In this space, WestBow Press publishes articles written by our authors in which they share some aspect of their self-publishing journeys. The following blog is from Cathy Corley, author of The Red Stones. To begin your self-publishing journey, get your free WestBow Press publishing guide today!
One day in January, I found myself searching the web for “how to publish a Christian book”. My father had passed away in October, and I felt compelled to tell his story. They say grieving comes in all shapes and sizes. I happened to find solace and feel closer to my father when I could tell others about him. I came across the 1-800 number on the WestBow Press website and decided to take the plunge and call. Phil Yeager, a WestBow publishing consultant, answered as if he was a long-lost friend. Phil validated my father’s story and gave me the confidence to write it down. God was in the center of it all!
My father was born an optimist, he found the good in everything! During his last four years, my father battled lung cancer, lost a leg from diabetes, and suffered a heart attack. However, none of his many ailments ever prompted complaints. He would grin and say, “I feel great!”
How I Got The Idea For My Book
There are so many interesting and funny stories about my dad, but the story I wanted to share was how he spread the gospel. The tangible gift of a small red stone was given to those my father met along his way. Once he placed a red stone in the new friend’s hand, he would tell them of God’s love and ultimate sacrifice. My dad shared the news of Jesus, proclaiming how He died on the cross for our sins and miraculously rose from the dead to live forever. Although my dad knew his time on this earth was coming to an end, he clung to the hope and joy of living forever with Jesus. He wanted others to know this hope as well!
I had the privilege of witnessing my father share the red stones with others, and I did not want to keep this memory to myself. My desire to write The Red Stones began with wanting my great-nieces to know about their great-grandfather. Throughout the writing process, God showed me that this was not only my dad’s story. This story was a challenge for all of us to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
Thank You WestBow Press!
I am so appreciative for WestBow Press. They gently guided me from my initial call last January to the final proofs. Each representative was patient, kind and helpful through every stage. I would encourage anyone that has a story on their heart to take the time and write it down. God has blessed me through this journey.
– WBP –
WestBow Press authors who’d like to share a 350-600 word experience related to the self-publishing of their books are invited to do so by sending a message through the WestBow Press Facebook page and follow the WestBow Press Twitter account @WestBowPress. WestBow Press reserves the right to edit stories for content, grammar, punctuation, and length.