Teresa Pollard: You Know More Than You Think You Do

I suppose my best advice to other writers would be the writer’s truism: Write what you know, but with a few caveats.

The first is to realize that you know much more than you think you do. Find those things that separate you from every other writer out there, and write about them. People who know me will tell you that I have two passions. I love teaching God’s Word, and I love children. I’ve been a Sunday School teacher for most of the last forty years. So, naturally I was drawn to writing Biblical fiction.

My love of children led me to pro-life advocacy stories. What are your passions? If you’re a great cook, include recipes for your specialties; if an arts and crafts person, maybe make some kind of little crafty project with a child character. Even if you’re a stay-at-home mom with a couple of kids, and you think “all I know is dirty diapers,” you surely know which are the best diapers and the best ways to get stains out of baby clothes. Details make or break good writing. There are so many moms out there who are going to identify with every word you write.

Second, don’t settle for what you know now. Constantly continue to expand your knowledge. The best writers are readers. If you say, “I don’t have time to read,” make time. Christian writers should especially spend time in the Word. Our God is the best Author of all, and He has a lot to teach us. Also read other Christian writers. It’s how we hone our craft. I have a Master’s degree in Creative Writing, but to be honest, until a few months ago I’d never even heard of “deep point-of-view.” I am so excited to learn this new tool.

And finally, it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Within your circle of friends, you’ll be amazed at the diversity of expertise you’ll find. Don’t be afraid to mine it. Your friends will be delighted at your interest. My son is a World Champion drag racer. While I don’t know diddly about the sport, he knows practically everything there is to know about it. My daughter is an insurance agent. Since I write mysteries, it occurred to me yesterday that insurance fraud makes an excellent motive for murder. Somehow, I see that happening in a future novel, and I may just set it at a drag strip.

So, pray about what God would have you to write about, then get writing all the things you know, add in all the things you’ve found out about the things you’ve always wanted to know, and get some insights from friends about their experiences too. The result will be a richly detailed piece that resonates with your personality and glorifies your Father in heaven.

God bless you,
Teresa

About Teresa Pollard:

Teresa Pollard is from Richmond, Virginia, and was saved at a young age. She has a Masters degree in English and Creative Writing from Hollins College, and has served as a Sunday School teacher and children’s worker for most of the last forty years. Married for forty years, she was devastated by divorce and the death of her youngest daughter, but God has blessed her with a new home and another grandson, and she now resides in Dacula, Georgia. Her website is TeresaPollardWrites.com.

About Tokens of Promise:

Inspired by The Bible, Genesis 38, "Tokens of Promise" is an imagination of the love story of Judah and Tamar.

“Beware, Prince of Hebron, her witching ways are strong.” Ben Qara’s evil words still rang in his ears. Judah is sure he was bewitched by the beautiful Tamar. She is all he can think about. But no, it must not be. He will not break his vow to Yah. He already has a wife, and he will have only one. Tamar must marry Er.

Rescued from disgrace by the handsome Judah, Tamar is already in love with the kind stranger. She eagerly followed Emi’s advice on how to win him. It almost worked. He’d promised. If only his servant hadn’t come at that moment, she’d be his wife now instead of going home with him to be his daughter-in-law. Why had her father agreed to this? Surely he could see her destiny was with Judah?

We recommend that this fictional story be reserved for readers aged 18+, due to the non-graphic inclusion of sexual themes.

Special Note: Teresa just signed contracts for TWO more books. Not Ashamed is a sequel to Not Guilty, written with Candi Pullen. Woman of Light is a story of Deborah from Judges 4 & 5. While Teresa doesn't yet have release dates for these books, she anticipates their release some time early next year.