My name is Nancy Nyambura Wagi Maina. I prefer being called Teacher Nancy because the Deaf children call me so for now. Who knows, I might change my name later.

I work alongside families with Deaf children to support them in their process of screening, detection, and accepting their diagnosis, and in facilitating different interventions so that deaf children can have full language development, achieve appropriate developmental milestones, and fully thrive like any other child. This is what we do at Lugha Ishara.

What I Was Writing About and What Motivated Me

I’m writing this book because while I was working with Deaf children, I realized that they also recognize that they are different, and they do not understand why they are different from others. And I didn’t have an answer for them.

Yet I know that in God, for me, I have found my definition, my identity, my worth. So this book redirects the children back to their Creator so that where there are no answers from a human being, they can find their answers from God. So this is what the book is about.

Did I Encounter Writer’s Block?

This exercise was not easy. I was handling many other things. I was actually writing another book and I couldn’t finish that manuscript, so I thought, let me work on another manuscript which I felt needed editing or republishing again.

So that’s what happened. That was the greatest challenge I encountered. I feel I should have been more present in the exercise. I also feel I could have been more connected with the people in the group.

But I thank God that the recordings are there, so there are things you can always go back to.

How I Handled Feedback During the Writing Class Journey

I would say whenever we met, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed getting to learn from people where they are at, especially during the question and answer sessions.

However, I wonder whether there is a possibility of either having a first in-person meeting and then the rest of the classes being done online. I enjoy online classes, but I feel like they lack the connection bit, especially when you just start online.

Balancing Writing and Other Commitments

It was not easy to balance. I had many other commitments, and I feel I could have been more intentional and more present in the writing journey.

My Experience in the Jade Writing Class

I think the class was beneficial, and I would recommend it.

However, I feel like there could be more connection. Maybe those who are in the same country or region could meet. Or there could be peer-to-peer accountability from the beginning, where you are put in groups of two or three, so you have people you are consistently engaging with.

For me, it felt like listen, discuss, go home, listen, discuss, go home. I think giving opportunities for peer-to-peer encouragement and inspiration would really help.

My Word to Aspiring Writers and Beginning Authors

Writing is beyond your story being heard. It is ministry, thus just start. Even when it is not perfect, start. Working in a structured program like CLC is helpful to keep going.

Teacher Nancy’s journey in the CLC Kenya Writing Class reflects both the beauty and the challenge of writing with purpose. Her story is a reminder that writing is not only about completing a manuscript, but also about obedience, impact, and pointing others back to God. Through her work and her words, she continues to inspire others to begin, to keep going, and to trust that their story matters.