Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
First and foremost, I’m a lover of Jesus. I write to inspire and encourage other Christ-followers on their spiritual journey. A journey that is a struggle sometimes. My books send a clear message that it’s worth it to fight the good fight, keep the faith, and finish the race. There are things that matter and things that don’t–and a relationship with Jesus matters most.
I have written one book—a novel. It’s about facing the fear that sometimes stalls a Christ-follower’s spiritual journey. I wrote it to let readers know there is a way out of your comfort zone where you refuse to take risks—and hate yourself for it later.
I married my college sweetheart, Becki, in 1974. We have been married for the best 46 years of my life. Our four grown children and eight grandchildren keep us busy and full of joy.
I pastored a church and worked as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service. In 2017 after 25 years satisfying years, I retired. No longer a bi-vocational pastor, I focus my energies on family, building believers through small group involvement, and writing books, devotionals, curriculum and blog posts. For over a decade, I’ve written a weekly column called “Pastor’s Ponderings” for a couple of newspapers.
In my spare time, I love reading, gardening and swinging on my porch swing. I also enjoy speaking from God’s Word and sharing my spiritual journey at churches and conferences.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest—and first—book is called “Cornered in Shallow Water: One Man’s Journey from Crippling Fear to Freedom and Faith.” It’s a novel that’s based on my life. I’ve always battled fear that’s caused me to miss a lot of wonderful things in my life—both in my spiritual journey with God and life in general. This book offers hope and a model for Christians and those who aren’t. I believe there are thousands of other people who are in the same point and want to know fear can be overcome.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I get ideas and even sentences a lot of times in the shower or when I first hop into bed. So I grab my phone and jot them down as soon as I get out of the shower. I’ve disturbed my wife more than once when I flipped on my phone to record those ideas and sentences. For some reason, the light tends to wake her up.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite authors are John Eldredge and Ted Dekker. Many others have fed into my life over the years. Recently, I read “The Cure” by John Lynch, Bruce McNichol and Bill Thrall. It had a big impact on me.
What are you working on now?
I’m still writing a weekly newspaper column for two area newspapers called “Pastor’s Ponderings.” I’ve been doing it for over a decade.
In addition, I’ve got another novel in the pipeline and I’ve written short chapters for two devotional books I hope to release in 2020 yet.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon is the obvious answer. I also have an author website where I talk about my books, write a blog and connect with those who read my books and want to tell me how they affected their lives.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
[1] Don’t let fear keep you from writing. Especially the fear that no one will read your book or buy it, and that everything will think it was a waste of their time to even labor through the first chapter. Keep writing.
[2] Write at least something every day. It may be a paragraph or 10 pages, but write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Since I was one of those who worried no one would read or buy my book, a quote I ran across by Christian author Mark Batterson kept me working on the book.
He said, “Your greatest influence might be the children or church or charitable trust that outlive you. For the record, this is one reason why I write. Books are time capsules. I write because I want my great-great-grandchildren to know what I lived for, what I was willing to die for. And if others want to read my books while I’m living, all the better. But I write for the third and fourth generations.”
I’ve adopted that mindset and it made all the difference in sticking to writing the book.
What are you reading now?
The Bible
All Things New by John Eldredge
Creating Community by Andy Stanley and Bill Willits
Get Your Life Back by John Eldredge
What’s next for you as a writer?
Finish my next novel and create a few devotionals.
The novel is about an estranged mother and son who finally reunite after one speaks one sentence at the funeral of her mother and he realizes he feels the same thing. And time is running out.
The devotionals have working titles of “One Month with Joshua” and “The Biggest ‘Buts’ in the Bible.
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?
My Bible – God
The Cure – John Lynch, Bruce McNichol and Bill Thrall
How’s Your Soul – Judah Smith
The Sacred Romance – John Eldredge
Author Websites and Profiles
Steve Wilmot Website
Steve Wilmot Amazon Profile