Episode 60 - The Healing Power of Fiction: A Conversation with Debra Butterfield

Podcast Show Notes: The Power of Storytelling and Healing Through Fiction with Debra Butterfield Date: January 21, 2021   Welcome to The Women Behind the Words! I’m so thrilled to have you join us today for a powerful and deeply meaningful conversation with Debra Butterfield. Debra is an incredible writer, editor, and coach who has not only built a career as an author but has also discovered the healing power of storytelling. If you've ever wondered how fiction can transform lives—including your own—this is the episode for you!   About Our Guest (Bio): Debra Butterfield is a seasoned writer, editor, and writing coach who has been crafting stories since 2006. Before launching her freelance career, she worked as a copywriter for Focus on the Family. She is a Marine Corps veteran, widely traveled, and lived in Europe for four years—experiences that have shaped both her writing and worldview. A mother of three and grandmother of two, Debra has a deep passion for storytelling and using fiction as a tool for healing and ministry.   Episode Highlights: In today’s episode, Debra shares how fiction writing has been a transformative tool in her own life, helping her navigate deep personal struggles and find healing through storytelling. Writing fiction wasn’t just about crafting characters and plots—it became a way for her to process past trauma, uncover hidden wounds, and allow God to lead her through the healing journey. One of Debra’s most beloved characters, Sally Clark from The Inheritance Series, reflects many of her own life experiences. Sally, an orphan struggling with loneliness, mirrors Debra’s childhood feelings of separation when she was placed in a different classroom from her twin sister in kindergarten. Through Sally’s journey, Debra found herself confronting and healing from her past wounds. Debra also opens up about how God used her writing to reveal areas in her heart that needed restoration—especially in overcoming past abusive relationships and struggles with trust. She describes her writing process as co-writing with the Holy Spirit, allowing God to direct her words, bring healing, and shape her books into something that ministers deeply to readers. For aspiring writers, Debra has one simple yet powerful message: Just do it! Don’t overthink it—trust that God will guide you and bring the right words at the right time. Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, she encourages everyone to lean on the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work through the process.   Key Topics Covered: How Debra's personal experiences have shaped her characters and storytelling The role of conflict in fiction writing and how it mirrors real-life struggles Sally Clark’s journey in The Inheritance Series and its deep personal connection to Debra’s life The transformative power of writing fiction as a healing tool Co-writing with the Holy Spirit and allowing God to direct your creative process Encouragement for aspiring writers: Trust the process, take the plunge, and just start writing!   Book Highlight: The Inheritance Series Will being stranded by a blizzard reawaken her numb heart? When a blizzard traps Sally Clark in a small country church with her twin sister and three strangers, long-buried family secrets begin to surface. As four days pass in isolation, the church works its miracles—on Sally and those around her. But the surprises don’t stop there. A haunting nightmare, the relentless storm, and a dying letter from Sally’s father all collide, forcing her to confront the past and embrace the future God has for her. Discover the power of faith, forgiveness, and unexpected miracles in Book 2 of The Inheritance Series. Follow Sally as she uncovers her true inheritance and embarks on a journey of healing and redemption.   Links & Resources Mentioned: The Inheritance Series by Debra Butterfield Debra Butterfield’s website and books: debralbutterfield.com Writing Resources & Coaching: The Motivational Editor Unlock Your Writing Potential Coaching Program: Apply Here   Follow Debra Butterfield: Facebook LinkedIn Goodreads   Related Interviews: Debra’s powerful testimony has been featured in Carried by Grace with Cathy Krafve. Listen to these interviews for more on Debra’s journey and her first book: Part 1: Mothers of Victims of Sexual Abuse Part 2: Carried by Grace   Final Encouragement: If you’ve ever felt called to write but don’t know where to start, Debra’s story is a reminder that writing isn’t just about crafting books—it’s about healing, growth, and allowing God to use your words for His glory. Whether you’re a writer, a reader, or someone in need of encouragement, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a friend who needs inspiration today. God has given you a story—are you ready to share it?