Writing as a journey and an act of faith
I sort of stumbled into an online writing life, rather like a toddler, who has no idea whether she will walk steadily or fall at the first hurdle. I’ve fallen several times, especially when getting to grips with technology, but I’ve discovered that the secret to success is to get back up again and carry on regardless.
Although I’ve been scribbling from my youth, used to read the next exciting instalment of my short stories to interested friends, contributed to magazines and wrote reams of poetry, I failed to call or recognise myself as a writer for years. But that has changed.
Having a public sphere in which to share your words will either make you shrink back in fear or plunge into the depths on a wing and a prayer. I’ve done both. Though I can vouch that courage and expertise grow in the sharing process.
We might remain fearful or be wary of a few things, but we learn to feel the fear and do it anyway: one word, one blog post, article or book at a time.
I like to think I am a bit more poised and polished these days, but the truth is that writing is both art and practice. Thankfully, I love writing, but technology still scares me a bit. Yet the more we write, the better we get at it.
The lowdown about my writing
My writing life is enabled by inspiration, perseverance, endurance, faith, hope and prayer. And it’s fuelled by lots of coffee, of course! If God didn’t equip me then I would soon fall flat on my face. Because my health challenges are usually challenge enough most days – which you can read about on my ‘About’ page.
As a contemplative Christian writer, I have contributed to various websites, including Beloved Prodigal, the Association of Christian Writers (ACW) ‘More than Writers’ and ‘Godspacelight’ blogs. I was a guest poet for Jenneth Graser’s Poetry as Therapy Online Retreat, and I write mostly poetry at my other blog poetryjoy.com.
Books I’ve written or contributed to
I’m the author of Seeking Solace: Discovering Grace in Life’s Hard Places, Embracing Hope: Soul Food to Help Chase Away the Blues and Soul Shots: 31 Days of Pocket Wisdom for Your Hurting Heart, and a contributor to Mosaic of Grace by James Prescott, Taking off The Mask by Claire Musters, Lean Towards the Light this Advent and Christmas by Christine Aroney-Sine and Lisa DeRosa, and Finding Purpose: Rediscovering Meaning in a Life with Chronic Illness by Cindee Snider Re.
My latest, newly released book is called Experiencing Lent: Sensing the Sacred in Our Midst. US readers can access it by clicking on the book cover image below.
Experiencing Lent is an ideal companion for a journey which emphasises God’s grace and sacrificial love.
This collection of poetry, reflections, bible verses and prayers will provide the perfect opportunity to have a welcome pause for thought as it also calls us to pay greater attention to the sacred in our midst.
It is a rich resource for Lent that can be adapted for a daily devotional or personal retreat later on.
Words of Joy 