'My hope is that people will read it and think about church differently'

Interview with freelance writer, teacher and Baptist church member Deborah Jenkins about her novel Braver, and her long-held dream of writing a book about people with faith

What's the basic premise of your book?

Braver is about an unlikely friendship between three people: Hazel, a teaching assistant with anxiety; Harry, a vulnerable teenage boy and Virginia, a church minister with a troubled past. Finding friendship and a sense of belonging with people from the local church, each begins to find the courage to face their ‘demons’. But when an accusation is made, it threatens to destroy everything they’ve worked for.
 

Why did you write it?

Years ago, I decided I’d love to write a novel for the mainstream market that might help people think about God and church in a positive way. This would be through some of the characters, not serene, joy-filled ones, but ordinary, flawed people trying to live a faith-filled life in a messy world with varying degrees of success. But I was advised that it would be almost impossible to do this as publishers don’t think people want to read about the positives associated with faith.

So, I tried to write about other things. I wrote one novel and then another. Neither of these was accepted for publication. I began to wonder whether this pipe dream should be flushed away altogether.
 
Then, in 2020, we went into lockdown and, as an extremely vulnerable adult, I was at home for months. I decided I would give the novel another go. I stumbled across some research to show that being part of a church can lengthen life, reduce depression and promote positive mental health. I therefore planned to set the story in a local community where some characters meet people from their local church, finding friendship and a sense of belonging which has a positive impact on their lives.


You tackle some serious issues such as mental health, loss, safeguarding, loneliness and bullying. What was the thinking behind that?

These are sadly all features of modern life and for readers to relate to a book, it must be realistic. Mental health problems, a sense of loss, loneliness and bullying are rife in society, perhaps even more so since the pandemic.

Safeguarding is an unfortunate necessity in all walks of life because of the horrifying stories of abuse that we often hear about. If we don’t absolutely stick to safeguarding procedures, even when we’re sure people’s intentions are good, we put everyone at risk.
 
Somehow, writing about these things legitimises our experiences and helps us to feel less alone. The reality is we’re all in this together, but we can help each other.
 

By contrast, this is a heartwarming story about the power of community. Why was it important for you to set this in the context of a church?

It was very important. I had read several novels about the power of community to change lives, among a group of swimmers for example, or dog walkers or customers at a café. I loved the hope and positivity these stories offered, and it occurred to me that churches can be wonderful places to find such things. It also fitted perfectly with my long-held dream of writing a book about people with faith. Like a jigsaw easing into place, it felt like Braver was asking to be written, although I had no idea if anyone would publish it.
 
 
This is published by a mainstream publisher, as opposed to a Christian one. Was this deliberate?

It was. As mentioned above, I wanted the book to be accessible to everyone, perhaps helping to change some of the negative images about church often presented in the media. Christian publishers do an excellent job with books aimed at the Christian market and although some get their publications into mainstream bookshops, it tends to be the exception. After many rejections, I had an offer from a Christian publisher I greatly respect but when Fairlight Books also made an offer, I decided to go with them. They’ve been a joy to work with.
 
 
You've mentioned that some pre-publication reviews have praised the way in which Christianity has been presented 'in a positive light without being preachy'. What was your response to this? Why?

I was delighted! Interestingly, the definition of ‘preachy’ is ‘having or showing a tendency to give moral advice in a tedious or self-righteous way.’

Preachy fiction, whatever it’s about, tends to annoy not convince. But well-told stories with believable characters and relatable themes have the power to connect with people in ways that moralistic messages never will. Jesus knew this as did others, like C S Lewis and Tolkien. I hope Braver has these things but it’s probably not my place to say!
 

What are your hopes for Braver? Do you have a message to Baptist church members about it?

My hope is that people will read it and think about church differently. If it occurs to one person after reading Braver, to go to their local church for friendship and support it will have been worthwhile writing it. Of course, some churches may not be as welcoming and inclusive as the one in my book, but I believe this is how church ought to be.
 
I suppose my message to the Baptist family would be to please consider buying and reading Braver. And if you like it, recommend it to someone you know outside the church.
 

What next for your writing?

I’ve nearly finished a short story collection called Winter Lights on the theme of Christmas/New Year. Quite a few people have asked for a sequel to Braver, so I’d love to have a go at that too. I’ve got some ideas, but they usually arrive, inconveniently, in the middle of the night so I’m looking forward to having time for them during daylight hours!
 

Braver is available from all good bookshops and online

Deborah Jenkins is a freelance writer and teacher. She has written textbooks, articles, short fiction and a novella, The Evenness of Things.

Deborah lives in Sussex with a Baptist minister and a cat called Oliver. She writes a blog at stillwonderinghere.net. You can follow her on Twitter @Loverofhats

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