Vanessa Thurgood: Finding Light in the Messy Middle

 Welcome back to Called to Create! In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, we sit down with fantasy author, creativity mentor, and 2025 Praiseworthy Award winner Vanessa Thurgood to talk about creativity, faith, storytelling, motherhood, and learning to trust God through unexpected life pivots. Vanessa shares how she never intended to become a writer. From growing up around horses in Rexburg, Idaho, to pursuing photography and agricultural business, her creative journey took many unexpected turns before God gently led her toward writing fantasy novels. What began as an old dream written in a teenage notebook eventually became The Comstock Chronicles — an epic fantasy series filled with dragons, elemental magic, deep themes, and powerful messages about courage, healing, and light. Throughout the conversation, Vanessa opens up about burnout, imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, and the spiritual experiences that confirmed she was on the right path. She shares the powerful journal moment where she felt God tell her, “You will be an instrument in my hands,” and how that answer changed the trajectory of her life and creative work. The discussion also explores the healing power of storytelling, why flawed characters resonate so deeply, and how creativity can reconnect us to joy and purpose. Vanessa also shares how her writing journey unexpectedly led her into hosting women’s creativity retreats focused on helping others rediscover their spark through art, movement, photography, and connection. Whether you’re an aspiring writer, artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to navigate uncertainty while staying close to God, this episode is packed with encouragement and wisdom about trusting the creative gifts you’ve been given. Key Topics Discussed  Vanessa’s journey from photography to fantasy writing  Receiving spiritual guidance through journaling and prayer  Overcoming burnout and imposter syndrome  Why comparison steals creativity and joy  The healing power of stories and human connection  Building The Comstock Chronicles fantasy world  Using creativity to reconnect with yourself and God  Hosting women’s creativity retreats  Learning to embrace imperfect creation  Why sharing your light matters About Vanessa Thurgood Vanessa Thurgood is the author of The Comstock Chronicles, a young adult/new adult fantasy series featuring elemental magic, dragons, shape-shifters, epic quests, and deeply human themes. Alongside writing novels, she also coaches aspiring authors through her Story Quest program and helps host creativity retreats designed to help women rediscover joy and purpose through creative expression.