I was journaling to process what I was feeling and occasionally sharing it to a blog I had at the time, and over time, those pages started turning into something bigger.

Faith Raine – 9 November 2025

The Back Flap

Quirky Letters: Faith, Healing, and Honest Words for the Journey is a heartfelt collection of reflections and letters that speak to the in-between spaces of faith, when life feels uncertain, but hope still whispers. Through honest storytelling and gentle encouragement, Faith Raine reminds readers that even in the messiest moments, God’s still writing something beautiful.

About the book

What is the book about?

Quirky Letters: Faith, Healing, and Honest Words for the Journey is a collection of letters and reflections about walking through faith and healing in real life…the imperfect, sometimes messy kind. It’s a modern devotional in spirit but written in a way that feels more like sitting down with a big sister or friend who’s been there too. Each piece is meant to remind readers that faith doesn’t have to look flawless to be genuine.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing it back in 2017, during a really tough time. Honestly, it wasn’t even supposed to be a book. I was journaling to process what I was feeling and occasionally sharing it to a blog I had at the time, and over time, those pages started turning into something bigger.

How long did it take you to write it?

About four years altogether. I wrote in seasons, some stretches were full of words, and other times I couldn’t write a thing. But it needed that space to breathe and become what it is now. I finally decided to publish what I had in 2025.

Where did you get the idea from?

It started from my love of writing, wanting to help others, but mostly help me understand the things that I was feeling and going through.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Definitely the vulnerability. Writing about faith while you’re still learning and healing is hard. There were times I had to pause and ask myself if I was ready to share certain parts of my story.

What came easily?

The flow and tone of it. Once I gave myself permission to write the way I talk and not how I thought an author should sound…the words started to come naturally.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

It’s nonfiction, but many of the letters were inspired by real moments, people, and conversations that shaped me.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Sarah Jakes Roberts, Cleo Wade, and Morgan Harper Nichols for sure. They each write from a place of authenticity and faith, and that helped me realize that ministry can sound like art and still reach hearts.

Do you have a target reader?

Yes, women of faith who are tired of pretending everything’s fine. The ones who love God deeply but are still figuring themselves out, still healing, still learning to give themselves grace.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I usually start with prayer or quiet time. Then a word or feeling will drop in my spirit…like “trust,” “rest,” or “letting go.” I’ll write around that until it shapes itself into a letter or reflection.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I keep light outlines. Mostly themes or short notes so I stay focused, but I like to let the words flow naturally instead of boxing them in. Which is probably why it probably took me so long honestly. If I didn’t feel in my spirit there was something that needed to be said then I didn’t write it, or write about it.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

A little of both. I’ll fix small things as I write, but I save the deeper editing for when I have some distance from the piece.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Yes and no. I did most of the heavy editing and lifting myself. When I did send over to an editor they helped make sure the tone stayed true to me while doing some light polishing and tightening the flow.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

All the time! Usually soft worship or gospel instrumentals sometimes it’s Fred Hammond and Yolanda Adams, and others it may be Tye Tribbett and Elevation Worship lol…It helps me stay grounded and in my purpose.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No, I decided early on to go the indie route. I wanted to keep full creative control and move at my own pace.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

It was a mix of things. Cost definitely played a big factor but also, the more I learned about publishing, the more I realized indie publishing allowed me to build my own lane…creatively and spiritually.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

Professionally done. I worked with a designer who really captured the balance of warmth, faith, and authenticity I wanted the cover to reflect.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

A little bit of both! I do have a plan(ish) right now it’s mostly social media storytelling and connecting through faith-based spaces, but I also leave room for organic moments and genuine connection. But I would be lying if I said I would turn down proven help.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Start where you are. Don’t wait until you feel ready or think everything’s perfect. Learn, adjust, and keep going. The indie journey is full of lessons, but it’s also full of freedom. Another thing would be that if you can afford to do it, buy your own ISBNs, you have more movement and publishing options that way.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I am a military brat so I grew up everywhere and nowhere. I was born in California but if you were to ask I would claim North Carolina as home.

Where do you live now?

I currently live in Virginia near Richmond.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I’m a faith-driven creative who believes that God can use every part of your story,  even the ones that don’t make sense yet. I am not perfect in any sense and that’s completely ok. Broken crayons still color and God can do anything. I’m also a mom, an IT professional by day, and a storyteller at heart.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a follow-up project that dives deeper into womanhood, faith, and healing, something that blends reflection and journaling. And I’m building a small online community for women who connected with Quirky Letters and want a space to keep growing together.

End of Interview:

For more from Faith Raine visit her website and follow her on Instagram and Threads.

Get your copy of Quirky Letters from Amazon US or Amazon UK.