Adrienne Gaines smiled as I met with her this past May at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. Her warmth and kindness shone through, reflecting the Lord’s presence in her life. We discussed my writing endeavors, and even though my platform needs to increase, Adrienne treated me with respect.
Adrienne also encouraged me to pursue the possibility of writing for Charisma’s SpiritLed Woman, an opportunity I inquired about because one of you, my readers, suggested it to me. Her genuine interest and helpful attitude gladdened my heart, and I left the appointment greatly appreciating Adrienne Gaines, my sister in Christ.
Please join me in welcoming Adrienne Gaines, a developmental editor for Charisma House publishers, to Writers Connect.
Get to know Adrienne Gaines (@againes77), a developmental editor for Charisma House publishers (@charismahouse), on WRITERS CONNECT. #AmWriting #ChristianWriters Share on XAdrienne, when and how did you come to know the Lord as your Savior?
Adrienne Gaines: I grew up in a Christian home, and accepted Christ when I was eight years old in Sunday school. I knew about serving the Lord from watching my parents, but that’s when I decided I wanted to serve Him for myself.
What is your primary role in the writing community, and how did you achieve this position?
Adrienne Gaines: I have been editing in various capacities for about twenty years now. I studied newspaper journalism in college and began my career as a magazine editor. About eight years ago, I transitioned into editing books. Even though I have been editing for many years, I think of myself as a writer who edits, because that’s the way my career progressed. I started writing for newspapers and magazines, then I began to edit more than write. Even when I started editing books, I was earning an MFA in creative writing, with a concentration in fiction.
How has God used you and your skills in the writing realm to strengthen His kingdom?
Adrienne Gaines: When I was working in journalism, I was an editor for a Christian publication called Charisma that reported on what God is doing around the world. We were not only able to expose Christians in the US to the ways God was moving in other parts of the world, but we were also able to share the testimonies of what God was doing in individual lives, which was really thrilling. Now as a book editor, I am able to work on materials that help people grow spiritually. Both types of materials have been a great joy to work on.
What are your dreams and goals for the next year?
Adrienne Gaines: One of my professional-development goals is to increase my editing speed without sacrificing accuracy. And I’d like to do more writing in the coming year. I spend most of my time editing these days, and I enjoy that very much, but I miss writing.
How can we pray for you?
Adrienne Gaines: My prayer has been much like the apostle Paul’s in Philippians 3:10—that I might know Him. So much of what we believe and do stems from how we perceive God. I want to have a richer, more intimate understanding of God’s love, grace, and character so I can fearlessly pursue everything He wants me to do.
Adrienne, our brief interaction at the conference impacted me in a positive way. Thank you for exhibiting Christlikeness and for showing kindness to me. Thank you as well for sharing about yourself and your work in the writing industry. It’s been fabulous having you as a guest! You’re a blessing and an encouragement. May the Lord bless you in return.
And to my readers ~ Adrienne’s experience as a writer plus her expertise as an editor could provide further insight for your journey. Please connect with her via Twitter, or you also can reach out to her in the comment section of this post. I’ll be happy to pass your words on to her.
Let’s keep Adrienne in our prayers. I love her powerful request—such a necessary prayer for all of us.
In Christ’s Love,
