My Story

For years I thought I wanted to write—for God.

But everything changed when I learned I could write with God.

My writing career was postponed and delayed repeatedly until finally God said it was time. While I waited for that moment, earning a living had to take precedence over studying the writing craft. Decades passed. I began to wonder if my childhood dreams to be a writer would ever come to pass.

I now know that my life experiences—especially my spiritual journey—weren’t separate from my writing… they were the foundation of it.

You will find a bit of my life in everything I write and share: experiences I’ve had, people I’ve met, moments I’ve treasured.  But without understanding where I’ve been, you might miss them. So let me share a little bit.

My actual career began as a secretary for my father’s business. After I married, I worked in administrative positions for over thirty-five years. I supported CFOs and temple presidents. I also provided case management for women escaping domestic violence and families trying to escape generational poverty. Eventually I was able to dabble with writing freelance for a small-town newspaper where I met my first mentor, Anne Tezon (now Spry). During these years I was a wife, a foster mom, and a divorcee.  Then in just one pivotal day, I became a wife again—this time inheriting adult children and grandchildren in one fell swoop—much to my delight!

I should also tell you that I love dogs and cats and play with them wherever I find them. Meanwhile my backyard chickens are teaching me to understand bawk talk. I love reading (of course!) and family history research. I also love spending time canning, gardening, sewing, and trying to be as prepared as possible for the future. You will find all these things in my writing, and when you do, just know it’s me peeking out from the pages.

Since quitting my day job right before the pandemic shutdowns I have been writing, speaking, mentoring, and helping others who want to write. I also completed several years of training through the Flourish Writers Academy. At an Academy event I met my second (unofficial) mentor, Allen Arnold, who taught me it was possible to write with God. I will forever be grateful for his influence which has changed my life and my writing.

Each day now, I approach writing with a willingness to listen, to follow, and to trust what I feel inspired to write. I don’t force the process. I trust it.

Sometimes people ask what book I will release next. The truth is—I don’t always know. I write what I am given, when I am given it.

But what I do know is this:

“God’s timing is always perfect—and when we write with Him, the journey becomes the reward.”

Cheri and her husband, Craig, live in northwest Missouri. She couldn’t love Craig’s 3 children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren any more if they had been hers from the start. She currently serves as the Stake Historian for the Independence, Missouri Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“If you feel called to begin your own journey of writing with God, I would be honored to walk alongside you.”

-Cheri Battrick