In a matter of months, Hannah Fowler’s realization that God was calling her to write a book turned into a rough draft. From there, Hannah partnered with Verse & Vine for help writing revisions, editing, book design, and publishing. Three months after forging such a sweet partnership, her book is published and available for purchase. Here’s a look into what went on behind-the-scenes throughout the book-writing process. 

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When did you know you needed to write a book? Did you have any doubts or concerns about writing and publishing your book?

At the time, I was on break from work and bored. I was asking the Lord for a while what He wanted to do with me. I wondered about my purpose and just wanted to honor His work in my life. That’s when the idea to write the book came, and the Lord would not let me drop it. I just knew I needed to get the story out, and it was such a now-or-never type of attitude I got. So I grabbed some lined paper and sat down. I started writing everything I could think of, and then I narrowed it down. That’s when the rough draft began shaping up. I had doubts along the way and had no clue what I was doing. I just knew I needed to be obedient to what I felt the Lord wanted for me. That’s really where the passion for writing this book came from. Once I finished the rough draft, I kind of gave up on publishing the book. I figured if this was really the Lord, He would open up the right doors for this book to be released. That’s what I thought, and I just left it at that. 

Have you always considered yourself a writer? Describe the role writing has played in your life. 

I actually have never considered myself a writer. I was just brain-dumping everything onto a piece of paper and asking the Lord how He could use it. That’s when He reminded me about past journals and my diaries … things I’ve kept hidden in secret … and He reminded me that He hadn’t forgotten about me and the things I went through in my life, the tears and struggles alone, in private. I never dreamed I’d be an author or writer … or anything like that. I’m just a girl from Midland, North Carolina.

Writing for me has done a lot when it comes to expressing different things and releasing everything I’m feeling inside. When I was younger and going through abuse, it was hard for me to find my voice. I struggled to express what I was going through, but I used my journals and diaries. These were my conversations with the Lord and just getting all my stresses and concerns and frustrations out. When I look back, I still see the tear stains on the pages from times I didn’t know what to do in certain situations. It’s like the Taylor Swift song, only instead of teardrops on my guitar, they’re on my diary. 

What surprised you the most about writing and publishing your book? Did anything go different than you expected it to, and was that a good thing or a bad thing?

I expected it to move along much slower. Instead, it went very quickly! This is good because it’s how I know it’s the Lord. From connecting with Verse & Vine to the way the cover came about, God has been a part of the process all along. It was amazing to see how the Holy Spirit gave you prophetic insight to revise certain scenes. You weren’t there, but you were able to add details and descriptions that were so accurate. 

What was your favorite part about writing the book?

During the entire process, I had this feeling, this desire for people to know they’re not alone, and they don’t need to go through life struggling. There are people, but you’ve got to be open to it. People are closed off and often don’t even realize it. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, or just going about your day, sometimes it’s not always healthy to keep on trucking along, plowing through life on your own. Sometimes you need people. Sometimes you need resources in your life to help you through difficult times, and that is okay. I’d say my favorite part about writing this book is being able to show others they aren’t alone. They’re loved. You’re loved. No matter where you are and what you’re going through, the Lord will meet you there. 

If you want to connect with Hannah, you can follow her on Facebook. 🌿