Author Sees Book Is A Tool For Christian Fellowship

 

Bill Joyce, author of How Can We Find True Love? The Twelve Steps of Spirituality thrives on life’s simple joys. He  describes himself as an "adventurer who has found treasure in the little things received like the giggle of a grand-daughter, and the joy I see in my children as they grow." He said his spiritual writings have grown out of a desire to share his faith. "This has proven to be a gift filled adventure and a process that continues to provide me with peace and comfort.  Though poetry, books, and workbooks I have been able to shed light on my journey with the Lord and the benefits of the walk," he said.

 

Joyce said he approached the creative process of writing his book, by writing a letter to a troubled friend who needed emotional support. Joyce offered his friend comfort by breaking down a few of the steps he highlights in the book. "I began with a letter to a friend in trouble about the third step.  Later on, they asked for insight into the eleventh step and I wrote again.  Reviewing these letters I took a little time to document my thoughts on the other steps.  Placing them in order I took a weekend to read and reflect.  I found that they fit together with little or no changes and provided a wonderful pathway for Christians to improve their spiritual journey with the Lord," he said.

 

He said he prefers to see himself as "just another on the journey needing to share, and with a modicum of storytelling ability," rather than just an author. Joyce finds the process of constructing a book, rewarding, but doesn’t get swell-headed about the finished product, too early on. "Now with my two fantasy adventures, I have found a new joy beyond reading that has thrilled me.  We will see if this madcap adventure has merit, but I must say it has been a wonderful time," he said.

 

When asked to explain the premise of his book, he said it consists of a spiritual teaching. "How Can We Find True Love? The Twelve Steps of Spirituality  is a simple teaching from the Lord.  It provides a pathway that unlocks an individual journey of healing and discipleship, as well as a tool to help us use our Christian fellowship for nourishment and community in our walk with Him," he said.

 

He said he’s received encouraging feedback from readers which empowers him to stay the course as a writer. "The highs are simple and profound.  My book wanders across country to New Jersey – how, seems not to be the issue.  A phone call came from Mary who wanted to thank me for giving her hope in a time of desperate need.  It was a brief phone call.  It was a blessing sent by the good Lord above,"  he said.

 

For Joyce, apart from writing, there’s never a dull moment, so to speak. He’s also active in business consulting. "Today’s major concentration is on playing with grandchildren and helping new companies identify their “Added Value”.  The first is a wonderful multi-tasked effort of getting little ones to giggle and tormenting my children as they tormented their dad long ago.  The second is a wonderful multi-tasked effort of getting executives to giggle and tormenting them before they begin to torment their customers," he said.

 

He said he tells aspiring writers to follow their bliss when it comes to the call to write, but not to take rejection personally." If it is a passion from deep within, do not deny it.  If not, have fun, but only if you have a thick skin," he said.

 

A dedicated father, he credits his grown children, and family for keeping him grounded. "I have held my daughter and my son in my hands, when they seemed too small to be real, and I now stand by, and watch them in the world as adults, and am amazed at the privilege.  There have been times when, wounded and alone, I have wondered why.  The moment I think of the gift of Stephanie and Bill, all doubt vanishes," he said.