Featured Interview With Darci J. Steiner
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a Colorado native and never take the Rocky Mountains for granted. I have a view of the front range from our deck, and when fires aren't burning, we can see them for miles. I am currently disabled (hopefully not forever), but I love hiking, gardening, and everything outdoors.
I have had varied jobs in my life consisting of working for investment firms, giving piano lessons, teaching sports nutrition, setting up offshore banks, and most recently authoring a book. I had to do something while I recover from my disability!
I have a condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). It is a severe nerve-pain disorder that was initiated after a chair fell on my foot during clean-up at my daughter's wedding. I'm thankful it didn't happen earlier! I have hardly walked in three years, but have learned so much about the upside of suffering.
My husband Mark is amazing, and we have two adult daughters and a baby granddaughter. Our favorite day of the week is the weekly time carved out to spend time together with our grandbaby. She is a joy!
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
When I was in first grade, I remember sitting in a circle with other kids and reading my first sentence! I immediately asked Mom to take me to the library. I headed toward the Young Adult section and checked out Dr. Doolittle. It took months, but I made my way through, even though I didn't understand every word. My first series I fell in love with was Laura Ingalls Wilder's, The Little House series. My favorite time at school was free reading. My house is filled with books overflowing off book shelves. I love non-fiction these days, but vacillate, and usually have about four books going simultaneously.
Two years ago I began a blog called, Radiantly Broken. It was after one year of my disability. Writing was cathartic, so I thought maybe others could benefit. Several of those blog posts are included in my book. Over the past year, I wrote Beauty Beyond the Thorns: Discovering Gifts in Suffering and its companion, Study Guide for Beauty Beyond the Thorns. Writing helps keep my mind occupied and off my pain. Since I sit so much, I figured why not write the book I always wanted to, but never had the time. My disability carved out the space I needed for my dream to come true! I have two other books in the works, one about insomnia, and one about The Sermon on the Mount. I don't think I will quit writing books as long as I'm able. I love the entire process!
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love non-fictional inspirational reads, from the plasticity of the brain, to Christian devotionals. I love C.S. Lewis, Dr. Thomas Long, Nancy Guthrie and on and on. My favorite read it the Bible. It is never dull and inspires me more than any other book.
When my dad was in assisted living, he drew pictures for the residents. Yes, ALL of them! I saw the joy he brought to others with his gift. At his memorial service, when speaking about him, I told others that I wanted to find a gift to give that brought others joy the way my dad did. That's when I began my blog. My dad isn't around to read my book, but I hope my writings bring joy and hope to others, like my dad's gift of drawing did for those at his assisted living facility.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
Beauty Beyond the Thorns: Discovering Gifts in Suffering is a book about hope. All of us suffer, and all of us struggle through our sufferings. I share about my stories of disability and the value I have found in going through hard times. God never wastes pain. My pain has shown me gifts that he provides, such as perseverance, courage, direction, joy, and transformation. Each chapter outlines a gift we have access to if we embrace our suffering. This book is about the upside of suffering.
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles
Darci J. Steiner Facebook Page
Darci J. Steiner Twitter Account
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