Whispers from Yesterday by Robin Lee Hatcher

She bought her first horse at 15, going so far as to ride in competitions. Hatcher has won Rita, Carol, Christy, and RT Reviewers Choice Awards. Her publisher had encouraged her to remove the overtly Christian elements, which is why she submitted ‘The Forgiving Hour’ to the CBA. When she wrote ‘The Forgiving Hour,’ Hatcher knew that a secular market would never accept it because every attempt she had made to include faith-based references in previous books had been met with opposition. It showed her that she could use her gifts to influence and inspire as opposed to simply entertaining. Hatcher felt compelled to write Christian fiction after reading ‘Redeeming Love’ by Francine Rivers. Her stories encourage people to pursue a relationship with God. She has succeeded because her novels capture the imaginations of her readers regardless of whether or not they share her Christian beliefs. However, they fail to account for the fact that Hatcher uses a Christian perspective to write her stories. Hatcher constantly reminds people that her books are Christian fiction, even though many stores categorize them as ‘Romance’ and ‘Women’s Fiction.’ But when her ninth novel came out, she left the job to write full-time. Initially, she juggled her day job with her writing duties. Less than a year later, the manuscript was completed.Ī little over 24 months later, she secured a publisher. She spent her coffee breaks and lunch hours typing the pages on the office typewriter.

So, she sat down and penned the story in long hand on legal pads. But after six months, the urge to write it overwhelmed her. Her turning point came when her imagination started developing a saga in the vein of ‘Gone With The Wind.’ At first, she was content to tell her friends about it. Although, Hatcher continued to read, write, and daydream. However, adult responsibilities consumed her twenties, including marriage and family, leaving very little room for writing. She came to appreciate the activity for its ability to transport her to interesting places. At the time, the author was writing for the fun of it.

In high school, the author developed a habit of scribbling stories in every notebook and binder she could find. The claim made sense to her young mind because 47 seemed so ancient. Her classmates recognized her talent for telling stories when she started assuring them that her 47-year-old mother was born in a covered Wagon on the Oregon Trail. However, despite her obsession with books, the author was determined to become a movie star.Įverything changed in grade school. Naturally, her mother did not give Hatcher a choice in the matter. The author told her mother she did not want to go back. When they wouldn’t teach her how to read on that first day, she rejected school. In fact, she remembers going to school with the express purpose of learning how to read. Few activities brought young Hatcher more joy than reading.

Whispers from Yesterday by Robin Lee Hatcher