NADINE BRANDES once spent four days as a sea cook in the name of book research. She is the author of the award-winning ROMANOV, FAWKES, and the Out of Time Series. Her inner fangirl perks up at the mention of soul-talk, Quidditch, bookstagram, and Oreos. When she's not busy writing novels about bold living, she's adventuring through Middle Earth or taste-testing a new chai. She and her Auror husband are building a Tiny House on wheels with their Halfling children. Current mission: paint the world in shalom.

Adventuring Author: Russia Report

Where does one begin after they’ve just watched God mold hearts and answer prayers? How does someone sum up the miracle of the red sea or manna from heaven? The truth is: it can’t be done. Daylen’s and my trip to Russia was sprinkled with miracles, inspiration, and nearness to God.… Continue reading

I Didn’t Write My Book With the Gospel Message

That’s right. The gospel message wasn’t my focus with A Time to Die. The curse of being an author of Christian fiction is that, no matter how you deliver the spiritual message, you’re going to get reviews that say, “It was so preachy! I was drowning!” and “There wasn’t enough spiritual focus.… Continue reading

Adventuring Author: Russia — How Hubby Got On Board

I am in Russia. Yes, right now. We (hubby and I) landed in Moscow two days ago. I’ll be posting pictures on my Instagram when (if) I can and I’ll resist giving a “full report” until we’ve returned. But while we’re traipsing across the Russian winterside, here’s the story of… Continue reading

Do You Believe Your Life Can Be Epic?

I read so many fantasy books as a child and teenager I started to think my life wouldn’t be amazing unless dragons attacked my little Wyoming valley. Or unless the fate of the world hinged on my brave choices. How unfair that I was stuck in a Muggle world! Couldn’t God see… Continue reading

4 Types of Book Reviewers — Which One Are You?

We all have opinions about reviews, whether we’re readers, non-readers, authors, or editors. I’ve been lectured on how reviews should be, or which people should write reviews (and which people should not. EVER. write. them.), what main points each should cover, or how they should be simple and honest. I’ve been told that… Continue reading

Adventuring Author: Transiting the Panama Canal

My favorite form of adventuring is traveling. I had the privilege of being raised in a family of travelers. My dad is a pilot and did a lot of ministry overseas. My first international trip was to hand out Christmas gifts to orphans in Russia with my dad. That’s when the… Continue reading

Merry Christmas, Russia! I’m Headed Your Way.

I’ve waited fourteen years to return to Russia. Four weeks from today, Daylen and I will be there. My dad took me on my first international trip to Russia as a young teen to deliver Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes to orphans. During that trip, my heart packed its bags and moved into a… Continue reading

What Books Are You Reading in 2015?

It’s that time of year. The time when we re-evaluate everything about ourselves — the socks we wear, the brand of toothpaste we use, whether or not we should organize our bookshelves by author, title, or book cover color. You know what I mean. It’s…the New Year. So…now that you’ve overthought… Continue reading