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Writing Toward Wholeness

Exploring Creativity and Spirituality

By Debra J.K. Bronkema

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"Whether you write for pleasure, for profit, or simply to keep up with friends, this book is ready to take you to the next level. Debra Bronkema is a trustworthy guide to the strange and wonderful things that can happen when creative writing is engaged as soul work, with power to change your life."
Barbara Brown Taylor
Author of "An Altar In The World" and "Learning to Walk in the Dark"
5/5

“I just feel this sense of deep peace ever since we had the writing group. Whether I’m writing or not at the moment, it seems to be there for me now.”​

5/5

“I feel as though I’m more intentional in my life, in my words, in my faith.”

5/5

“A character came up that I didn’t want to write about. But I did, and now it’s over. I’m done with it. It was there under the surface and now I feel so different. It’s just done.”

5/5

“I cleared some of the cobwebs that were keeping God’s peace from fully filling me. I feel at peace with some old and difficult issues.”

We all want wholeness, to feed our souls and connect with the life-giving power of God.

But there are parts of our stories that are opaque to us. We often lack the words to access those parts of ourselves that need healing; the stories are too difficult to tell straight on. Writing Toward Wholeness guides you on a journey at the intersection of creative and spiritual formation. 

Stories and Frameworks

Author Debbie Bronkema shares inspiring stories of her creative writing workshops and the transformation that her students experienced through writing exercises.

Creative Writing Exercises

Writing Toward Wholeness offers you a number of creative writing exercises that have helped others journey toward spiritual wholeness.

Space to Write

This brief workbook offers blank and lined space so you can engage your writing exercises directly on the page.

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About the Author

Debra J.K. Bronkema has been the pastor of Pleasantville Presbyterian Church since 2007. She earned her Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Theological Seminary in 2011, with an emphasis in Creative Writing as a Spiritual Practice, and leads programs and retreats on this topic throughout the country. Debbie and her husband, John, have four children: Cali, Dylan, Logan, and Caleb. In 2018, Debbie published her first novel, Finding Manna, the story of a young woman searching for the life that is hers to live, and in December of 2020 she published a devotional titled Midweek Meditations. Most recently, Debbie has been working on developing the new worshipping community connect.faith, an online ministry where creativity, spirituality and justice meet.

When you order, here's what you get:

Paperback Copy

112 pages, 5x8 trim. We've already offset the carbon of your book. You may compost the book when you're done.

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We will ship your book for free, anywhere in the world.

eBook Copy

Get ePUB and a MOBI versions you can enjoy on your favorite eReader.

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“A heart-provoking spiritual practice. I experienced healing and was moved to tears as I felt the Beloved moving through this loving and expressive method. Above all, I’m inspired and encouraged by the ways in which I see Pastor Debbie living out this ministry in her home and community.”
Ike Sturm Composer, Musician, Resident with connect.faith

Praise for Writing Toward Wholeness

"Debra Bronkema's new work brings to light preconceived notions around both how writing is accomplished and why writing is meaningful. Community wholeness, instead of individual exceptionalism is the new way forward for creators and Debra has given us an important book for accomplishing this necessary transition."
Nick Warnes Executive Director of Cyclical INC and Author of "Deconstructing Church Planting"
"Take out a pen and prepare to write by hand! "Writing Toward Wholeness" opens a door to rooms in our souls where we don’t ordinarily go, allowing attentiveness, clarity, healing, and peace to enter. Explore your Truth through fiction. Listen. Don’t skip. Don’t sensor. Express yourself. Sleep better!"
Jane Chancey Bullard
Author and Teacher
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"'Writing Toward Wholeness' is a warm hug and challenging encouragement to go deep. Rev. Bronkema is a spiritual friend on our paths inviting us to more. Practice this book. You'll surprise yourself."
Laurie Palmer
Stated Clerk, Mission Presbytery
"'Debra Bronkema's book is an excellent roadmap for those who want to gain from the value of forming a group to further develop their own spiritual practice of creative writing."
Brian Allain Founder of Writing for Your Life, Publishing in Color, How to Heal Our Divides, and Compassionate Christianity
"'A beautiful story guide that captures the healing power of the written word. I loved how Rev. Debbie used narrative to share creative ways to get folks writing and exploring divine relationship. Excited to dive into the exercises and experiment with using my own personal history as the starting point for fiction writing. Thank you!"
Chanda Rule Singer, Writer, Podcast Host for The Courageous Voice
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"'In this warm and accessible book, Bronkema models how practicing listening and curiosity within writing can spill out and into our relationship with God. She is a gentle, curious, kind, and wise guide. An inspiring text and a practical handbook in one."
Lauren Burdette Spiritual Director & Author of this Life That Is Ours: Motherhood As A Spiritual Practice
"Writing toward wholeness invites the reader into a surprising process of self-discovery, disclosure, and healing through the art and craft of writing in a faith-centered community. I found myself mentally drafting and imaginatively conversing with Debbie and her group as I read. Is it the writing, the group -- or Something more?"
The Rev. Dr. Martha S. Jacobi, LCSW-R Pastoral Psychotherapist and Brain Spotting Trainer
"I’ve always found the writer’s life to be as envy-inducing as I found it inaccessible. Who wouldn’t want to be able to draw meaning out life’s moments, however profound or ordinary? But how do we start? In this wisdom-filled book, Debbie makes writing accessible even to the most reluctant."
Michael Gehrling Associate for Assessments and the Northeast, 1001 NWC
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