Conversations with Creatives: Barbara M. Britton

Christina: Barbara, thank you so much for taking some time to chat with us. Can you share a little about yourself?

Barbara: I’m a multi-published author of Christian Fiction. My Tribes of Israel series brings little-known Bible characters to light. You can also travel to Whispering Creek, Tennessee with my sweet romance duology. My latest book is set around the Sea of Galilee and it’s a Biblical Fiction Bible study. I have a nutrition degree from Baylor University, but I love to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate.

 Christina: Now, let’s talk about books! What is your book called?

Barbara: Across the Lake: Traveling with Jesus Around the Sea of Galilee is a Biblical Fiction Bible study that can be used as a devotional. I cover six stories in the Gospel of Mark that show the power and compassion of Jesus.

Christina: When was it released?

Barbara: Across the Lake was released on January 6^th of 2026.

Christina: Is it a series?

Barbara: Right now, it is a standalone Bible study. Readers like the format. One author already told me what stories she would like to see next.

Christina: Can you share your book’s blurb with us?

Barbara:

Discover the life-changing power of Jesus in six short stories from the Gospel of Mark. The miracles of Jesus will leap from the page in a Biblical Fiction story, author reflection, and relatable study.

Travel with Jesus as he calms a storm, heals a desperate woman, raises a dead daughter to life, sends His disciples on a minimalist mission, feeds thousands on a hillside, and shows compassion to a persistent mother.

A perfect study for your small group, personal or family devotions, or even a book club.

 Christina: What inspired you to write this book?

Barbara: In March of 2023, my husband and I took a trip to Israel. We were only there a few days before we had to return home due to a family emergency. We were blessed to be able to tour the region around the Sea of Galilee where Jesus did most of His ministry.

While I was sitting on a boat in the middle of the sea, I prayed for God to show me where he wanted me to go next in the Bible for my Biblical Fiction. I became emotional and realized I was in the perfect setting to write about Jesus.

 

 

Christina: What’s your favorite part of your writing process?

Barbara: I’m an organic writer. I sit with a pad of paper and pray before I begin writing my stories. I am a terrible typist, so writing with a pen allows me to get the story out of my head faster. I eventually type the story on a computer while editing my words.

I enjoy being off the computer screen and relaxing while I write. My favorite writing drink is hot chocolate with whipped cream.

Christina: Can you share any challenges you faced during the research or writing process?

Barbara: Across the Lake was one of the most difficult books to write. I stayed away from writing New Testament stories because writing about Jesus is hard. I didn’t want to give Jesus extra dialogue or speak into His inner thoughts. What do you do with a person in your story that you can’t give the usual characteristics and quirks? I relied on the disciples and secondary people to show the awesomeness of Jesus.

Since there is a Bible study portion to the book, I had theologians read my work to make sure everything aligned with sound doctrine. This process slowed production, but it’s a necessary step when you are writing nonfiction.

Christina: How do you develop your characters? Do they come to you fully formed, or do they reveal themselves as you write?

Barbara: Jesus came fully formed, but I gave emotion to the people that Jesus healed. I was able to add feelings and fears to the troubled and hurting people that sought Jesus. Sometimes we miss the details in Bible stories, and they can add depth to a character or to the setting. I was blessed to be able to walk where several of these stories occurred and see the landscape.

Christina: If you could give one piece of advice to budding creatives, what would it be?

Barbara: I urge creatives/writers to join a professional writing organization or writing group. Attend meetings and get involved in activities. This will help build a network of friends who understand the business of publishing.

Writing groups are sources of encouragement, but you can also meet critique partners and authors farther down the publishing lane. I received career advice from writers in my local, national, and online groups. Attending writing conferences is another good way of learning the craft of writing, meeting friends, and learning the business side of writing.

Writing conferences usually have contests that you can enter, and they offer pitch sessions with mentors, editors, and agents, and some offer page critiques.

 Christina: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Barbara: I hope Christians learn more about the Bible and grow closer to Jesus. I also hope readers who don’t know Jesus will come to place their faith and trust in Him.

Christina:  I love that! What is your favorite snack to get your creative juices flowing?

Barbara: Anything chocolate in nature. I also like a sweetened glass of iced tea.

Christina: What childhood story has stuck with you through adulthood?

Barbara: I am a huge fan of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. I taught elementary chapel where we went through each of the children who found a golden ticket and discovered what we could learn from them. We want to shine a light for Jesus in a dark world and not throw a tantrum for candy.

Christina: That’s a great lesson. If your book was made into a movie, who would you cast as the main character(s)?

Barbara: This is a tough question because I purposely didn’t show Jesus’s face on my book cover or inside. If I had to cast someone, it would be Jonathan Roumie of The Chosen because he has portrayed Jesus to millions of fans.

Christina: What upcoming writing projects are you working on?

Barbara: I am working on a devotional about Bible heroes who are not perfect. We can learn a lot from their stories about ourselves and about God.

Christina: Barbara, thank you so much for meeting with us today! You can learn more about Barbara on her website: barbarambritton.com

Or follow her on Instagram, X, or Facebook. And she is new to Pinterest!