I’ve always loved a good story. I lived in my head a lot when I was younger, always forging stories about mysteries or romance or faraway places. From the time I was in middle school I knew that I wanted to write some of those stories.

And then life interfered and, although I majored in Creative Writing in college, I went straight into working for the magazine of a non-profit ministry, and my creative writing aspirations went out the window. Working in journalism, I wasn’t really encouraged to make things up.

But I remember those late nights during the summers when I didn’t have to get up early for school, so I would read until the wee hours. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy was a favorite, along with the classic C.S. Lewis Chronicles of Narnia. My college years included classes on detective literature, American short stories, poetry and much more.

I haven’t yet published a novel, but I’m working on it! So I’m delighted to share with you this month 7 pieces of fictional writing from our Redbud writers. As summer is in full swing, you just might want to go and buy the novels most of these pieces highlight for your summer reading pleasure. But whether excerpted or works that stand alone, these words will delight and intrigue you as you enter into a creative space that reflects the creativity of our creator God.

Let the writers know what you think in the comments, and show your support by buying their books and then leaving a review. It’s not easy putting yourself out there as a writer, whether in the fiction or nonfiction space. Cradle their words gently as a part of their soul.

Enjoy!