An Interview with Sylvia St.Cyr
By Sylvia St.Cyr

Tell me a little more about your book, Love vs. Fear.

I remember reading a verse in the Bible a couple of years ago that jumped out at me. That verse is 1 John 4:18, which says, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear…”. This verse really got me thinking about our lives, and how the decisions we make are based out of one of two places, love or fear. Looking back on some big life decisions I made, I could clearly see which ones were made out of fear, and that did not serve me at all. The decisions I made when I remembered who I am, a child of God, were ones that were made in peace, and did serve my family and myself. This is the place out of which I wrote this book.

How does identity play into our fears?

A big part of my book covers our identity. It can be very easy to think that we are only one thing, whether that is a label like mother, wife, business person, etc. Or to simply forget who we really are. When we do forget, it’s natural to live in a place of fear, which does not serve us. But a big portion of this book is to remind people, especially women, who they are, and that is children of God! When we remember who we are, and what is ours, we can live in a place of peace, joy, and love, and in that place, fear has to leave!

Did you find it difficult to base the book on only one verse?

Not at all! Upon reading these life-changing words in 1 John, I remember thinking, there is so much to unpack here, Lord! And that is what I have tried to do in the book!

What is your experience with love vs. fear?

My whole life is a story of living in fear, until I heard God call my name, and call me His child. Even as a believer in Jesus, I battle fear, but with these new ideas based in God’s love, I am conquering my fears daily, faster and faster. The book is filled with specific stories of fears that I have been able to overcome. I also share stories of others who have faced serious danger, but through the power of God’s love, stayed calm. To hear about them, you’ll have to pick up my book!

Did anything surprise you going through the publishing process as an author and a publishing consultant?

I work at the company that published my book, but I think that this is truly beneficial, not only to my book, but also to authors that I get to work with. Because I have gone through the exact process of publishing as an author, I can directly relate to the authors I work with and share the different joys and frustrations of publishing that come up. It is absolutely wonderful!

What would you say to other author’s who want to publish?

I will pass along the advice that was given to me. Always write what you know. If you are reaching out of the realm of what you know well, it will translate. The second bit of advice, make sure that you get your manuscript edited, as this is so important to the success of your book, and make sure it is not just a family member. The third piece, always keep writing. Share your story! If you feel called to share your message in writing, don’t let anything stop you, including your fears. When you’re done, work towards getting it published. (By calling me ;))

Any upcoming events?

Yes! My book launch is September 16 at McNally Robinson in Grant Park Mall, Winnipeg at 7:30 pm. A very talented clean comedian, Matt Falk, will be introducing me and there will be complimentary coffee and cupcakes. Everyone who attends will also be entered to win a gift basket full of prizes!

I will also be speaking at the Limitless Women’s Conference at the Niverville Community Fellowship church on November 3 and 4, and signing copies of my book. An engaging speaker, Heather Boersma, who is also the author of Dream Big, will be headlining the event.

For more information, to buy a copy of Love vs. Fear, or to book me for a speaking engagement, please email me at authorsylviastcyr@gmail.com. You can also check out my blog, sylviasblog.com.

About this Contributor:

Sylvia St.Cyr is a Publishing Consultant at Word Alive Press. She is also a journalist and the Arts & Entertainment Coordinator for her local paper, The Citizen. She lives with her husband and two kids just outside of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her first book, Love vs. Fear was released in Fall 2017. For more info, you can find her book here. For more info, check out her blog.