I would describe myself as someone deeply shaped by faith, reflection, and a desire to live authentically. My journey has been one of growth, learning, unlearning, and relearning through both my strengths and my gaps, allowing those experiences to refine who I am.

I am passionate about helping people discover their true identity and live with purpose, confidence, and integrity. That passion has found expression through my writing, where I share lived experiences, practical lessons, and spiritual insight in a way that others can relate to and apply.

At this stage, I see myself not just as someone telling a story, but as someone stewarding wisdom so that others can navigate their own journeys with greater clarity, intention, and courage.

At my core, I value faith-based actions, Christ-focused living with honesty, growth, integrity, and meaningful impact, and that is what I strive to bring into both my life and my writing.

What I Am Writing About and the Motivation Behind It

I was writing about the lessons that life has taught me as I approached sixty, especially around finances, legacy, relationships, faith, and the transition from simply surviving to truly thriving. The book reflects a deeply personal journey of awakening, where I began to confront important questions about my life, my choices, and what the future could still become.

The motivation behind it came from that place of reflection. As I approached this milestone, I realised that there were areas, particularly in finances and long-term planning, where I had not fully taken ownership, despite years of professional experience. I had come to a crossroad, either to wallow in self-pity and roll into hopelessness or face the challenges head-on. That realisation was both sobering and transformative.

At the same time, I recognised two things. First, many of these lessons are the ones people would greatly benefit from embracing earlier in life. But equally important, I saw that reaching sixty is not the end of the road. It can be a powerful new beginning. The book therefore carries both a sense of responsibility and hope: to guide those who are younger to live more intentionally now, and to reassure those who feel like time has passed them by that it is still possible to rebuild, reinvent, and create a meaningful future.

At its core, the book is about possibility, no matter your age or stage. I believe the book is inspired by God, who tells us in His word in Job 14:7-9:

“For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and its tender shoots will not cease.”

Last year, I attended the ACABA Awards, where a panel was critiquing various book covers. What struck me deeply was the level of detail in their analysis: how a cover communicates the author’s message, reflects identity, and signals the intended audience. I found myself fully engaged, taking snapshots and internalising their insights.

As I listened, something shifted within me. I began to see writing not just as content, but as a complete expression where even presentation carries meaning. In that moment, a clear desire was formed. I remember telling myself that I would one day want to stand on that stage, hear my name called, and have my book recognised, with its cover and message described with clarity and positive affirmation. That experience did not replace my motivation, but it affirmed it and expanded my vision of what was possible.

Overcoming Writer’s Block

Yes, I encountered writer’s block, especially as I embarked on the last chapter and the conclusion. I was overwhelmed, and my mind froze, one time with too much download and the next unsure what to write. I took time off the book for some time.

I prayed for God to give me the mind of Christ, clarity, and soundness of mind. I took walks and just let my mind wander and wonder, even as I prayed in tongues. With time, I got back clarity, and I managed to finish my writing.

Handling Feedback During the Writing Class Journey

To be honest, when I received my peer’s book to review, I panicked because my book looked almost like a summary of the one I had received in terms of pages. I expected to get a not-so-good review on quantity. Reading and listening to the reviews, I was overjoyed. First, the issue of the number of pages did not arise. Then, the positives were really encouraging, and I was excited to see that the very soul of my book was well captured.

I did not perceive any feedback as negative, but as highlights of what did not align with the tone, language, and purpose of my manuscript. I have therefore taken them as roadmaps to bettering my writing skills, and I will, to the best of my ability, incorporate them in the changes I will make in my document. I felt the reviewers’ best intentions, love, and sincere suggestions with wisdom and grace.

Prioritising My Writing Journey and Other Commitments

Whereas I had a timetable of when I could write my book sections, I did not fully follow the schedule. Sometimes I had a stretch of time with great inspiration, and I took advantage of that. At other times, though I had time, I did not have something to write, so I skipped. Then there were the mental fog stretches when the book was not part of the things to do, but keeping afloat was. My schedule has not been too tough because I have fortunately had time to myself where I wrote.

My Experience in the Jade Writing Class

My experience in the Jade Writing Class was both enriching and eye-opening. In so far as writing books professionally is concerned, this is the best thing that has happened to me. Having spent more than 30 years writing corporate proposals and other documents, I came to appreciate the clear distinction between writing to win a tender or contract and writing to impact lives with kingdom-based truths.

The class provided structure to my writing process and helped me become more intentional about how I express my thoughts. I learnt so much about different aspects of writing, from choice of language, to understanding audience, to tone and overall delivery. It stretched me to refine my voice, organise my ideas more effectively, and remain consistent in developing meaningful content.

What stood out most for me was that the class and the operations of Jade are deeply Christ-centred. This was not just something we were told, it was something we experienced. The integrity, authenticity, and genuine passion for Christ to be known through our writing were evident in both teaching and practice. The encouragement to seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit in what to write, how to write, and for whom to write was truly breathtaking.

I would absolutely recommend the class to anyone who feels they have something to say but may not yet know how to express it effectively. It is especially valuable for those who desire to grow in clarity, confidence, and intentionality, while grounding their writing in purpose and truth.

A Word for Aspiring Writers and Beginning Authors

My encouragement to aspiring writers and beginning authors is to start where you are, with what you have, and with honesty. You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. What matters most is your willingness to be truthful about your journey and consistent in developing your voice.

Be patient with yourself as you grow. Writing is a process that unfolds over time, and clarity often comes as you continue engaging with your thoughts and refining your work. Do not be discouraged by slow progress because every step you take strengthens your ability.

It is also important to stay disciplined. Set aside time to write, even when it feels inconvenient, and train yourself to follow through. Consistency builds confidence, and confidence strengthens your voice.

Remain open to learning and feedback. Growth happens when you are willing to adjust, refine, and see your work from different perspectives.

Above all, keep going, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide you, knowing that it is His work, for His people, for His appointed time, and He has chosen you as the vessel to use. What you are building takes time, but it is worth the commitment. Let your writing point to Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Also, do not allow sales and income to be the motivation of your writing. Cast the net, the books, out, and the Lord of the harvest will bring increase to you.

Closing Reflection

This writing journey has been more than the completion of a manuscript. It has been a process of reflection, surrender, refinement, and renewed hope. Through CLC Kenya’s Jade Writing Class, I have learnt that writing is not merely about putting words on a page. It is about stewarding truth with clarity, courage, and obedience, so that Christ may be revealed and lives may be impacted for His kingdom.