Encouraging reviews and comments – your prayers are making a difference!

I always find it so encouraging when people write in about our books. Some of the reviews below have found their way onto the covers of the books, some of the comments have been a lovely surprise with kind words from complete strangers. I thought it was time to pass on the encouragement . . . Your prayers are making a difference!

Enjoy! :-)

Beech Bank Girls I, Every Girl Has a Story

 

“Beech Bank Girls is a very interesting book, dealing with a whole number of situations encountered by teenage girls. It portrays well the struggles that girls have and at the same time helps to show what to do in each situation. I would recommend this book as I really enjoyed it and found it helpful at the same time.” - Claire

“I found this a really good Christian book and very interesting. I loved reading about the different girls lives and how they struggled with different problems at school, at home and with their Christian lives. It also teaches more about God, like how he knows each and everyone of us, he loves us all, listens to us and will help us with everything. We need to have faith and trust in him. In this book you really got to know all the characters and learn about their difficulties to trust God and stay friends with each other.” - Emma

“I have really enjoyed reading this book, it was engaging and its cliff hangers pushed me to continue reading on. I think overall it is very good and I love the way Christianity is introduced to the girl.” - Sade

"What a lovely story! I did enjoy it and I’m sure it will resonate with the audience aimed for. I found the stories most moving. Not only were the subjects covered in a sensitive and thought-provoking manner, but they were presented in a readable, fun way and were relevant to teenage experiences." - Eleanor

 

Beech Bank Girls II, Making a Difference

"Its all about these people who all go to a club called Beech Bank. When they get into bad situations or dilemmas they all get together and pray. Most of the people in this book have some family issues. Makes you want to read more and find out what happens next." - Ellie

"What an excellent read this has been. Such big issues have been dealt with sensitively and realistically. I was especially pleased in Annie's story to read of the reality of prayer not being answered as we want, but God meeting our needs in different ways. Too often God is portrayed as a bit like a vending machine - say the right words, press the right buttons and Voila! I pray young teens will find this book really helpful and encouraging, as well as being a great story." - Eleanor

A very exciting, fun to read, really well written and easy to understand book. Look forward to the next one.” - Taylor

 

Beech Bank Girls III, Christmas is Coming!

(From an interview for Revelation TV)

“What were the highlights of the book – were there any good points?”

“All of the book was good!”

“Were there any bad points?”

“No.”

“How has the book affected you – has it changed your perspective on anything?”

“It's made me realise, whenever you need God and whatever trouble you're in, He is always there.”

“Would you recommend the book to your friends?”

“Definitely.”

“I love The Beech Bank story, and here is my review..... An amazing heart warming story about six normal girls who go through every-day situations, but at the end of the day they realise that the best solution is to turn to God. This story shows that God is an amazing father who really cares for us and our problems, no matter how big or small they are. A definite 10/10” - Ellie

 

Deepest Darkness

“It is a fantastic adventure and God is really real.” - Natalie

"This is a brilliant story all about a girl called Abi. She's got a fear of everything but a trip to Canada brings a new friend and some important answers. It's a remarkable story and I can't wait for Denise to write some more. This is one of the best books I've read - EVER!
Thank you for your enchanting book.” - Maddie

“Both of my daughters have read this book several times. It has touched them deeply.” - Jo

“This book is about a girl called Abi. She has a brother named Ben. Abi is scared of nearly everything. The only place she feels safe is home. One day Abi, her brother and their parents go on holiday to an island near Canada. There she meets a boy called Nic. Nic helps her to deal with her fear of darkness, of being alone, of going into the sea. Nic doesn’t only help her, but also tells her about God. After that she believes in God.

I enjoyed the story very much. I felt for Abi and all the characters and was really excited while reading the book.” - Polina

 

The Birthday Shoes

"I think this book would be helpful to both non-Christians and Christians because the girl talked and thought a lot about God. It illustrated what God can do when he answers your prayers. It would help non-Christians because it explained about who God is and how to be his friend and for Christians it would be helpful because it gives good ideas about how to help other people who don't have as much as us.” - Naomi

“I really liked the parts when she puts on her shoes and goes to different places in Africa. I liked these parts because it felt really magical and it felt like I was really there!” - Bethany

“My favourite part was when she put her shoes on for the first time and ended up in Africa. I like these parts because it made me feel like I was there. I think it would help people to become a Christian because it tells you a lot about the Bible in most parts of it. I think it will help Christians too because it would help them learn more about Him.” - Susanna

“An excellent book.” - Ayeisha

 

I Want to Be an Airline Pilot

“One girl aged 8 from a very difficult background, came to me on Sunday. It was her birthday last Thursday. She was thrilled to bits when she got 3 birthday cards. One from Grandma, one from Kidz Klub, and one from the lady who sponsored her book! The only thing she asked for for her birthday was another book like 'I Want To Be an Airline Pilot'.
Grandma bought her 'The Birthday Shoes'. Result: one very happy little girl.” - Gill

“I couldn't put it down. Very vivid. I liked the description of the Village of Hope. The poisonous snake was scary - I was shocked to find that it was real. Its a story about how God answers our prayers.” - Ellen

“I read this book at bed time with my 9/10 year old daughter, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Sitting together and reading this book was a time of the evening we both looked forward to, and it was always tempting to just read another chapter, and be late getting to bed! I believe it was an opportunity to instil the truth that God really does care intimately with every aspect of our lives and that He does hear and answers our prayers. I also loved the fact that the story took place in a part of the world we know little about; it was a real eye-opener for her that children, orphaned by war and disease have such a tough life, struggling for existence in such abject poverty. Although a work of fiction, the children's lives felt real to us, and it helped us to remember those who have so little, and to be grateful for how much we have.” - Jo

“Kemi read the book in two days!!! she really enjoyed it found it very gripping and couldn't put it down.” - Pepi

"I think this book is very good, it made me feel happy, sad and really excited; I think the most interesting part is when Shema killed the black cobra . It was also very moving when in the book Ishimwe starts to cry because her parents died. I really enjoyed this book it is one of my favourites. Thank you for letting me read it. I'm so happy. Thank you." - Kemi

“A thrilling adventure story about three orphans dream coming true when their prayers were answered and a house was provided. I enjoyed when they fought the poisonous snake outside the school without killing themselves. Good descriptions and imagery painting a vivid picture of what happened in your own mind. The dangerous medicine man made Shema work hard and suffer, making me realise how hard life was for children in these times.” - Jonathan

“Mark's godson who is 8 has just read his copy of "airline" twice straight off, he liked it so much.” - Marlene

Living in Hope

“The overall opinion of this book by the children, and I, is that it is absolutely FANASTIC!! We actually thought it was even better than 'I Want to be an Airline Pilot', and believe me, we thought that book was amazing! I was actually crying when I read the last page! None of us wanted it to end.” - Elizabeth

“This book was a long-awaited follow-up to 'I want to be an airline pilot'. I couldn't wait to find out how the children's lives had changed, since moving to the Village of Hope! I found this story even more exciting, emotional and adventurous than the first! This is the best book I have ever read, and I would recommend it to anyone.” - Sophie

“Everybody should read this book, because it is amazing, fun, very emotional, and you will learn so many things about how children cope living in Rwanda.” - Matthew

“This story is about two good friends Sam and Shema who live in Hope village in Rwanda after the Rwandan genocide, showing that God will intervene whenever you ask and will change you for ever and ever. Its a brilliant riveting story.” - Reuben

 

London's Gone

“Very exciting, full of atmosphere.” - Eleanor

“Scary, because it could actually happen.” - Laura

“What a great idea to make the U.K. the site of devastation. It brought the issues that we hear about in the news suddenly and uncomfortably much closer to home. I think you did this very realistically. Your characters were three dimensional and believable; their struggles were realistic. Their relationship issues were very relevant to teenage life. I think you revealed the dark characters and issues enough to show that evil is really evil, but not inappropriately for the age group; which is quite a hard balance to get. The Christian content was woven naturally into the story and you gave a clear explanation of the gospel. Arthur was a nice illustration of Christian character and showed the difference Christ can make in a young person’s life. I found the story very tense and compelling. It's end begged a sequel.“ - Sandy

 

The Only Way

"The Only Way is a moving, fast paced, gripping and genius piece of writing. A 'must read' for everyone." - GP Taylor New York Times Best-Selling writer of Shadowmancer

“I enjoyed this book and it was an interesting read because the Author made really exciting things happen” - Naomi

“The Only Way hooked me straight away. Brilliant and funny writing.” - Jackie Kay MBE, Professor of Creative Writing, Newcastle University

“The girl is mysterious and it's good that you don't know much about her. The boy has quite a hard life; I liked the bit where he had to live off the land. The Christian side of the book is subtle; I think it would be helpful to someone who is unsure about their faith. This is a very good book with some exciting moments.” - George

Mystery in the Snow

"A really fun, gripping story. Exciting. Enjoyed the suspense, also enjoyed reading about characters from previous book. Really up to date - really cool but good to know the characters are still faithful to God and are growing in their faith in Jesus." - Rachel

“I really enjoyed reading Mystery in the Snow because I like mystery and Christian books and found this one very exciting, adventurous and mysterious. I like how it teaches that when people pray and obey God they can make a difference in other people’s lives. I think it is good having the same characters as the first book and how they always pray for help in what they should do. This story would appeal to people who like adventure and mystery books and to non-Christians to teach them about how 'prayer is to bring us closer to God' and how to pray in all situations and also it is good for young Christians to lead them further in their Christian lives. I hope you write more.” - Emma

“I loved reading Mystery in the Snow because I like adventure and mystery books. I especially liked it when they kept finding more and more evidence. It was so exciting that I couldn’t put it down! It’s one of my favourite books ever. I think it’s good because it shows you that when you pray to God amazing things can happen and that we can pray any time, any where and in any situation. Hope you write more.” - Lydia

“Thank you for sending me the book, which I really enjoyed reading. The bits I enjoyed about the book is when they go on an adventure. There are some books that can be boring, but this book made me want to carry on reading. I would definitely recommend. it.” - Joshua

“Really enjoyed your book- did I mention I took it on holiday? Brilliant- loved it.” - Heather

 

The Treasure Hunt

“One lady who lives 17 miles away from church, came on Sunday. She came because she had read her son's book, one of the Treasure Mystery ones. Her son loves coming to Kidz Klub, and she wanted to see why. At the end of the service she stayed behind to talk to the preacher, and after a long chat with him, she was born again! Wow, wow, and wow again!!” - Gill

“I thought it was the best book I’ve ever read!” - Emily

“Brilliant!” - Ben

“A truly inspiring Christian story” - Hannah

"This was a fast moving, quite tense story . . . you discussed issues that are usually kept out of sight especially for children. I like the way the characters model Christian life: their dependence on prayer, their confidence in God, their obedience to their parents. The story shows that children can be really used by God and that they don’t need to grow up to be effective." - Sandy

"Ben doesn't read books, but he read this one!" - Alison

"The only reason I put this book down was to fetch Matthew from school!” - Claire

“I really like The Treasure Hunt because I enjoy mystery books but mystery books that are still to do with God and Christians. I like the characters and how they often pray in some of the chapters. I hope you will write more stories like this.” - Emma

“This is a really good story. I couldn’t stop reading it. I liked the mystery and it was full of suspense. Some of the characters were quite funny at times.” - Lydia

“My niece, aged 15, not overly academic, read one right through last night and loved it. I think it's the first time in her life that she's read a whole book from choice! One of the mums in church phoned me this morning to tell me that her 9 yr old son, who has been really struggling with dyslexia, was sitting there reading his book, and was already on the third chapter. First book he's ever read voluntarily in his life!” - Gill

“I feel very strongly that your books are really important to the Lord, it is such a really important work for children to have this focus in their lives, we feel as a family we want to heartily encourage you in your work.” - Sam

Thank you for reading this far – I hope you have been encouraged as much as I have! Our aim is to "Produce excellent, fun, relevant fiction to encourage and inspire young people in their faith and show non-church kids what they are missing." It's humbling to stand back and see how far we have come in the last few years and know that by the grace of God, we are beginning to achieve our aim.

* Some names have been changed.

'Prayer - just do it!'

I wonder if you made any new year's resolutions this year? There has been a lot of talk about 2012 being an important year. There will be the Olympics in London, Euro 2012 and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee  . . . it will also be the year I turn 50 :-) . . . that is, if the world continues in its present form, because according to some 2012 will be the year the world is going to end! (The end of the Long Mayan calendar apparently . . .)

Now most of us won't worry too much about the Mayan calendar, but Jesus did nonetheless warn us to always to be ready for his return, because nobody knows the day or time.

So I venture to suggest that the best resolution we could make is to pray more than ever before, because God has chosen, at least in part, to meet the needs of his people through the prayers of his children. That's you and me. And perhaps the time is short!



 
We first produced our 'Prayer - just do it!' booklets to help young people to pray; they are often zealous and enthusiastic, putting some of us oldies to shame. However, many adults have found the booklets helpful too. It's easy to run out of words if you're not sure exactly what to pray for!

Talking about prayer doesn't get it done, but with these booklets, anyone can just do it! And prayer changes lives - well, the prayers themselves don't, but God does, through our prayers. That's a breathtaking privilege and an awesome responsibility.

Each of our four eight-page 'Prayer - just do it!' booklets:

Has a short introduction giving suggestions on how to pray Gives prayer pointers rather than actual prayers, to allow freedom of expression Helps develop good habits for a lifetime of prayer Is equally suitable for private or group prayers Fosters concern for brothers and sisters in difficult situations Includes scripture references for each prayer pointer Has 30 prayer pointers - one for each day of the month-ish! So why pray for these topics? Praying for Persecuted Christians Millions of our brothers and sisters worldwide suffer persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ. As well as our help, they desperately need our prayers. Praying for Church Leaders In his letters, Paul often urges the believers to pray for him. Church leaders today need our prayers no less, not just our local ministers but those in the public eye. Praying for Missionaries Missionaries who have left their home in order to share the gospel have particular difficulties to overcome along with the joys of service. As well as our encouragement, they need our prayers. Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem The Bible urges us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. One day Jesus will return and restore all things with a new heaven and a new earth, but for now the battle rages for supremacy in the City of the Great King. If you are looking for help for yourself, your youth club, family, prayer group or for prayers to use in all-age family services, our booklets can help you! Not only does the Lord graciously answer those prayers we pray in line with His will, but also bring the pray-er closer to God. Who could you buy a set of booklets for?

'Prayer - just do it!' booklets are usually only available from our website http://dernierpublishing.com/prayer.php

from 90p per individual booklet, but we would like to make a New Year's Offer to our supporters - each booklet, just 50p each, however many you wish to buy, POST FREE (UK only, sorry: email us for shipping overseas). Just email us on info at dernierpublishing.com (replace at with @ of course, we've done that to confuse spammers!) with your order and we will send you however many booklets you require of each title with an invoice for your purchase. And if you are not completely satisfied, you are free to return the whole package to us for a full refund. Offer expires end of February 2012.

 "More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of." - Alfred Lord Tennyson

Our heavenly Father is pleased to answer our requests - he is just waiting for us to ask. If we are obedient, we really can make a difference, an eternal difference, to thousands, maybe millions of people.

Here's what one lady wrote to us recently:

"After receiving the prayer booklets from you to use with children in Sunday school, I have reordered another set for my personal use! They are fantastic - the best no nonsense prayer material I've ever seen and they have got me straight into prayer! Most materials just talk about praying. Thank you, you have really blessed me and enthused my prayer time! God bless your work."

Order today:info at dernierpublishing.com - 50p per eight-page booklet.

Still not sure? Here are some more reviews:

'The ‘Prayer - just do it’ series is a wonderful resource of prayer pointers for those who understand and appreciate the value of prayer. Whether young or old, experienced or just learning, in groups or alone, these little booklets provide practical help and suggestions for prayer.

Praying for topics like ‘Missionaries’, ‘Persecuted Christians’, and Jerusalem can sometimes seem a little overwhelming; we may simply not know how or where to begin! That is where these little booklets come into their own.

I commend this ‘Prayer - just do it’ series to you; may they give you the encouragement and help you need to get started, and to grow and become effective in the gracious gift of prayer.' - Rev. Sherwin Chase

Recommendation of 'Praying for Church Leaders'

"This booklet in the "Prayer - just do it! Series is attractively produced in an easy to read format. It contains a comprehensive coverage of prayers for Christian leaders including leaders' personal, spiritual and family life, and their training, teaching, preaching and pastoral care. There are prayers for those under pressure, those facing persecution and those seeking spiritual refreshment and renewal; also for those, who, in the ministry, have to exercise godly discipline over church members. The emphasis is on intercession, but there are opportunities for thanksgiving as well in the 30 prayer pointers. Some may wish to use the booklet on a daily basis, others when meeting in a group to pray for their church. It is a booklet which could prove very helpful, both to church leaders and to those who pray for them."
Rev Malcolm Millard

Recommendation of 'Praying for Persecuted Christians'

"Praying with feeling for people you've never met can be difficult, especially if you know very little about their individual circumstances. But if your heart is touched to remember and pray for your persecuted brothers and sisters as Hebrews 13:3 exhorts, this slim booklet can be incredibly helpful. It presents 30 prayer prompts for persecuted Christians that are practical and very much to the point. Each refers to two or three scriptures which remind us that much of the New Testament was written to Christians who faced hardship and persecution.

And as we pray, we begin to realize that prayer is not about fulfilling a commandment so much as 'spending time before the Throne of Grace' which results not just in us presenting our petitions to God, but more importantly, in us developing a higher view of God, who touches our hearts and transforms our lives."
Paul Jones, Supporter Relations Manager, Release International

Recommendation of 'Praying for Missionaries' "This little booklet is a wonderful tool for directing our prayers in a way that is so relevant to today's missionaries. Praying for one of the 30 prayer pointers each day, it is possible to cover all the prayer needs of our missionaries each month. It is also so uplifting to read the scriptures listed with each prayer pointer, reminding us of God's words and promises for each situation. I would heartily recommend Praying For Missionaries to all who desire to support missionaries through prayer." - Glenn Tainio - UK Director, ReachAcross

 Recommendation of 'Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem'

"Although in handy and simple format, here is a wonderful opportunity for 'newcomers' (and the experienced) to learn how (and why) to pray for the 'City of the Great King.' While so easy to follow, the hidden blessing will be that which comes as a result of continuing in prayer!

As one prays with a listening heart, the Holy Spirit will gradually add and lead in prayer. Here is something the Lord Himself has been seeking from His followers: guidance for the individual - but of equal help to those who may be gathered together.

There is no actual restriction to numerical order. The LORD may inspire you to remain focused for a while on the same item. On the other hand - you will learn as you proceed. You will find matters for prayer that you may be able to share with others. Make notes on anything that you want to remember.

It is God Himself who inspired and pronounced the important Word which commands and promises:

'Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. They shall prosper that love thee!' (Psalm 122:6)" - Ken Burnett - Founder of 'Prayer For Israel'

Thank you for reading this far! I do hope we will be able to help you. Any queries, do not hesitate to ask!info at dernierpublishing.com (@ and no gaps!)

December newsletter

 

Welcome to the December 2011 Dernier Publishing

newsletter!

 

All I want for Christmas is . . .

Well it's not something you can buy! At the hairdresser's yesterday the big topic of conversation was of course Christmas . . . we talked about which relatives we were going to see, how our shopping was going and how behind we were with preparations . . . I realised afterwards that I had missed a brilliant opportunity to talk about what Christmas means to me. I just wasn't thinking. If we really thought about what we wanted for Christmas, I wonder what we would do differently?

 

 

Encouragements!

We have heard through one of our authors that some of our books are being enjoyed in Denmark! How amazing is that! And here's some more encouraging feedback:

“I asked my daughter what she would like for Christmas and she said all she wanted was two Beech Bank Girls books as she has read the first and loves it. She is thirteen.” - Wendy (Essex)

“ I particularly love the children's books you sell because they are non-preachy, nor in-your-face, heavy reads. They are full of excitement, adventure, emotion and wonder, with a subtle message we can all benefit from.” - Elizabeth (Hants)

“74% of British Christians came to Christ by the time they were 19 – your work is so important.” - Dr Peter Brierley, former Executive Director of Christian Research

 

Books make the best presents!

Who could you buy a book for - friends' children, children's friends, nephews, nieces, neighbours, church children - why not take the opportunity of Christmas to sow some seeds and maybe touch a whole family? Maybe as a thank you gift? A book at £5.99 costs about the same as a tin of chocolates, but is soooo much healthier and soooo much better value! If you're not sure which one to choose, do email us (info@dernierpublishing.com), we would be glad to help you any way we can :-) If you can't get to your local Christian bookshop, you can look at and order books online www.dernierpublishing.com/youthf.php and read the first chapters of there too. As with the Christmas cards, we will send these to you first class between now and Christmas – last recommended posting date for UK is 20^th December, but don't hesitate, order today!

 

Run out of cards, running late, need some help, don't panic!

We still have some Christmas cards left, with all proceeds going towards new books!

Penguin cards: greeting inside reads:

May the joy of the Lord

be yours this Christmas!

Robin cards: greeting inside reads:

May the peace of the Lord

be yours this Christmas!

Size: 148 x 104mm with a lovely glossy finish. Prices: (with white envelopes) £5.99 for 20 cards or £24.99 for 100. Just email me on info@dernierpublishing.com with your order and I will get those sent off to you with an invoice. P+p free as usual (UK only, sorry)! We will send these to you first class, so don't hesitate, email us now on info@dernierpublishing.com!

Need a last minute inspirational gift – but not a book?!

We still have a special offer on all four of our posters, by way of saying thank you to all of you who support us in so many different ways . . . the details are still on a previous blog - just scroll back and you will find them!

You could make savings of up to £18, so do take a look – we hope our posters will be a blessing to all the children (and the young at heart!) in your life. As with the books and Christmas cards, do email us as soon as possible with your order: info@dernierpublishing.com!

Prayer, the key

Please pray for all the children who will be reading our books this Christmas! However good the book is, it is the Lord who does the work of touching hearts. Thank you so much for standing with us. May you find peace and joy this Christmas, and know the joy of seeing others discover the wonder of the reason for the season :-)

Warmest good wishes to you all,

Janet

STOP PRESS: We are hoping to be on Revelation TV soon!!! Keep in touch by following us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dernier-Publishing/173040439575

 

 

 

Eleanor Watkins, author of 40 books!

Back in August we put up a brief profile of author Eleanor Watkins, but as Beech Bank Girls III (recently released) is Eleanor's 40th book - wow, what an achievement! - I thought it would be nice to have a longer piece. Eleanor has kindly written the following fascinating account of her childhood on a farm in the Welsh borders, how she came to follow the Lord, and a bit about her writing career to date. Enjoy! :-)

“I think I was conscious of God from a very early age. As a family we attended an Anglican church; I loved the words and rhythms of the Prayer Book service and often pondered their meanings. Our church was a tiny rural one, looking as if it had been dumped down in the middle of a field, sister to the Parish church in the village and much beloved by the diarist Francis Kilvert, whose books are full of names and places I know well. We would walk to church, wearing wellies in wet weather, over a mile of fields, hills and dips, narrow lanes and streams to cross.

Living in the depths of the countryside reinforced my deep inner feeling that there must have been a master Creator behind the wonder and beauty of the natural world. Our farm perched on a hillside overlooking the beautiful Wye valley, facing the misty blue ridges of the Black Mountains across the river. My brothers and I had a hundred and twenty acres of fields, streams and woodland as our playground and we knew every inch of it; each tree, every bend in the stream, the damp places where golden marsh marigolds and delicate wild orchids grew, the reed-fringed pond where we took our jam jars to collect frog spawn, the best horse chestnuts for conkers. We built houses in trees and dens in bushes, dammed the stream and diverted channels to create islands. We also sometimes did forbidden things, like building fires in woodland, or squeezing through holes in hedges to trespass on neighbours’ land. Looking back, it was an idyllic childhood, free of restriction - we truly ‘walked in Eden.’

  

Our farmhouse was draughty and sadly lacking in mod cons; one cold tap supplied all the domestic water, heating consisted of open fires and a couple of smelly oil heaters. We read by oil lamps or in bed by candlelight (fire hazard!), the toilet was at the bottom of the garden down a long and shrub-fringed path, scary in the dark, and we bathed in a tin tub in front of the kitchen fire. My parents were hard-working and often hard-up, but our house was full of books and magazines, from encyclopaedias to classics, poetry to farming magazines and children's comics. We all read avidly, studied the things that interested us, travelled to other times and places through the printed page. My brother wanted to be a naturalist, and I knew from very early on that I wanted to be a writer.

A turning point in my life came at sixteen, when three friends and I went to our village hall to see a film and listen to a visiting evangelistic speaker. As the evening progressed I had the growing conviction that these people knew Jesus in a personal way, and, more importantly, that his death on the Cross that I heard about in Sunday services had been for me, personally, and that I needed to make a decision; to accept him into my heart and life or to reject him. I had the uneasy feeling that the former decision might restrict my blossoming teenage social life, so I headed straight for the door when the meeting ended. My friend, though, persuaded me to respond to the altar call, and together we duly stayed behind for counselling. Once pinned down, I prayed the sinner’s prayer with sincerity, and really felt that something significant had happened.

Over the years, I’m amazed at the way God has kept his hand on me through many ups and downs, wanderings and strayings (on my part), heartaches and problems and happy times, and the incredible diversity and wonder and adventure of life lived with Jesus. I’ve met so many amazing people and learned and experienced so much in so many ways, from the joy and wonder of being filled with the Holy Spirit, to the pain of church splits and the hard work of setting up new enterprises. I don’t always understand what God is doing, but I do believe that, in the end, ‘all will be well, and all will be most well, and all manner of things will be well.’(Julian of Norwich)

I’ve written stories since I could hold a pen, and had my first acceptance at the age of 21, when Christian Herald newspaper accepted one of my short stories for the princely fee of three guineas! They took several more, and later published a children's serial which I had started when I was sixteen and finished a few years later when I was looking for something to do during my baby son’s nap time. My first book was published by Victory Press in 1973, the story of a boy and a fox cub. By then I was a farmer’s wife and mother of three small boys, living in a farmhouse in the lee of the Black Mountains facing across the valley to my childhood home. Life was busy, but I persevered with the writing and more books followed with Victory Press. A lean spell in publishing came later in the 70s and 80s, and I turned to short stories and articles, selling a respectable number to various magazines in this country, Australia and the US. Children's fiction was my first love, though, and it was with relief that I discovered Lion Publishing, who helped and nurtured me enormously, and later Scripture Union and Kevin Mayhew.

Beech Bank Girls III: Christmas is Coming!, published this year, is my fortieth book, not counting the dozen or so manuscripts, finished and unfinished, that lurk in my files. I began the Beech Bank Girls stories after reading something similar in secular teenage fiction and wondering how it would work if the girls telling the stories had experienced Jesus in their lives. The first couple of publishers I approached were dubious, then I met Janet through the pages of the ACW magazine, she liked the stories and the rest, as they say, is history. The latest book was inspired by the bitter weather of last winter which started before Christmas – I thought it would be fun to have a pre-Christmas story with a cold and snowy setting. The girls themselves are not goody-goody or super-spiritual, they are ordinary girls who laugh, cry, fall out sometimes, face heartaches, make mistakes, act silly and have a lot of fun. I want the readers, above all, to have a sense of how precious they are to God, how much he loves them just as they are, and to know that he has wonderful plans for their lives.

I write mostly in longhand, in a spiral-bound manuscript book, editing each days’ work later the same day, editing it again when it goes on the computer – and then again, and again…… My three pieces of advice to budding writers? 1. Read. 2. Write. 3. Make sure you have a good editor. I can’t emphasize that enough. However well you think you’ve edited your work, there will always be things you missed, or that could be improved on. Whether a lot or a little needs to be changed, a good editor is a must.

 

A few years ago, on a trip to New England, I visited Walden Pond and was very taken with Thoreau’s idea of a little hut in the woods, having the fanciful notion I’d like one to write in. My husband, bless him, took this on board and some time later obtained a small wooden hut and set it up in our own woodland. It was a nice idea, but alas!, very little writing has been done there. The grandchildren play in it and I go there occasionally to watch wildlife, or to have a scream or rant without danger of disturbing the family or upsetting the cat! These days, I can’t get by without piles of books, concordances, notes on bits of paper, the phone, and a computer with Google, Amazon and Facebook to provide distraction at regular intervals. Plus a comfy armchair, central heating and a cup of tea, of course!"

Eleanor at the Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park in May.

All three Beech Bank Girls books, for girls aged 10-14,  are available from good bookshops everywhere (support your local Christian bookshop if you can) or direct from our website  www.dernierpublishing.com/youthf.php at price £5.99 each. For more information about these books and our others, scroll down to previous posts, find us on facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dernier-Publishing/173040439575 or check out our website!