Unsuspected Connection

Being a member of Jerry Jenkins’ Writers Guild, I watch Master Class, taped interviews with authors and publishers. In July the author, Brandilyn Collins, gave tips about convincing characters, good teaching from her book Getting Into Character. Her genres are suspense thrillers and contemporary novels. Although I’m a non-fiction writer, I found her instruction helpful and her enthusiasm contagious.

Wanting to know more about Brandilyn, I went to her website and Facebook page. Three photos posted on FB peaked my interest, so I left a comment. Her answer confirmed my guess that I know her parents as friends and in professional service. In early 1980’s when I was managing editor of Good News magazine, based in Wilmore, KY, Ruth Seamands (Brandilyn’s mother) was our typesetter. Many times a month I would either deliver or pick-up copy at Ruth’s home where she worked. My husband, Bill, would say it was like Delta Airlines and Atlanta, for we had to stop by Ruth’s house before going anywhere else.

Tata Seamands, playing cymbals at Ichthus Festival, Wilmore, KY.

We had other connections with the Seamands family. Brandilyn’s grandparents, known as Tata and Agie because of their missionary service in India, were dear to me. For a short season I went to their home and prepared lunch. That’s where I learned to cook curry dishes. During the time I attended Asbury College, married with four children, Tata was my avid encourager. I still remember his saying, “Sometimes the better of two options has to be sacrificed to reach your goal.” That came when I wanted to keep up with all my previous activities, yet studies had to be first priority. I graduated in 1977, finishing in six years, 20 years after completing high school.