I had an email from a friend the other day, chastising me for not updating my blog since October 23rd. There wasn’t much I could say in reply other than, “I haven’t been writing because I’ve been busy writing.” I know, it doesn’t seem very logical, but it’s the truth. With logic like that, I oughta run for President!

The truth that I havebeen too busy writing to blog. But, I have a confession to make, one that might be hard for some of you to accept.

I’ve crossed over to the ‘other side.’ I’ve actually been writing fiction. 

Yes, I know . . . it’s shocking. And not only am I writing fiction, but I’m admitting to it openly. I’ve even joined an organization called American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). And when I say I’m writing fiction, I’m not kidding–I’m currently self-editing the second rewrite of my first novel, which I’ll be entering into a couple of contests shortly, and will be pitching at writers’ conferences this spring.

I haven’t completely quit writing non-fiction, of course, so if you’re a magazine editor and were hoping that this would mean no more queries from Dan . . . sorry, I’m not going away, just broadening my writing perspective. I’ve found that there are a number of advantages to writing fiction:

• No need to deal with that pesky “truth” thing.
• It’s okay if you make up people and situations (non-fiction editors seem to have a problem with fabricating examples)
• If you don’t like a character, you can always kill ‘em (another thing frowned upon by non-fiction editors)
• You get to manipulate reality.
• One word: control.
• People are nicer to you if they think they might end up in one of your books.
• Based on the current field of candidates, being a fiction writer can qualify one to run for President–some of the current candidates seem to be accomplished fictional storytellers.

So, watch this space, fiction lovers. One of these days you’ll have yet another reason to love me!

D.