simply because it’s in my heart. Hopefully, I’ll keep that for a long time. If I could choose another profession, I would be a virus hunter for the CDC. I absolutely love viruses. Strange but true. They fascinate me completely.

Jill: If you find some, I don’t want to share! But if you find a cure for the common cold or in particular, the flu, I’d love to hear it! (I hate the stomach flu – if that’s what they’re still calling it now.)
Are there people in your life who encouraged you, who are responsible for you becoming a published author?

Ginger: My husband is a laid back adventurer. He likes to see where the river takes him, and this attitude affected me, too. If he thinks it’s safe to dive in, I do, too. His laid back attitude became one of “So what?” when I got rejected. It forced me on. He sees a bend in the river; I fear it’s really the end.

Jill: He sounds like a remarkable man. :)
Is there a particular joy in this writing business/ministry that God has used to remind you that He is, in fact, using your words to His glory?

Ginger: Fear!! When my first novel was released, I panicked. Literally. I lost 20 pounds, I fretted, I cried. I experienced a dread and horror of seeing the book in print. (To this day, I cannot open the cover without feeling sick.) God made it clear to me one day that this fear made Him sad. I could quit writing if I wanted. He didn’t have to bless it, or turn it into a career. I decided to press through it because I want to see where this river goes.

The price I pay is a fear that wakes me up at night, greets me at my computer keyboard, and slips between the pages of my galley. I have to wrestle it down and repeat scripture over and over. I like God’s instruction to Joshua before he entered the Promised Land: “Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged.”
It is the writer’s commandment, too.

Jill: The discouragement part – I can so relate! I think all writers battle that demon at some time or other.
Has writing opened opportunities for you to give your testimony and witness for Christ or minister to fellow believers? If so, can you give one example?

Ginger Hearing from women who find a bit of comfort or inspiration to press through their trials after reading my work. What more could I be blessed with? To know these words gave someone strength for the journey gives me courage, too. We’re all in this together.

Jill: That is truly encouraging!
Has writing opened opportunities for you to give your testimony and witness for Christ or minister to fellow believers? If so, can you give one example?

Ginger: I led a conference this year for a national Christian women’s infertility group, Hannah’s Prayer. This was the same group that walked me through my own struggle of infertility and loss years ago. Now, to be asked to return and comfort these women, that was an awesome privilege.

Jill: That’s awesome, Ginger! What a privilege!

You can visit author Ginger Garrett and get to know her better by checking out her website. And pick up one of her books. You won’t be disappointed!

Thanks Ginger, for joining us this month on Spotlight!