We recently connected with Erica Dansereau and have shared our conversation below.

Erica, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Every book I’ve written has a special place in my heart, but my debut novel Come Forth As Gold is especially dear to me. More than a heartfelt story, this book allowed me the privilege of exploring my own family history as pieces of the novel were directly inspired by my granddad’s unique upbringing. This project was also a space for me to work through grief and trauma and to delve deeper into my faith. I never intended to write a Christian Fiction novel, but I felt the Lord press this story into my bones, and I knew I had no other choice but to obey and share it with others. It really is my heart on paper.

Erica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As a lifelong reader, I believe in the immense power that words carry to change lives. My Christian faith is the most important part about me, and I’ve found it impossible to separate my faith from my work. In fact, I view my work as a ministry, a way to reach people and show them where true freedom is found. My goal as an author is to glorify God and inspire readers to trust in His love and goodness through relatable, realistic stories and characters. As a woman who previously struggled with my identity and worth, I write for the ones who need the reminder that they, too, are so loved and valuable. As of now, I’ve published both Christian historical fiction and Christian romantic comedies, the latter of which I co-author with a dear friend of mine, Britt Howard.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I never imagined I’d be an indie author. I’m ashamed to admit it now, but for most of my journey to publication, self-publishing was never on my radar. In fact, I looked down on it. Instead, I had a grand vision of one day landing an agent and securing a magical deal with a well-known publishing house. But truthfully, what I was seeking was validation, for someone I deemed “important” to give me the stamp of approval that I was “good enough.” Gently but resolutely, God stripped away the lies and showed me the beauty of self-publishing (hello, full creative control!) and the truth that my identity is in Christ and His is the only approval I need. I’ve found incredible freedom and joy in being an indie author.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I find myself incredibly grateful to live in a time where society is so connected through social media. There’s nothing more gratifying than receiving a message or review from a reader about how one of my books has positively impacted their life. My hope is to inspire, bring healing, and bring readers closer to God. To hear straight from a reader that I accomplished that goal is so encouraging and rewarding. We each have the power to impact lives, for the better or the worse, and just knowing the Lord has used my words to reach even one person is so fulfilling.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ericadansereau.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericadansereauauthor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551860706285