Interview With Author Shannon DeBona
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Shannon DeBona, and I am a Christian writer with a passion for biblical exegesis, theology, and helping others find healing through faith. I have a Bachelor’s in Christian Studies and a Master’s in Education for Curriculum and Instruction, which have both shaped my approach to writing, blending deep scriptural study with a teaching mindset to make complex biblical truths accessible and impactful.
My journey as an author has been deeply personal. After experiencing profound grief and loss, I found myself drawn to the story of the crucifixion in a new way. I began to see how every moment of Jesus’s suffering mirrored the struggles we face; grief, betrayal, rejection, fear, injustice, and more. This revelation became the foundation for my first book, which walks readers through the events of the crucifixion, connecting them to the burdens Jesus bore for us. Through biblical symbolism, historical context, and deeply personal reflection, I hope to offer readers a fresh and transformative perspective on Christ’s sacrifice.
Beyond writing, I have spent years leading Bible studies and teaching others how to dig deeper into God’s Word. I also run The Depressed Chef, a food blog dedicated to helping people who struggle to be in the kitchen due to grief, depression, or life’s hardships. My mission, both in my writing and in my ministry, is to encourage resilience, healing, and faith in the midst of life’s hardest seasons.
This is my first book, but I already feel God stirring ideas for future works, and I am excited to see where this journey leads.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The title of my book is Love in Every Stripe, and it is the result of a journey that began over a decade ago. In 2014, my dad and I reflected on Isaiah 53:5—“By His stripes, we are healed” and that conversation opened my eyes to a deeper truth. The cross was not just about the forgiveness of sin. When Adam and Eve’s fall introduced sin into the world, it also ushered in suffering, sickness, grief, rejection, anxiety, and every form of human pain. That realization planted a seed in my heart, leading me to explore how Jesus bore more than just sin on the cross; He carried the weight of every burden we face.
Together, my dad and I wrote what would become the first chapter, but as life took me in different directions, the manuscript sat untouched for eleven years. During that time, I walked through some of the very struggles this book addresses; grief, loss, fear, and pain, transforming my understanding of Christ’s suffering from an intellectual pursuit into a personal testimony.
Then, in a worship service, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart: “Pick the book back up.” In obedience, I found the original chapter and began writing again. The words flowed effortlessly, as though God Himself was guiding every thought.
Love in Every Stripe is more than just a retelling of the crucifixion. Each chapter begins with a vivid, narrative moment, immersing readers in the events of Jesus’s final hours. These scenes are followed by deep biblical truths, historical context, and an exploration of the burdens He carried on our behalf. My prayer is that this book serves as a bridge between pain and healing, helping others see that they are never alone. Jesus carried it all every wound, every sorrow, every weight so that we could find hope, healing, and freedom in Him.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I would definitely say my writing process is anything but traditional. Unlike many writers who meticulously outline every detail before drafting, I often find myself writing in intense, concentrated bursts. When inspiration strikes, especially when I feel the Holy Spirit leading me, I can sit for hours, completely immersed in the words, barely stopping to eat or rest. This was especially true when writing Love in Every Stripe. Once I picked the book back up after eleven years, the words flowed so quickly that I completed the entire manuscript in just three days.
I also tend to write in unconventional places. Sometimes, I will be in the middle of my morning devotional, and an insight will hit me so strongly that I have to stop everything and start typing. Other times, I will be driving or doing something completely unrelated, and a phrase or idea will come to mind. I have learned to jot things down immediately; whether it is in a notebook, my phone, or even on the back of a receipt because those moments of inspiration feel like divine downloads, and I do not want to lose them.
Another unusual habit is that I often read aloud as I write. Because reading and writing require extra focus for me, hearing the words helps me process them better and ensures that everything flows naturally.
Ultimately, my writing process is deeply tied to faith. I do not sit down with a rigid plan. I sit down with an open heart, praying that God will guide my words. And every time, He does.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Two authors who have had a significant influence on me are Max Lucado and J.K. Rowling, though for very different reasons.
Max Lucado is my favorite Christian author because of his incredible gift for imagery and storytelling. He has a way of making biblical truths feel deeply personal, weaving unique connections that help readers see Scripture in a new light. His ability to take complex spiritual concepts and present them in a way that resonates with the heart has greatly influenced my own writing. Like Lucado, I strive to bring biblical narratives to life, helping readers experience the weight and depth of God’s love in a way that feels tangible.
J.K. Rowling, on the other hand, played a pivotal role in my personal journey as a reader. When I turned 11, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone was released, and I was the same age as Harry himself. It was the first book I ever read in its entirety, and it changed the way I viewed reading. Before then, reading had always been a challenge for me. But Harry Potter taught me the importance of comprehension—I realized that in order to understand the page I was on, I had to fully grasp the one before it. Sometimes, I would reread a page three, four, even five times to make sure I understood before moving forward. That series wasn’t just a story to me; it was the key that unlocked my ability to engage with books in a deeper way.
Though my writing is firmly rooted in Christian themes, I carry the influence of both authors with me. From Max Lucado, I learned how to paint vivid, faith-filled imagery that connects the reader’s heart to the message. From J.K. Rowling, I learned the power of perseverance in reading and writing, ensuring that every word and every moment matters. Together, these influences have shaped the way I tell stories, whether through biblical narratives, devotional reflections, or personal testimonies.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am continuing to delve into the themes introduced in Love in Every Stripe by expanding on the ways we can apply Christ’s sacrifice to our daily lives. I am working on creating a companion workbook that guides readers through reflection exercises, prayers, and practical steps for embracing the healing and freedom offered through Jesus’s suffering. My hope is that this workbook will become a tool for personal growth and spiritual transformation, helping people connect more deeply with the message of the book.
Additionally, I am exploring new book ideas that further unpack biblical themes in fresh and transformative ways. One area I am particularly passionate about is exploring how ordinary moments in the Bible hold extraordinary lessons for our everyday lives. I want to create resources that help believers see the divine in the mundane and recognize God’s hand in every aspect of their journey.
Beyond writing, I am also focused on growing The Depressed Chef, my food blog that supports those who struggle to be in the kitchen due to grief, depression, or life’s challenges. Through this platform, I am creating quick and easy recipes that nourish both the body and the soul, providing comfort and simplicity for those who need it most.
Whether through writing, teaching, or blogging, my heart remains centered on helping others find hope, healing, and purpose in Christ. I am excited to see where God leads next and how these projects will impact those who encounter them.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since Love in Every Stripe is my first book, I am still exploring the best methods for promotion. Right now, my focus is on organic engagement, connecting with people in meaningful ways rather than just marketing to them.
One of my main platforms is The Depressed Chef, my food blog, where I already have an audience of people seeking comfort and encouragement. While the blog is centered around simple, healing meals, it naturally aligns with the themes of my book, which is all about finding hope in the midst of suffering. Sharing my journey and book insights with my blog audience has been a great way to connect with people who might benefit from its message.
I also plan to use social media, particularly Facebook and Instagram, to share excerpts, behind-the-scenes insights, and personal reflections related to the book. I want to create posts that spark discussion and offer encouragement rather than just promotional content. My goal is to let people see my heart behind the book and allow its message to spread organically through word of mouth.
Beyond that, I am exploring ways to collaborate with church groups, Bible study leaders, and Christian book clubs, as I believe Love in Every Stripe would be a great resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Jesus’s suffering and how it relates to their own struggles.
Since I am still learning, I welcome any suggestions from other authors or readers who have found effective ways to share their work. At the end of the day, my goal is not just to sell a book but to make sure it reaches those who need its message the most.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My biggest advice for new authors is this: trust the process and trust the calling. If God has placed a message on your heart, then it is there for a reason. Writing a book can feel overwhelming, and it is easy to let doubt creep in, wondering if your words will make an impact or if you are the right person to share this story. But if God has called you to it, He will equip you for it. Do not get discouraged by the length of the journey. Some books take months to write, while others, like mine, take over a decade. Every experience, challenge, and moment of growth along the way shapes the final message. Trust that His timing is perfect.
One of my biggest struggles after finishing my book was deciding how to publish it. I wrestled with the options such as traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing, each offering different benefits and challenges. Ultimately, I chose self-publishing because it allowed me to bring my book to readers more quickly while maintaining full creative control. Every step of the process, from writing to formatting to the cover design, carried my personal touch. While I knew self-publishing would mean a smaller marketing reach compared to traditional publishing, I valued the ability to shape my book exactly how I envisioned it. For any author facing this choice, my advice is to weigh your priorities. Do you want a larger platform and a publishing house’s backing, or do you want full control over your book’s journey? There is no wrong choice, only the one that aligns best with your goals.
Finally, be confident in yourself and your abilities. Do not second-guess your efforts or allow doubt to steal your momentum. You will have moments where you wonder if your book is “good enough” or if anyone will read it, but keep going. Writing and publishing a book is no small feat, and every step you take is a victory. Believe in the message God has given you, trust that it will reach the people who need to hear it, and know that your words matter. No one else can tell your story the way you can.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I have ever heard is this: “You are not buried; you are planted.”
There was a time in my life when tragedy after tragedy hit, and I felt like I was being buried under the weight of grief, pain, and darkness. My mental health suffered, and it felt as if the life I once knew had been stripped away, leaving nothing but loss and uncertainty. It was hard to see anything beyond the sorrow. I felt stuck, like I was trapped beneath the surface with no way but.
But over time, I began to see things differently. I was not buried. I was planted. The darkness was not my grave. It was the soil where God was preparing me to grow. In the middle of my hardest seasons, I started finding purpose, discovering pockets of joy, and holding onto the hope that there was still life to be lived. I was made to thrive and bloom, even in the places I never expected. That shift in perspective changed everything. Instead of seeing suffering as the end, I saw it as a transformation. God was doing something beneath the surface, strengthening my roots so that when the time came, I could rise again, stronger, wiser, and full of purpose.
Now, I carry that truth with me in everything I do. Pain is real, suffering is real, but it is not the end of the story. When we trust that God is still at work, even when we cannot see it, we begin to recognize that what felt like destruction was actually preparation. We are meant to grow, to heal, and to flourish. And when the time is right, we bloom.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I am not deep into any novels or long books. I simply do not have the time! But I am committed to daily devotionals and a 20-week Bible study on the women of the Bible. This study has been incredibly enriching, diving into the lives of women whose stories often get overlooked but hold powerful lessons in faith, strength, and resilience. I love studies that help me see Scripture in a deeper way, especially when they challenge me to reflect on how God’s work in the past still applies to my life today.
So while I might not be reading a traditional book at the moment, I am definitely filling my mind and heart with wisdom that strengthens my faith and deepens my understanding of God’s Word.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Right now, my main focus is promoting Love in Every Stripe and seeing where God leads it. This book was written out of deep conviction and obedience, and I truly believe it will reach those who need its message the most. My goal is not just to sell copies but to get it into the hands of people who are searching for hope, healing, and a deeper understanding of Christ’s sacrifice. I am excited to share it through speaking opportunities, social media, and personal connections, trusting that God will open the right doors.
Beyond that, I am prayerfully considering a second book in this series. There is so much more to explore about the burdens Jesus carried on the cross and how they connect to the struggles we face today. Whether it is a deeper dive into a specific theme or a continuation of this book’s message, I feel that God is still unfolding this journey, and I am open to where He takes it next.
Ultimately, I want to remain faithful to the calling of writing in whatever form that takes, whether through books, devotionals, Bible studies, or other ministry opportunities. My heart is to encourage and equip others through biblical truth, and I am excited to see what God has in store for the future.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
First and foremost, I would bring my Bible. If I am stuck on an island, I am going to need all the wisdom, strength, and divine guidance I can get. The Bible is a constant source of hope, reminding me that even in isolation, I am never truly alone.
Second, I would bring Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name by Max Lucado. Max Lucado’s ability to connect biblical truths with real-life struggles has always resonated with me, and this book is a powerful reminder that no matter where we are, yes, even stranded on an island, God is present, personal, and working in our lives.
For practicality, I would pack a survival guide, like SAS Survival Handbook by John Wiseman. Let’s be real, if I am stuck in the middle of nowhere, I need to know how to start a fire, find food, and make sure I am not eaten by something lurking in the jungle.
And finally, I would bring The City of Ember series. When my son was assigned City of Ember for school, I read it a chapter ahead of him to help guide his reading comprehension; finding passages to teach visualization, context clues, and other key strategies. Not only was it a meaningful bonding experience, but I also genuinely loved the book! I have always wanted to finish the series, so if I am stuck on an island with time on my hands, what better opportunity!
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