The journal

Thoughts on faith, fiction, writing, and the work of making.

Every article from Bryan’s original site remains available here.

Why Write?

Why Write?Why Write? Why do anything creative for that matter. In most caces, the creative arts don’t add much to the economic engine that drives the community. Oh yes, we authors, artists, and artisans can make a living

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Do You Exist?

“Do you exist?” the caller asked. The phone call came not long after I had closed my bookstore and I was sure the caller’s question was with regard to the existence of my store, but I took the opportunity to… Continue Re

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Christmas Greetings and Big Savings

This year has had its ups, downs, rain-outs and blow-outs. Despite it all, November’s sales set a new record high. Also, we are excited to announce the coming release of two new novels scheduled for early next year. For

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Excuses! Excuses!

You may remember the song, Excuses, made popular by The Kingsmen in the ’60. It starts off with this catchy phrase; “Excuses, excuses, you hear them every day.” There couldn’t be a truer statement. People make excuses fo

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Is There Fiction in the Bible?

Let me begin by saying emphatically, Yes! However, I also believe “All scripture is given by inspiration of God …” II Timothy 3:16 You may be asking, ‘Doesn’t the Bible contain lots of stories?’ It does. There are romanc

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What is Christian Fiction?

So often, when people ask me what I write and I answer “Christian fiction,” I get a blank stare. Many readers simply don’t understand what makes a novel Christian equating it rather to Military Intelligence and other oxy

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God Has Issues

Psalm 68:20 “He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from death.” It is a great comfort to know that our God is the God of Salvation. He is the way, the truth and… Continue Rea

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Blessings come in Many Shapes

Recently, I tried to order more copies of Stranger in the Pulpit from Tate Publishing. After waiting longer than usual, I tried contacting my publicist to no avail. I attempted to call and email the publisher … nothing.

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Free for Three Days

Free today … The Jared Russell Series will be available for FREE from May 3rd to May 5th. Please download it, read it and give a review. Thanks http://ow.ly/4nfVRF

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“Slightly Blonde”

A brunette, a red-head and a blonde were in jail when they decided to break out. The girls broke out and the brunette said, “Let’s hide in that barn, they’ll never find us.” So they climbed up the ladder and…

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Tall Tales

The teacher gave her fifth grade class an assignment: Get their parents to tell them a story with a moral at the end of it. The next day, the kids came back and, one by one, began to tell their… Continue Reading →

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Waiting for Normal

How many times have you stopped, at the end of an unusually busy season and said, “I can’t wait to get back to normal,” only to find you can’t. I know I have … after vacation, after an illness, after… Continue Reading &r

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The Jared Russell Series

              Once again, Author Bryan M. Powell has captured the pulse of the nation in this ripped from tomorrow’s papers trilogy. After having done extensive research Bryan is confid

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Author Bryan Powell’s Itinerary

I’ve got a busy next 5 weeks with signing events all over GA and into Tennessee. If you live in one of these places, spread the word, stop by, say “Hi” and get a book or two. See ya soon!… Continue Reading &r

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“Today”

  Not long ago, I was in a meeting that impacted me greatly. It wasn’t meant to be religious. As a matter of fact, at times it could be rather sacrilegious. But this time was different. Several in the group… Continu

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A Peek Behind the Curtain

A Peek Behind the Curtain Okay, so you’ve seen my book trailer, maybe you’ve downloaded my book … The Final Countdown, which, I might add, hit #25 on Amazon Christian/Political fiction after my latest blitzkrieg promotio

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Free for Three days

That’s right! for the next three days, you can download The final Countdown for free. So click the link, capture it, read it, and please give me a review. link Source: Free for Three days

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Free for Three days

That’s right! for the next three days, you can download The final Countdown for free. So click the link, capture it, read it, and please give me a review. link

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The Tale of Two Swords

  The Tale of Two Swords Edward Teach—better known as Blackbeard was one of the most feared pirates to sail the seven seas. He and his crew had devastated shipping along the coasts of Virginia and North Carolina dur

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Coming Up for Oxygen

Coming Up for Oxygen. You may have noticed I’ve been incommunicado for the last few months. Patty and I are in good health, we’re busy, our children and grandchildren are doing well and we’re quite involved in our church

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Show Us the Father

Show Us the Father is a thirty day devotional booklet which addresses the Apostle Philip’s statement, “Lord, show us the Father and it will satisfy us.” Using humorous, home-spun and historical illustrations, Show Us the

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Salt vs. Salt-less

Is it my imagination, or does salt taste less salty? The other day, my wife and I were eating dinner and we kept asking one another to, “please pass the salt.” The question suddenly sprang out, “Why can’t I get… Continue

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One Final Word

It was February, 2015 in Libya, when 21 Coptic Christians were paraded before a camera along the Mediterranean shore, forced to kneel in the sand and given one last opportunity to renounce their faith. Their black hooded

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Light Pollution

The term is an oxymoron. Light is pure. It contains no chemicals, no additives, no animal bi-products. It does, however, contain all the colors of the spectrum, both seen and unseen by the human eye. When used correctly,

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The Freedom to Choose

The Freedom to Choose This morning, July 1st, I took my grandson to the Steak and Shake in Hiram, GA, for breakfast. They offered all you can eat pancakes for $3.99 and I thought it would be a great idea to… Continue Rea

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New On-Line Sales Link

The question was asked of me, “How do I sell the physical copy of my book on line?” While there are many outlets for e-pub, downloadable books, there are few options for author to sell their autographed copie

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Two Axioms

Originally posted on Author and Artist Bryan M. Powell: There are two axioms by which Mr. Grady Gillis lived. “Find people smarter than you to do the things you don’t want to do.” and “Help others reach their goals and&h

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Two Axioms

There are two axioms by which Mr. Grady Gillis lived. “Find people smarter than you to do the things you don’t want to do.” and “Help others reach their goals and you’ll reach yours.” I learned that as I wrote… Continue

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Mind Mapping 101a

Mind Mapping 101a We all know of the two primary methods of writing: Plotting and Pantsing. In Plotting, you methodically plan your story and then build around it. In Pantsing, you write your ideas as they come to you an

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The Games People Play

It’s funny how little things influenced you throughout your formative years. Yes, the big, the traumatic, and the bad things did. But have you ever thought of how many times something insignificant took place in your lif

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The Necessity of Networking

  The other day I attended a couple of networking meetings, and met a lot of self-employed, multi-level and small business people. It was a delightful time as we shared our ideas and the need to grow our individual

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When Was Jesus Born

The Bible’s answer The Bible does not give a specific date for the birth of Jesus Christ. A careful analysis of Scripture, however, clearly indicates that December 25 couldn’t be the date for Christ’s birth. Here are two

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Looking Ahead

Children’s Coloring Contest This Monday, June 9th at 12:00 PM and again at 6:00 PM we will be having a children’s coloring contest. Prizes will be awarded, and a good time will be had by all. This is a free… Continue Rea

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Pictures from the Past

There’s nothing like going into an old bookstore. Its squeaky floors, its atmosphere pregnant with the aroma of coffee, books and the hope of finding hidden treasure form a Norman Rockwell type picture to mind. However,

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BIG ANNOUNCEMENT

What does Hiram Books and Bryan and Patty Powell have in common? For starters, Bryan has been a big part of Hiram Books since its opening days. Plus, he has had book signings and pop-in visits. But the biggest thing… Con

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Stranger in the Pulpit - Chapter One

Originally posted on Author and Artist Bryan M. Powell: The Beaumont Observer Only an ostrich with her head in the sand could miss the fact that change was coming. In the world outside of our sleepy town of Beaumont, cha

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Stranger in the Pulpit - Chapter One

The Beaumont Observer Only an ostrich with her head in the sand could miss the fact that change was coming. In the world outside of our sleepy town of Beaumont, change had already come. Ever since the November election,

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Are Your Creative?

Originally posted on Author and Artist Bryan M. Powell: I’m in the middle of editing The Final Countdown. It’s grown from 51,000 to over 86,000 words since its first draft. The working title was Five Days to Die, but as

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Are Your Creative?

I’m in the middle of editing The Final Countdown. It’s grown from 51,000 to over 86,000 words since its first draft. The working title was Five Days to Die, but as the themes developed, so did the title. This the third…

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God Knows Scenes

Every good story needs great scenes, so it make sense that God, the author and finisher of our faith should know something about creating great settings, and great scenes for His stories. Take for example the Garden of E

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Bookstore Review

Last Saturday, I had the privilege of being at A Novel Experience located in Zebulon, GA. It was quite a trip, but the sun was shining, the sky was blue and I met three wonderful authors. Along with meeting the many… Con

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God Knows Drama

Down through the ages, prophets and priests, shepherds and kings, scribes and fisherman have recorded the most dramatic statements ever uttered. From God’s opening command; “Let there be light,” to Satan’s whispered insu

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You Have all the Classic Symptoms!

Originally posted on Author and Artist Bryan M. Powell: He stood, looking down upon me, his warm eyes full of compassion. Were it not for his age, one would have thought the tremble in his voice was for me. Maybe…

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You Have all the Classic Symptoms!

He stood, looking down upon me, his warm eyes full of compassion. Were it not for his age, one would have thought the tremble in his voice was for me. Maybe it was. It should have been.  I could have… Continue Reading &r

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God Is Good…All the Time

First  Quarter in Review God is so good. I’d like to give Him the praise for a tremendous first quarter. January started off with me speaking at Murder Goes South. That and a good week at the Wilds Music Conference… Cont

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God’s Not Dead

God is not Dead, God ain’t Dead,  God’s not Dead. God is Alive, God is Eternal, God is Everlasting, God Is. God is not Dead, God ain’t Dead,  God’s not Dead. God is Alive, God is Eternal, God is Everlasting,… Continue Re

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Bookstore Review

Sweet Spirit/Parables Christian Bookstore is the place to go for quality Christian merchandise. More than a bookstore, Frank and Marilyn  Hood have made their store a warm and inviting place to come and brows. There real

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A Big Success

Coffee and Quill Mini Writers Conference - A Big Success! Saturday, March 22, the Christian Authors Guild hosted the annual Coffee and Quill Mini Writers Conference.  With a record breaking attendance, the 70 plus attend

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Finding New Friends

The Olive Branch Christian Bookstore Review You never know when and where you will meet new friends. On the way home from speaking to the students at First Presbyterian Christian Academy, Patty and I arrived  at The Oliv

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Back in the Classroom

Last Friday, I had the joy and privilege of being the guest author at First Presbyterian Christian Academy in Hinesville, GA. What a delight it was to teach such eager and respectful young people. I was invited to speak

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Miss Bessie and the Chickens

Originally posted on Author and Artist Bryan M. Powell: “… he was a fine boy, the kind you wouldn’t mind your daughter bringing home. That is, if you had a daughter.” Miss Bessie’s gaze fell on my ringless hand. She&hell

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Miss Bessie and the Chickens

“… he was a fine boy, the kind you wouldn’t mind your daughter bringing home. That is, if you had a daughter.” Miss Bessie’s gaze fell on my ringless hand. She paused and took a sip of lemonade, and narrowed… Continue Re

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Writing as a Career

Of all the careers there are, farming, building, teaching, I can say without reservation, that writing is the oldest. The Bible says, Thy Word is forever settled in Heaven, that Heaven and earth will pass away, but my Wo

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The Business Side of Writing - Part IV

The Saturation Point In my house I own a variety of sponges. Some large sponges which I use for washing my cars, some medium sponges for washing dishes and some smaller ones I use for more delicate jobs. Before I… Contin

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What’s on your bookshelf?

You can learn much about a person by looking at their bookshelf. How to build a Library 1. Start with the Bible 2. Add your favorite books 3. Add books you would like to read 4. Add books your friends… Continue Reading &

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Miss Bessie and a Little Snuff

Originally posted on Author and Artist Bryan M. Powell: Stretching Your Imagination - Blurring the Lines Between Fact and Fiction The first time I met Miss Bessie was when I was serving as interim pastor in a little coun

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Miss Bessie and a Little Snuff

Stretching Your Imagination - Blurring the Lines Between Fact and Fiction The first time I met Miss Bessie was when I was serving as interim pastor in a little country church. The congregation of elderly saints, and a fe

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Book Review - Son of Man

Originally posted on Author and Artist Bryan M. Powell: This futuristic blend of Christian apocalyptic fiction and visionary sci-fi sets Son of Man apart from the pack. John Coniglio recasts some of the major events of t

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Book Review - Son of Man

This futuristic blend of Christian apocalyptic fiction and visionary sci-fi sets Son of Man apart from the pack. John Coniglio recasts some of the major events of the life of Christ and set in it the year A.D. 2454. It o

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The Business Side of Writing - Part III

Okay, you’re booked in a half dozen locations, that’s great. Congratulations! Now what? If you’ve done your homework and built a platform, all you can do is have a great time talking to your friends and customers. The qu

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The Present State of Miss Bessie

The other day, I stopped by the home of Miss Bessie, that’s what she was called among the few folks who still knew her. As I turned the key and shut off the engine, a holy silence settled over the old homestead…. Continu

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Book Review - Shift

The first time I met Zack Mason was at a book signing event held at Books for Less (tomorrow’s blog). I found him to be an engaging and interesting fellow author who is simply trying to get his message out…. Continue Rea

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January - Month in Review

Originally posted on Author and Artist Bryan M. Powell: Captain’s Log 1.30.2014. Even Captain Kirk couldn’t have imagined this. Here we are, one twelfth into the year. My New Year began at the Wilds Music Camp. I came th

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January - Month in Review

Captain’s Log 1.30.2014. Even Captain Kirk couldn’t have imagined this. Here we are, one twelfth into the year. My New Year began at the Wilds Music Camp. I came there after a full year of writing books, and devotionals

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Book Store Review - Books For Less

Originally posted on Author and Artist Bryan M. Powell:  Today, I’d like to sing the praises of my friends at Books For Less. Last year was a phenomenal year for my sales and Books For Less was a large part…

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Book Store Review - Books For Less

Today, I’d like to sing the praises of my friends at Books For Less. Last year was a phenomenal year for my sales and Books For Less was a large part of it. On the last Saturday before Christmas, they… Continue Reading &

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The Business Side of Writing II

Originally posted on Author and Artist Bryan M. Powell: Okay, you’re booked in a half dozen locations, that’s great. Congratulations! Now what? After you and the bookstore go through the trouble of scheduling a book sign

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The Business Side of Writing II

Okay, you’re booked in a half dozen locations, that’s great. Congratulations! Now what? After you and the bookstore go through the trouble of scheduling a book signing event, the absolute worst thing that can happen is n

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Bookstore Review - Book Warehouse

Imagine getting 50-80% off all of your book prices every day!!   Book Warehouse is the national leader among discount booksellers.  They have stores in 19 states and growing, and offer a broad range of books for all tast

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The Business Side Part I

Originally posted on Author and Artist Bryan M. Powell: So you’ve written a book. Congratulations! Putting in the time and effort to write your thoughts is a great accomplishment. Greater still is publication. Now you ca

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The Business Side Part I

So you’ve written a book. Congratulations! Putting in the time and effort to write your thoughts is a great accomplishment. Greater still is publication. Now you can sit back and watch the dollars come rolling in, right?

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Murder Goes South

Originally posted on Author and Artist Bryan M. Powell: Murder Goes South… a Festival of Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery Friends of Smyrna (Georgia) Library is hosting  Murder Goes South, Saturday, January 25

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Murder Goes South

Murder Goes South… a Festival of Readers and Writers of the Southern Mystery Friends of Smyrna (Georgia) Library is hosting  Murder Goes South, Saturday, January 25th. There still is time to register and we would love to

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Thought For The Day: God’s Protection

Originally posted on Author and Artist Bryan M. Powell: Luke 13:33-35  “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gath

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Thought For The Day: God’s Protection

Luke 13:33-35  “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing

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Bookstore Review

Today, I’m adding a new feature, I call it, Bookstore Reviews. As many of you know, I go to a lot of bookstores and interact with tons of managers, employees and customers. I believe I’ve got a pretty good feel… Continue

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Book Review - Black Sea Affair

During the Summer of 2013, I had the privilege of having a booth at the Southeastern Homeschool Expo in Atlanta GA. While there, I met Author Don Brown. It didn’t take long before I discovered that he and I shared… Conti

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Book Trailer - Sisters of the Veil

Hey Everyone, click this link … Sisters of the Veil Hunted by a radical Muslim cleric, Fatemah Bashera and Shirin Hassani escape Iran and come to America. Were it not for Jared Russell, a former Marine turned architect,

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Part Two From a Wanna-Be

Okay, so now we’re on a roll. You’ve dredged up the past and dealt with it. The skeleton in the closet is just that, a skeleton. Now let’s do as God did to Ezekiel’s vision. Let’s put some meat on… Continue Reading &rarr

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Book Review

How do you find time to read during the busy Christmas season? You don’t, you make the time. Whether it’s your Bible or a good book, if it’s important, you’ll find the time. In my case, Patty, my faithful and supportive

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“Mysteries and Morals”

There are at least two ways of approaching this topic. One is from an academic, literal position and the other from (I’ll call) an aesthetic position. If you chose the former, the question you might be asking is; What is

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From a Wannabe Writer to an Amabe Writer:

If you’re like me, you’ve seen the bumper sticker; “Got Milk?” and wondered, “What’s the big deal?” But that simple question has burgeoned into literally hundreds of “Got…” statements.  From “Got Trash to Got Jesus?” the

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This is my first post on WordPress.com. I’ve listed my books along with how to download them and also the book trailers. Please check them out.

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