Our Interview with Gina Holmes

How much research did Dry as Rain take?
 
It was very challenging to get inside the head of a man. To try to think, not like all men, but like one particular man who struggles with the flesh and putting what he thinks as security (i.e. money, a big house, a good college for his son, etc.) above what really matters—a close relationship with God and his family.
 
What are the most interesting facts that you learned while researching and writing Dry as Rain? Why?

I won’t say it surprised me to understand how much men in our society are bombarded with temptations of the flesh, but it really forced me to really think about what they’re up against being more visually oriented than women. We females have temptations too but ours tend to be in other areas and maybe not quite ‘in your face’ as what they’re up against. One only has to turn on the TV to see how women play into the lie that we need to look sexy, to use our bodies to define our self worth. We really play into that lie, sadly. This hurts both men and us.
 
Do you have a favorite character Dry as Rain? Why?

My favorite character would have to be Larry, the main character, Eric’s, best friend. He’s such a likeable guy. Every bit a man’s man, but someone who, unlike the main character, really gets what living out his faith means.
 
What are some of the challenges you face as an author?
 
My biggest challenge is to tell the truth as I see it, the temptations of this world in all their temporary pleasure, while pointing to the truth of God’s word the consequences of sin. It’s a fine line to show characters who sin, but not to glorify it. What keeps me up at night is the fear that I will lead readers astray. I stay in the word as a precaution and pray like mad every day that God will allow me to point others to His truth, not away from it.

What aspects of being a writer do you enjoy the most?

I love getting readers to look at the world in a new way. To crawl into someone else’s skin and understand their point of view. I’m terrible at expressing verbally the arguments of what I can much more easily write. I’ve always been empathetic, now more so than ever, and I love to share that empathy and encourage it in others. Grace is something God’s had to take me through a war zone to truly understand and extend to others. Although it was incredibly painful at times, I’m so very grateful that He did.
 
What clubs or organizations are you involved with helping with your writing?

I’ve been part of the Novel Rocket (www.novelrocket.com) community for years. What started out as site called First Novel Journey has grown and morphed and through the teaching of other writers and learning through teaching, has become such a huge blessing to me ,and I hope, to our readers.

I’ve also been part of many critique groups over the years and American Christian Fiction Writers; both have been instrumental in my success and growth.

What new projects are on the horizon?

I’m about 3/4th the way finished book 3, yet untitled. It’s my favorite story so far and much more similar in tone to my debut, Crossing Oceans. It deals with the controversial subject of abuse within marriage. The main character is a battered wife who, because of her faith, doesn’t feel like she’s allowed to leave the marriage. It’s a subject very close to my heart.

What message would you like your readers to take from reading Dry as Rain?

Many marriages that struggle through infidelity don’t make it. Many probably shouldn’t, depending on the circumstances. But there are couples that can come back from that kind of betrayal when they truly put God at the head of their marriage. I’d love for those in that position to see the possibility of forgiveness and those being tempted to stray to get a glimpse past the momentary promise of pleasure to the devastating and permanent consequences of the pain they are about to cause.

What were your favorite books as a child?

The first book that really made me realize how powerful a book can be is A Wrinkle in Time. I was in elementary school when I read that, and although much was over my head, I still knew that it was much more than just a story. I was also a big fan of the Hardy Boys and later some classics like The Lord of the Flies, Catcher in the Rye, Flowers for Algernon, etc.
 
What is your greatest achievement?

You know, it was really cool to win ACFW’s Carol Award and to be nominated for the Gold Medallion, Christy Award, Retailer’s Choice, etc., but while they’re all nice, my most proud moment has always been as a mother. Praying the salvation prayer as each of my sons accepted Jesus as their savior has been more than I could hope for in this life.
 
What do you do to get away from it all?

I love to hike, and getting alone with God in nature has always been how I can best fill my tank. Spending time laughing with my children and reading to them or having them read to me is right up there.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

My partners and I have recently started a new website, Inspire a Fire www.inspireafire.com. It’s a place where we share  true, encouraging and motivational stories of faith, healing and perseverance. It is our offering to God, and has already been an incredible blessing. I’d encourage readers to check it out, they can’t leave unchanged.

 Also by Gina Holmes