Over the years, New York Times best-selling author Kimberla Lawson Roby has consistently delivered compelling stories that examine real-life issues with honesty and compassion. Her characters grapple with challenges, including infidelity, moral values, and racial discrimination, to name a few. Offering a glimpse into the diverse experiences of Black women in America, her stories explore themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the strength we find in ordinary moments. Kimberla’s work resonates deeply with readers, leaving them with a message of hope and resilience.
Life often nudges us towards our true calling, even if we don’t always recognize it at first. Perhaps you’ve felt a stirring within you, a sense that there’s more to explore and express. It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, with careers, families, and countless responsibilities, vying for our attention. But amidst the demands, there’s often a quiet yearning for something more—a desire to tap into our creative potential.
Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Kimberla. She embodies the power of answering that call. Kimberla is a celebrated author, speaker and podcast host. She began her writing journey in the 1990s when she published her debut novel, Behind Closed Doors at the age of 30. Her breakthrough came with the acclaimed Reverend Curtis Black series. It launched in 2000 and explored the complexities of faith and relationships within the African American church community. Kimberla’s journey highlights the power of perseverance. It shows us that creative potential can blossom at any age.
A Journey of Faith and Self-Discovery
Kimberla’s path to becoming an author wasn’t a straight line. She started as a young girl, writing letters for her grandparents and growing up in a household where faith played a central role. Now, she is an author of 29 books that sit on shelves around the world. But even with all this success, she found herself at a crossroads, much like many of us do at some point in our lives.
It’s a common experience to reach a point where we crave something more. Perhaps you’ve been overlooked for a deserved promotion, or maybe you’ve simply reached a point where you crave something more fulfilling. Kimberla experienced this too. Even after achieving incredible success with her fiction, penning captivating stories that explored themes of faith, family, and relationships, she felt a pull towards something new. It was a time in her life, she explains, where she “literally questioned God” and thought, “Wow, what else you got? Because this can’t be it.”
“The book that I did not want to write is what changed my life completely.”
– Kimberla Lawson Roby
This questioning led her to a profound spiritual awakening. She describes a moment on October 5, 2016, at 4:15 am, when she woke up with a powerful sense of clarity. She clearly heard the words, “hearing God’s call and finding your purpose.” Although initially hesitant, she knew in her spirit that this meant writing a nonfiction book, a calling she hadn’t anticipated. This calling, she explains, was to be “very transparent” in her writing, to share not just her successes but also her “flaws, fears, and failures.” This was challenging for Kimberla who had always valued her privacy. But she felt a deep conviction that sharing her authentic self would not only contribute to her own personal and spiritual growth but also empower other women to do the same.
This new direction led her to write The Woman God Created You to Be, a deeply personal exploration of faith and finding one’s purpose. Originally published in 2020, Kimberla recently narrated its audiobook which was released in December 2024. Kimberla’s journey reminds us that our life experiences shape not only who we are but also the stories we have to tell.
The Magic of Writing: Transforming Life Experiences into Story
Kimberla understands the unique perspective that mature women bring to writing. “You were able to write what you write because of the experiences you’ve had,” her mother wisely told her. Our lives are complex. They have nuances. And they become the foundation for our stories.
Think about the times you’ve shared advice with someone younger. Think about the life lessons and funny anecdotes you’ve shared. Those knowing nods and heartfelt “I needed to hear that” responses are powerful. They are the seeds of stories waiting to be nurtured and shared with the world.
Kimberla encourages us to write from the heart. Embrace your vulnerabilities. Share your truths without fear of judgment. “It’s in those authentic moments,” she says, “that our writing truly connects with readers. It’s about allowing ourselves to be seen, to be heard, and to connect with others on a deeper level.”
Kimberla’s Writing Process: Discipline and Divine Inspiration
Kimberla’s writing journey is an embodiment to both planning and spiritual guidance. While she acknowledges the importance of structure and routine, she also emphasizes the role of faith and intuition in her creative process.
“Writing is writing,” she says, acknowledging the fundamental skills involved. However, she distinguishes between the intricate plotting and character development required for fiction and the “facts and real-life experiences” that drive her nonfiction work.
One key element she emphasizes is the importance of outlining. “If you were to pull out one thing that has helped me the most,” she shares, “it is the outline.” This meticulous planning allows her to maintain focus and ensure a smooth flow in her narratives.
Interestingly, Kimberla doesn’t have any formal training in writing. Her degree is in business administration, and she worked as a financial analyst before pursuing her passion for writing. This, she believes, is an important message for aspiring writers who may doubt their ability to write without formal education. “I’m proof that you can,” she asserts.
But perhaps the most compelling aspect of Kimberla’s writing process is her reliance on divine guidance. She describes moments of clarity where she receives inspiration and direction for her work. This connection to a higher power, she believes, is essential for tapping into her authentic voice and creating stories that resonate with readers.
“I go into prayer for God to give me courage,” she says, especially when exploring deeply personal or challenging themes. This reliance on faith, combined with her disciplined approach to writing, has enabled Kimberla to produce a remarkable body of work that continues to inspire and empower women around the world.
Unlock Your Inner Author: Kimberla’s Writing and Publishing Masterclasses
Kimberla is dedicated to empowering women to find their voice and embrace their full potential. Now, here’s the exciting part! Kimberla is also passionate about helping aspiring writers, especially women, bring their own stories to life. She shared with me the immense joy she feels when she receives copies of published books from women who have taken her masterclass. It is a testament to the power of mentorship. It shows the ripple effect of empowering others to pursue their dreams.
That’s why I’m thrilled to be collaborating with her to offer you an incredible opportunity: Kimberla Lawson Roby’s Writing and Publishing Masterclasses.
These masterclasses provide a unique and invaluable experience for anyone who dreams of becoming an author. Whether you’re just starting out or have a manuscript in progress, Kimberla’s guidance and expertise will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.
What You’ll Gain:
- Expert Instruction: Learn directly from a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with decades of experience in the publishing industry.
- Step-by-Step Guidance: Kimberla’s masterclasses provide a clear and structured approach to writing and publishing, breaking down the process into manageable steps.
- Exclusive Insights: Gain insider knowledge about the publishing industry, including tips on finding an agent, navigating the publishing process, and marketing your book.
- Personal Growth: Develop your unique writing voice, overcome your writing challenges, and step confidently into your role as an author.
A Special Offer for My Valued Blog Subscribers
As a valued member of my community, Kimberla is generously offering a 30% discount on her virtual Writing and Publishing Masterclasses.
Save 30% with our exclusive discount code at checkout: HRP30
Not a subscriber yet? Join our community today and gain access to exclusive offers, and much more!
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to invest in your writing journey. Bring your story to life!
“Believe in God, believe in yourself, and believe in whatever you are trying to accomplish. In this case, believe that you can write your book.”
– Kimberla Lawson Roby
About Kimberla Lawson Roby
New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author, Speaker, and Podcast Host, Kimberla Lawson Roby, has a strong passion for helping women become the best they can be in all areas of their lives. Kimberla has published 29 books, including The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally, Sister Friends Forever, A Christmas Prayer, and Casting the First Stone, and she is the 2013 NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction for her novel, The Reverend’s Wife; in 2020, she was named by USA Today as one of the 100 black novelists you should read, and in February 2021, her first nonfiction book, The Woman God Created You to Be was nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional, giving her four NAACP Image Award nominations in total. She resides in Illinois with her husband, Will.
Connect with Kimberla:
Website: www.kimroby.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kimberlalawsonroby
Instagram: www.instagram.com/kimberlalawsonroby
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