Blest and Inspired by Sheila Johnson

 Having not had the privilege of meeting up with any of my fellow Christian writers since last June, it was an absolute joy to be able to attend the Stroud Christian Book Festival, Book Blest, on Saturday 5 November. Thanks go to local writer, Brendan Conboy, for organising it and for the Revd. Jo Regan for allowing us the space for it in Stroud Baptist Church. 

Sadly, I missed the Friday evening with Sophie Neville, but the Saturday held a range of treats from 13 of the 15 Christian authors advertised. 

Margi McAllister entertained us with her various animal stories based on the gospel, including the Mismantle Chronicles. "The art of good storytelling is not to bore your audience," she told us. "You must engage with them."(www.margaretmcallister.co.uk)

Tanya Burchell, a midwife on holiday in the UK from India, inspired us with her published midwifery book for medical people. Informative and a great hit in India, the aim was to be able to send it all over the world. We were encouraged to sponsor a book to send other parts of the world. Inspiring to buy a book to help others practice medicine better. (amzn.to/3yyPi9X)

Joanna Watson from Oxfordshire shared both her own and other miracles of God in every day life. A real faith raiser. (joannawatson.co.uk)

Then, the Revd. Penelope Swithinbank shared some of her very personal stories of Bereavement and Marriage struggles, both of which have led to books to minister to and help others. (www.penelopeswithinbank.com)

Hazel Pinder inspired us with her stories about heaven which also raised our faith.(www.facebook.com/haze.pinder)

For something a little different but also heavenly, Sarah Tummey from Malvern, blind from birth but with the voice of an angel, delighted us all with her own song, Wonderful Counsellor. She has also written devotionals for Advent. (givinggodtheglory.co.uk) and a new book, Christmas: God's promise kept. 

Joy Margetts, from Wales, shared  a personal story of struggles which led to her having her first book, The Healing, published. It is now followed by a second and a journal. "Instant Apostle wanted to publish it," she said. "I was gobsmacked. This could only be God." (www.joymargetts.com)

Amanda Bedzrah from Kent,  also had a journal to buy, called 'I am a Queen' with inspiring words on each page. In addition she has written two stories based on the Bible, one on Leah, and one on Bathsheba, the wife of King David. She is keen to share her faith with other women with a heart for empowering them, particularly those who are vulnerable or who have a story to tell and to that end, she has produced little packs of Bible affirmations on fear, self worth, strength and praying the scriptures, which she encouraged us to pick up and share for free. (www.amandabedzrah.com)

I would like to mention our dystopian authors who shared their work - Maressa Mortimer, B.J Mears and  Corina Turner. I would love to say more about them too, but space doesn't allow. 

The day ended with Fiona Myles sharing her tough story of adoption, addiction and abuse. It was very moving. She declared that she didn't write to make money but to change lives, even just the one. (www.fionamylesauthor.com)

Although not one of the authors showcasing the day, it both raised my faith levels and inspired me to keep going with my own writing, even just for the one. In fact, the next morning at church, one of our church warden's wives, Lorraine, told me that she had just read my first book, Alpha Male, loved it and found it inspiring. Just the one. 

Sheila Johnson lives in Cheltenham and is a qualified journalist who has written for a number of publications both local and national. She has also written two books under her pen name Sheila Donald, Alpha Male and Waireka. Her website can be found at www.journojohnson.com