I first met Maureen Lang through ACFW – better known as American Christian Fiction Writers. We had enjoyed occasional correspondence over the course of a few years, and then one day, as I was praying about whom to approach to join my critique group, Maureen’s name came to mind. I’ve had the privilege of critiquing a number of Maureen’s works in various stages of progress, all of which I look forward to seeing it in print someday. In the meantime, I just finished reading her debut novel Pieces of Silver, which is available in bookstores now. Let me tell you, it is a fabulous story!

Maureen Lang is the recipient of RWA’s Golden Heart Award as well as ACFW’s Noble Theme (now called The Genesis). Her writing credits include three secular historical romances, as well as several non-fiction articles on writing and also on the capture of her father by the Japanese during the Second World War.

Maureen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Chicago-North RWA, and Christian Authors Network. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and three kids, who keep her busy when she’s not writing. One of Maureen’s favorite memories as a child goes back to listening to her father talk about war stories and history, which was what sparked her own interest in such things.

Here’s a little blurb about Pieces of Silver:

Liesel Bonner never questioned her own patriotism, but when America joins the First World War, Liesel not only loses her job because of her German heritage, she must face the possibility of betraying the man she has loved since her girlhood. Worse, she must betray him to a man who has turned her own life upside down from the moment he stepped into it. Torn between her commitment to her faith, her loyalty to her country, and her desire for love – Liesel maneuvers a dangerous path strewn with lies, deceit, and treachery. Her choices will reveal her true loyalties…and her destiny.

This book will have you turning pages – most definitely!

You can find Pieces of Silver at Amazon or CBD (Christian Book Distributors). Check it out and then

buy this book!

and sit back for a captivating read!

I asked Maureen to give us some insight into the calling behind her writing ~

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

Maureen: My first indication was when I was about four, I think. My dad said I was the creative one and could always tell a story. Of course at that age I couldn’t even write my name (not like four-year-olds of today!) but I think that single comment started me on my road to writing. I have five siblings, and being “the creative one” may or may not be true but it made me believe I had it in me. As far as taking writing seriously, that came in grade school; I wrote all of the time. It wasn’t until I was a freshman in high school that I submitted work to an editor. I received my first rejection, but it was a nice one! That kept me going until I sold a romance in my mid-twenties, but life got in the way of a writing career that didn’t pay very well, so I gave up writing until a few years ago.

Jill: Tell me a bit about what you write now and what you hope to write in the future.

Maureen: My first Inspirational, Pieces of Silver, from Kregel Publications, is set in the First World War. I love this era – it’s on the brink of contemporary, but with one foot still solidly historical. I’m fascinated by this time period, so I hope to have more stories like this published. But really, so many time settings are fascinating. One project I just finished and hope to sell has a split setting, partially contemporary and partially Victorian. That’s really a blast, because I get to switch back and forth from one period to another.

Jill: I had a chance to read that one – it’s wonderful! I can’t wait to see it in print!

Maureen: I hope you’ll be able to — that book is one I’m particularly proud of because it deals with a subject so close to my heart. The characters in the book face the difficult prospect of learning they have a genetic disorder in their family, something I had to face myself. It was tough to keep my personal story far enough out of the book so I could have the freedom that fiction brings any project, but I honestly believe God wanted me to write that book. I think He wanted me to mix my facts in with the fiction to create a more authentic story that (hopefully) will speak to families who must deal with the crisis of a life-long disability in a child.

Jill: If and when did you realize your writing was a calling?

Maureen: Even though I’ve always had an interest in writing, it wasn’t until I’d been away from the Lord and then came back that I realized He was the one Who gave me this passion, that He’d wired me up to tell stories and I should be using the talent for His glory, His kingdom. That was actually several years before I started writing again, but I knew if I ever went back to it, I would only write for Him.

Jill: What means did God use to confirm in your heart that this is exactly what He has prepared for you to do for Him?

Maureen: What a great question!

Jill: Thanks!

Maureen: As I mentioned, I’d been away from writing for a while but always felt if I ever had the time and the energy for it again, I would write for God. I also kept up on my research of the First World War time period. When I finally sat down to write again, I wrote an entire novel in about three months. It was an incredible affirmation for me, because that book was nearly effortless—as if all I had to do was type it out, keeping up with the words and characters as they played out in my head. To this day, when I re-read that project, I can feel the Lord’s presence beside me and sense His enjoyment, too. It was for Him; I never enjoyed writing so much as I did with that book.

Jill: When and how did you come to realize that writing meant more to you than a means to meet physical monetary needs or fulfill your dreams?

Maureen: While I wrote that first book after taking up writing again. I had such a feeling of communion with God that I knew I’d write even if the two of us were the only two to read the words. That was about six years ago. That book isn’t contracted yet, although Kregel has expressed interest in publishing it.

Jill: How would you say that God has used writing to change you – to strengthen your faith and to make you more like Christ?

Maureen: The first thing that comes to mind is how humble the writing business keeps you. That may sound odd coming from someone who’s had the pleasure of being published, but no matter what stage of the game you’re at, there is always some form of rejection—in a bad review, a disappointed critique partner, an editor telling you to change something that you don’t want to change. You also see others rising at what looks like a quick and easy spring to the top, and when that doesn’t happen to you it feels like rejection, too. Sometime it’s tempting to isolate, but this isn’t the kind of industry that lets you do that. So you try to learn whatever it is Christ is trying to teach you, and move on from there—hopefully a little more humble, a little more trusting that God is using you in the spot He always meant for you to be.

Jill: I can definitely relate! 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?

Maureen: It’s actually given me the opportunity to talk to a lot of people, both inside and outside of the church. Many people are interested in writing, and when they find out you have a book being published by a traditional publisher they’re often willing to strike up a conversation. People from young age to retirement ask me about the process, and they’re usually receptive to the idea that writing can be a ministry that starts between that person and God.

More specifically, I did have a great opportunity with the project I mentioned that deals with a family learning their child has a genetic disorder causing him to be mentally handicapped. I’ve already had people in the disability community telling me it’s ministered to them as a reminder that God is in control and we can find comfort in Him. That’s more thrilling than anything, to hear someone say my words have gotten them thinking about their faith.

For a look at Maureen Lang’s writing journey and upcoming books check out her website by clicking here. Or visit her at the Christian Authors Network blog where she is a contributing member.

I hope you have enjoyed this interview with author Maureen Lang. Please click on over to one of the above online stores or visit your favorite Christian bookstore and look for Pieces of Silver. You won’t be disappointed!