A new online service to help connect Christian authors with the stores that sell their books has been launched by Christian Retailing magazine.

Author Corner, at www.christianretailing.com, offers a glimpse into the personal lives of writers as they share what motivates them, how they work and people and books that have been influential in their lives. They also offer a personal message to Christian store owners, managers and staff.

The informal short video clips are intended to give retailers more information about and insight into the people behind the books, said Christian Retailing Editor Andy Butcher.

"We know there is a special sense of affinity for those in the Christian book world and we wanted to help foster that," he said. "Personal connection is important, and these interviews will help retailers and even consumers get to know more about the person behind the pen in a way that will allow them to feel more engaged with and aware of their work."

Author Corner has gone live with interviews from more than 80 authors at last month's American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference in Indianapolis. Among those answering questions were suspense writer James Scott Bell, who tells how Christian fiction "gives me the opportunity to explore the issues of faith that were always of ultimate concern to me."

Historical romance writer Tracie Peterson credits her mother with helping her become a successful storyteller. "Desperate" to keep her daughter quiet in church, "she gave me a pencil and paper and told me to write something ... because she was very smart, after church she asked me to tell her the story," Peterson said.

Cynthia Ruchti, ACFW president, said: "Christian Retailing's Author Corner affords retailers a peek into the personalities and stories behind Christian fiction's storytellers, and it offers the authors a rare opportunity to connect with the retailers who put their books into the hands of customers.

"Like pulling up a chair to share a cup of coffee or tea with the people whose books grace the shelves of their stores and the lives of their readers, Author Corner provides another dimension, a deeper connection," she added.

More interviews will be added, with published authors invited to submit their own contributions. Details are available from Christian Retailing Managing Editor Christine Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Click here to watch Author Corner video clips.

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