About five and a half years ago, I was invited to write a novel for Guideposts’ new (at that time) Ordinary Women of the Bible series. To be frank, I almost declined. The idea of writing biblical fiction terrified me. And here’s why. If I mess up something in one of my western historical novels or in a contemporary novel, I feel bad and wish I hadn’t made whatever mistake it was (i.e. in my first novel I included kudzu in my Civil War story and kudzu wasn’t introduced to America until the 20th century). But if I messed up something based upon the Bible, that would feel much worse to me.
Well, I decided not to give into my fear and said “Yes” to the invitation. I chose to write the story about the widow who gave the two mites. Since Jesus told us only two things about her (she is poor and she is a widow), I had lots of leeway for my story, which I figured was good. When I started writing that novel (Rich Beyond Measure), I was still nervous, but the experience proved to be one of the best in my writing life. My research every day was in the Gospels, plus books about the culture and daily life during the time of Jesus.
When I was asked to write one of the Extraordinary Women of Bible books, I was quick to say “Yes” again, this time to writing about the Queen of Sheba. The Beginning of Wisdom came out last year. I will admit that writing the queen’s story was completely different from writing about the widow. There is much unknown about the Queen of Sheba beyond the verses included in the Bible, but there is some extra-biblical material, not to mention myths and opposing opinions that had to be examined and sorted through. Still, I loved writing that book.
Therefore, I was pleased when another invitation came to write a third biblical novel, this one inspired by the Star of Bethlehem. Oh my. Has this ever taken me on a journey. I have chosen for my heroine to be a cousin of Yosef. She is a young mother and widow who lives in Bethlehem and is present at the birth of Yeshua and must escape with her year old son when Herod’s soldiers come to try to kill the King of the Jews. With the help of an Egyptian camel khabir, she follows Yosef and Miryam to Egypt. I have been delving deep into Egypt in 5 & 4 BC and into Israel in the time of Jesus and into Passover and other festivals and other customs and into so very much more. My deadline is fast approaching, but the journey toward the book’s completion has been amazing.
Beginning more than a dozen years ago, my Bible study became focused on reading and understanding the Bible through a 1st century Jewish lens. I want to understand the Scriptures as Peter, James, John, and Paul understood them. I want to catch the idioms that are scattered through the pages of the Bible that I miss as a 21st century Western Christian. And I must say that this relatively-new focus in my Bible reading/study has helped me as I’ve written these three biblical novels.
All that to say, I’m so glad I didn’t let fear hold me back from writing the first of my biblical novels. Saying “yes” to the first allowed me to say “yes” to the next ones. Writing these stories has added new layers to my understanding and opened up the Scriptures to me in new ways. I hope they will do the same for my readers.
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
(2 Timothy 1:7, NASB95)
And just for fun, here is my great-granddaughter with one of her mom’s horses. Adaline knows no fear either.
Has God led you into an area where you were afraid to go?
Robin Lee Hatcher
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I love how your kitty is presiding over the research. 🙂 Adaline is adorable too! I can’t believe she’s so big! I remember when she was born!
Yes, Pinky definitely likes to keep watch over everything that transpires in the Hatcher household. And Adaline is 5 already. Hard to believe for me too.
This is so great to hear, Robin! I didn’t know much about those Guidepost novels set in Biblical times. The research sounds facinating!
It is, Carrie. I love Bible study. Having it also be research is a bonus.
I love the journey God has taken you on in writing those Biblical novels!
Thanks, D’Ann. Me too!
Thank you for the interesting facts about your research. As his last career, my husband became a Methodist minister at the age of 60 and was a pastor for 13 years before retiring. I learned so much through his study. God called him home in January, 2023. I have been going through all of his research and study booKs. I was particularly interested in your comment, ” I want to understand the Scriptures as Peter, James, John, and Paul understood them.” Also, your reference book The Complete Jewish Study Bible. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, as they encourage self study in a focused way. There is always more to learn.
Betty, I love that your husband’s last career began at 60. Age doesn’t have to mean it is too late. As long as we draw breath, God has a purpose for us.
Robin, I applaud you for writing biblical fiction. I love historical fiction, both as a reader and a writer, but I do fear not getting my fact straight when I write. Consequently, I spend A LOT of time on research. I do not think I could write biblical fiction, though. I look forward to reading your books in the series!
Thanks, Marilyn. I spend a lot of time on research on all my books, and I always hope I get things right. Although, as mentioned, I have had my share of fails in that department. We don’t offer what has cost us nothing to the Lord, but that doesn’t mean everything we offer will be perfect. Only the best we can do at the time.
I love hearing that writing biblical fiction has been such a blessing to you. Wonderful things await on the far side of fear.
Amen!