Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a Christ-follower passionate about small groups and helping fellow-travelers on their spiritual journey. I retired from the United States Postal Service and the full-time pastoral ministry during the last decade. I am the husband of one, father of four and grandfather of eight. Love being a grampa!
I’ve written two books. “Cornered in Shallow Water: One Man’s Journey from Crippling Fear to Faith and Freedom,” and “Do It Scared: 20 Devotional Readings to Turn Scaredy-Cats into Warriors.”
The first was a novel about a pastor who struggles with fear. It keeps him in the safe end of the pool where he can touch bottom, and in his comfort zone. The book tells the story of his struggle and how he was able to do what God wanted him to do. It’s a story readers have found inspiring and helpful.
The second book is a devotional highlighting 20 of the Bible verses the pastor in “Cornered” discovered which led him to his victory over fear. My hope is that readers will be encouraged by these devotionals and add the Bible verses to their arsenal against fear.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is “Do It Scared: 20 Devotional Readings to Turn Scaredy-Cats into Warriors.” Being a lifelong scaredy-cat, the devotionals explain several Bible verses that have helped me on my journey to not let fear keep me on the sidelines. And even when I’m afraid, to do it scared.
I run into people all the time who struggle with fear like I do. They tell me they know they’re missing out on everything God has for them. They hate it that fears holds them back from taking risks, but they don’t know how to deal with fear and the regrets that arise from it.
By no means do I proclaim myself free of fear. But these verses have helped me grow as a reforming scaredy-cat. I believe these devotionals will inspire and guide others to jog further down the road on their journey to beat back fear.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I find that I get a lot of ideas for a chapter or devotional I’m working on as I relax on my porch swing. I lost many of those sentences, phrases, and ideas, so I take notepaper with me when I head to the swing just in case.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Tedd Dekker’s books and John Eldredge’s books. Just about any of their books. Recently “The Cure” by Bill Thrall, et al has had a profound effect on me.
What are you working on now?
I never imagined I’d write a novel—that’s not my writing expertise. I write to teach and explain biblical truth and character’s experiences with God. That’s my sweet spot. For over a decade, I’ve written a weekly column in two area newspapers called “Pastor’s Ponderings” where I share the Word of God.
That said, I found it was fun to write the novel, even though it was out of my comfort zone.
Right now, I’m working on a couple of books. Another novel about a mother who was verbally abused in her childhood and teens and how that abuse has effected her life. The battles she has with acceptance and compliments and worth. At the same time, it chronicles the story of her prodigal son and all the mother goes through to cope with his absence and ruined potential while trying everything she can think of to bring him home.
The other one I’m working on is a collection of the best of Pastor’s Ponderings. Choosing which ones to include, how many, revision and editing are required, and that’s where I am now.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I used Amazon exclusively for “Cornered.” With “Do It Scared,” I’m using Amazon for the e-book and Ingram Spark for the paperback. I also have a website where I write a blog that offers encouragement each week to fellow-travelers on our individual journey of faith. The website includes info about me, past books, what I’m up to now, and discount offers. Anyone interested can go to https://stevewilmotauthor.com to check it out.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
1. Write something everyday, even if it’s only a sentence or two. Starting is usually one of the hardest things to do, but once you make yourself sit down a write something you most often keep on writing.
2. Don’t give up. If you’ve got a book in your soul that will benefit others in some critical area of their lives, you’ve got to write it. Fight off the common fears of no one will read it, no one will buy it, it’s terrible, I’m a terrible writer, and who do I think I am to write a book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Concerning writing, it’s to write for my kids, grandkids and future generations of my family. Don’t worry if anyone else reads it or buys it. Write so those generations will know about my love for Jesus, what I stood for, and how I progressed through my journey of faith.
What are you reading now?
I just finished “Epic” by John Eldredge and am nearly done with “I Declare War” by Levi Lusko.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To keep writing as quickly and carefully as I can. I’m a first-time author at the age of 67 and I don’t have a lot of years to get what I believe God has taught me that will encourage fellow-travelers on paper. The clock is ticking and I don’t want to leave a book I should write unwritten.
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?
The Cure, by Bill Thrall and others
How’s Your Soul? by Judah Smith
Finishing Strong, by Steve Farrar
and my Bible, of course
Author Websites and Profiles
Steve WILMOT Website
Steve WILMOT Amazon Profile