Author Spotlight: Kim Louise Clarke
We are pleased to introduce Kim Louise Clarke. Kim was our 2025 Non-Fiction Braun Book Award winner! We recently released Prayers and Paper Trails, which is available through the Word Alive Press Bookstore and everywhere fine Christian books are sold. We asked Kim to share a little bit about her writing and new book. But first, a little bit about her, in her own words.
About
Writing wasn’t something I found fun or interesting until I was in my early fifties. I had written many stories and essays throughout my school years, but only because I had to. I did become an avid reader, thanks to the bookmobile’s routine visits to my elementary school in Calgary. I still remember the shelf I would run to, hoping another mystery book was waiting for me.
As an adult, the most creative writing I did came in the form of travel journals and family Christmas letters. The thought of becoming a writer never crossed my mind. Family, church, travelling, and work kept me busy as my husband Ian and I raised our daughter and son, and as I formed wonderful relationships with my three stepsons.
My work life included being an assistant in oil and gas accounting, a church administrator, and a senior housing assistant manager. Creative writing was not required. But I continued to read. Even now, no matter how difficult life gets, I have a book on the go, an adventure to step into.
When I did begin writing in 2010, I realized that my travels over the years greatly influenced my stories. I was born and raised in Calgary, and as much as my life is firmly anchored here I love to leave my hometown for a while and enter new adventures in other cities, provinces, and countries. Over the years, Ian and I have ventured with our kids on many road trips, driving thousands of kilometres. We drove from Calgary to New York, down to California, and around Quebec and the Maritimes. We’ve covered the vast landscapes of Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Alberta. Our travels have also included trips to Europe and Central America.
Behind all my writing is a desire to serve and glorify Christ. I often think of the motto from Prairie College, where I attended in the 1980s: “to know Christ and to make Him known.” In my writing, I want readers to be drawn to Christ through stories I hope are informative, fun, and inspirational.
Q&A
Q: How did you become interested in writing?
A: In 2010, while in my early fifties, I received two mystery books for Mother’s Day. Unfortunately, the stories couldn’t have been more disappointing; the words corny and weak come to mind. Subsequently, a prideful idea struck me: even I could write a better story.
So I attempted to write a mystery novel. I found it difficult and frustrating, and my appreciation grew for anyone who could write anything. Despite the frustration, I liked the writing process. I felt a sense of accomplishment when I wrote a sentence or paragraph that aptly communicated what I wanted to say.
Determined to pursue the craft of writing, in 2011 I joined what is now called the Calgary Crime Writers, as well as InScribe Christian Writer’s Fellowship. Over the next fifteen years, I gravitated toward writing short devotionals and essays. I was so encouraged when my first published article appeared in InScribe’s magazine, FellowScript, followed by two short essays published in The Globe and Mail.
Q: Where did the idea for Prayers and Paper Trails come from?
A: When I travel, I retain all receipts from my purchases. And when I decided to write my first book, The French Collection, my receipts provided information that enabled me write with detailed accuracy. I could write that at a certain café, I ordered a chicken sandwich and not a ham sandwich—not that it mattered to my readers, perhaps, but it mattered to me!
From writing this travel memoir, an idea lingered in the back of my mind: what adventures could develop from a person finding a receipt and then going to the same place and buying the same thing? This small idea grew into my third book, which went on to win the Braun Book Award for fiction in 2025. I’m still in shock.
Q: After writing two non-fiction books, why did you switch to write a novel?
A: After writing two travel devotional memoirs, I compiled another sixty short travel stories, thinking of writing my third book, another travel memoir. But I felt driven, not guided. I shelved all those stories when I realized that each story felt thin and stretched, as if desperate to make a spiritual point.
I no longer knew what to write. Had that all been a complete waste of time? No.
But I decided to try something different, and with my small idea about someone finding a receipt I began to write Prayers and Paper Trails and consequently found myself incorporating many aspects from those shelved travel stories into my novel.
Q: What spiritual applications do you hope readers will take away from Prayers and Paper Trails?
A: The novel could be condensed into three words: God answers prayer. Through this story, I wanted to emphasize that prayer is a vital part of our Christian walk, and our prayer life reflects our relationship with God. God wants to hear our heart’s longings, and He will answer our prayers according to His will and in His time. It’s a privilege to come before Him and commune directly with the God of the universe.
I also hope readers will get a glimpse of how awesome God is. He is above all things and orchestrates all happenings for His purposes. He will use the smallest and most mundane things in life to bring about His will. Nothing is too small or too big for God to use. I believe that when we do witness an answer to our prayers, we don’t really see the half of it. God is always doing more than we’ll ever understand.
Q: What advice would you give to writers who are starting out?
A: As you begin writing, I think it’s important to seek out other writers. Associating with others is one of the best ways to develop your skills. Check out writing groups in your area and online. One easy way to associate with other writers is to read their books. So much can be learned simply by reading.
Also, since stories begin with ideas, I think it’s important to collect those interesting ideas that cross your mind. Set up writing journals. Have notepaper handy or a phone app to jot down ideas before they fly away. I like to keep word lists, so that when I come across a certain verb or adjective I like, I can build up my own storehouse of powerful words to use. As your writing life develops, it’s good to keep it organized!
Connecting Points
Find and follow Kim:
Facebook
Linked In
Order her book in softcover or hardcover here: Prayers and Paper Trails.
For more information on the Braun Book Awards, visit here.