How did I become an author and speaker? I finally grew tired of running.

The nudge to write for the Christian market came when I moved from Kansas to the Chicago area. In the process of relocating, I received an anonymous death threat. My family and I trusted God to protect us, and I wrote about this experience. That story, “The Day I Received the Death Threat” appeared in Today’s Christian Woman magazine, for which I was named the Best New Writer of the Year at the 2003 Write-to-Publish Christian writers’ conference held annually in Wheaton, IL.

In my new home, I joined a church where I created characters to celebrate church functions. Asked to be the Mistress of Ceremonies for the church anniversary, I ran. To another church. Where maybe I could hide, and dampen the flame inside me that demanded I speak. Still, I couldn’t be quiet.

Even in corporate positions, I welcomed opportunities to stand before crowds. It wasn’t enough to just stand in front of a group and say a few words, I created dramas! For instance, I was asked to deliver a presentation on the union of two functions. I staged a wedding. To the tune of “Here Comes the Bride,” I entered the packed auditorium clothed in a white robe, and followed by three of my co-workers as the wedding party: the groom, the bride, and the bride’s father. The surprised look in my supervisor’s eyes gave way to a smile of approval. He didn’t have any knowledge of what was coming and although caught off-guard, the stunt earned a favorable comment on my performance review. However, I wondered why I couldn’t stop myself from doing these things. And, why I enjoyed them so much.

Just before catching a flight to address another group in San Antonio, I read a passage of scripture that seemed to call out to me. The women who went to the tomb were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James . . . They told . . . what had happened.” (St. Luke 24:10) It was if God said, “Listen up, Joanna, let me make this plain. I am calling you out by name.” I finally understood the words of the prophet Jeremiah when he talked about the name of the Lord and His word burning in my heart like fire in my bones. Like the prophet, I grew weary of holding it in. (Jeremiah 20:9). I love sharing God's Word and his awesomeness.

Every day I ask God what He would have me to do to be an acceptable steward of the ministry He has given me. Some days, His ideas are completely different than mine. A lot of times, I don’t understand why He has me to call certain people, to go particular places, to cease working on what I think is so important. And, I see amazing things happen.

Now, let me be real. There have been some tough things in my life this past year. For instance, my husband lost the ability to walk in a matter of hours. He’s improved, but we’re still praying for a recovery. You can read more about that in “Joanna’s Journey.” But don’t stop there. Please spend a few minutes on my site. I’m thankful that you would want to share some of your precious time with me.

To make it easy for you, here’s what you’ll find:

• More stuff about me. Sometimes it’s hard to talk about yourself. But, I want to let you know a little bit about what drives me to do this over and over. The short answer: I can’t stop myself. Who is Joanna McGee Bradford?

• Wow! It’s been a year since my first novel “The Father’s Voice” was released. My characters, Brenda Quinn and Russell Dawson love their new home in the neighborhood of romance novels. Think it’s unlikely that an attorney would fall in love with someone wearing a blue collar? Can anybody say ‘Tyler Perry’ and “Daddy’s Little Girls”? This movie is a lot like my book, except my book is unashamedly, unabashedly Christian! And, Brenda and Russell still have drama! Think there’s no such thing as Christian fiction? Even Jesus told stories. I think he called them parables.

Check out the excerpt from my book. I hope you’ll want to buy a copy and find out how they got into and out of such jams.

• Thinking about writing? Think. Pray. Repeat excercise. If the urge hasn’t gone away, then take a look at some hints on my site. Wanna Be A Writer? Check out other resources on writing, go to conferences, or subscribe to writing magazines. This year, I hope to teach some classes at a local library on writing. Speaking, writing and teaching about writing! Can it get much better?

• Back in the mid-60’s, James Brown sang, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag.” Well, folks, this mama has a brand new identity: Bold Believer™. I am believing everything God says for, to and about, His children. I am taking Him up on the invitation to come boldly before His throne. (Hebrews 4:16) I am so excited to have you join me in “Becoming a Bodacious Believer.” There’s a special invitation just for you and another book in the works! Click the invitation to learn more.

I know your time is limited, so I’m going to get back to writing, marketing, speaking, and all the other stuff that is part of life: cooking, cleaning, chauffeuring, care-taking . . . continued. You get the idea.

If you get a chance, drop me a line. Tell me what you think. Ask me to speak at your event. Thanks for dropping in.

In His Service,