Hello, everyone! Edie Melson is a special writer/friend of mine, and I’m excited to share with you an interview about her newest book, Soul Care When You’re Grieving.

Grief is difficult. We all experience it—and we experience it differently. There is no right or wrong way to face loss, yet many of us feel we could be coping better. Going through loss narrows my world. I used to believe that was my personal experience, but I’ve discovered that limited perspective happens to us all. I’m praying this book helps you break down the barriers created by grief and helps you engage with the world around you. 

Each chapter contains devotions, prayers, and creative exercises. The chapters are designated by the opposite of one of the five experiences of grief. It’s far too easy to be tied to the common misconceptions about grief, so by reframing them, we give ourselves more grace as we process loss. Most of all, I pray you learn to embrace your own process of grief and quit judging whether you’re handling things the way they should be handled. God designed each of us uniquely, and that blueprint includes the way we process loss.

• I’m glad to have you back on the blog, Edie. Tell me a little about your book, Soul Care When You’re Grieving.

Edie: This book is part of my Soul Care series and was born out of a difficult time. The series was contracted in 2018 and the publication of Soul Care When You’re Grieving set then. God knew what was ahead of us and He used the process of writing this book to prepare me for tragedy in our own family.

My prayer is that it will help others during their journey of grief. I hope they’ll give themselves the grace they need to grieve the way God designed them to grieve. So often we feel like we’re grieving wrong—too long, too short, too visibly, not visible enough—the truth is we all process loss differently and that is okay.

Along those lines, I hope those who read this realize the truth I discovered. I learned that the five stages of grief that everyone talks about—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance— aren’t really a set process. They’re a list of things that are common to most grieving events. For me personally, I found myself often skipping one stage, like anger, and then waking up months later immersed in a rage that lingered. These stages can be helpful only when we realize what we’re going through isn’t unique, it’s a shared experience. What is not helpful is comparing my process to anyone else’s.

• I’ve read most of your books and know that you write both non-fiction and fiction. How did writing this book differ from writing your novels?

Edie: My process of writing is very different between fiction and nonfiction. With my nonfiction books, I outline and plan every aspect of the book before I begin writing. Part of that planning is immersing myself in scriptures that become the foundation of what I will write. 

I also draw on personal experience when writing nonfiction. I believe I can’t effectively write about something unless God is working on re-sculpting that part of me.

• I feel the same way. What do you love most about the writing process?

Edie: Actually, the editing process is my favorite part. Once I get the first draft down, the real work for me begins.

• I’ve enjoyed your Soul Care series. Who will benefit the most from this book?

Edie: This book is written for anyone on a journey of grief and loss. It includes insight into the losses we’ve all had during this world-changing pandemic, including situations as well as losing someone we love.

• I believe we’ve all experienced this in the last year. Now, for a fun question. 🙂 Describe your writing space.

Edie: I love this question! I actually have two writing spaces. My office is upstairs and has several bookcases full of writing books and other favorites. In it, I have an adjustable desk so I can work standing or sitting. 

My “second” office is my screened-in back porch. It overlooks our wooded lot and feels like I’m out in nature. This area is also set up with a table and plenty of outlets so I can work for hours on end.

• I’m sure you love reading as much as I do. What book is currently on your bedside table? Fiction? Non-fiction?

Edie: Book??? I don’t know whether to giggle or be insulted. On my bedside table, I have my Bible. On the floor beside my bed is my current and to-be-read pile! In it are an eclectic variety of fiction, nonfiction, secular and sacred genres. 

• I don’t know what I was thinking when I said book. lol. I’m so glad you stopped by today. Any parting words?

Edie: If you’re in a place of grief or loss, I urge you to turn to your Heavenly Father. It doesn’t matter if you’re angry with Him for what has happened—that was something I personally dealt with in my grief journey. He won’t return your anger with wrath. Instead, He wants to wrap you in His loving arms and give you the comfort and peace you so desperately need. 

If you’d like to read Edie’s book, you can find it on Amazon.

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through her camera lens. She’s a writer who feels lost without that device & a reluctant speaker who loves to encourage an audience. She also embraces the ultimate contradiction of being an organized creative.

She knows the necessity of Soul Care and leads workshops around the world on staying connected to God. Her numerous books, including the award-winning Soul Care series, reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts. Her blog, The Write Conversation is recognized as one of the top 100 industry resources. Find her on EdieMelson.com.