Author Spotlight: Lynn Rose Dunham

We are pleased to introduce Lynn Rose Dunham. Lynn recently published Chapters in Autism, Stories of Grace: A Devotional for Those Who Find Themselves in the Unexpected with us, which is now available through the Word Alive Press Bookstore, and everywhere fine Christian books are sold. We asked Lynn to share a little bit about her new book and her journey to get here. But first, a little bit about her.

About

On the completion of my book, Chapters in Autism, Stories of Grace, my heart overflows with gratitude. Cheered on by family and friends, I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I am now a published author. What a journey this has been. Blanketed in prayer, I can honestly say that I wrote every word from my heart.

It has been a privilege and an honour to partner with Word Alive Press. In my humble opinion, Word Alive Press, is a first-class Publishing house. I recommend them highly. Coupled with professionalism and kindness they walked me through each step of my publishing journey.... Special shout-out to Crystal Hildebrand and Evan Braun.

With my book now completed, my home life is hopefully getting back to normal. I continue to serve, by my husband’s side, as an Elder's wife at The Bridge church in Whitby.

In retrospect, I realize that the time I spent writing my book would not have been possible without my family. I am grateful to have a supportive husband who prayed me through everything from my "writer's block" to "What in the world have I got myself into?" moments. Then there is my daughter Katie. I am the first one to admit that without her computer skills, I would still be trying to install the "Adobe" app! And then of course the inspiration for my book, my son, Benjamin. Oblivious to all my publishing excitement, Benjamin is the one person who keeps me grounded. To him, I will always be just plain "mommy".

My update may not sound overly exciting, but when you throw in a celebratory meal of hamburgers and french fries, life doesn't get any better! Wherever this project goes, I will rest in knowing that God continues to hold my family through Chapters in Autism, Stories of Grace.

Q&A

Q: Who is the target audience of Chapters in Autism, Stories of Grace?
A: My heart longs to be a blessing to people who are facing unexpected challenges in their lives. Through personal reflection and the scriptures provided, it is my desire to encourage hearts to experience grace and share their story.

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24)

Q: What was the catalyst for you to write this type of devotional?
A: Almost three decades ago, my son was diagnosed as severely autistic and profoundly learning disabled. Unlike today, not much was known about the subject of autism. Thankful for friends who did their best to encourage us, my little family still felt lost. Buried in medication regimes, therapy sessions, sleep deprivation and trying to ignore the physical wounds inflicted on me, by my very own son, I felt hollow.

In vain I would scour Christian bookstores for a devotional that broached my unique circumstance. I never did find that book. By the time Ben was seven I began sharing my story to women's groups. And now that my son is thirty-one, I have written the book that I longed for, so many years ago.

Q: Is your whole book on the subject of autism?
A: In a word, "No". Autism may be the catalyst, but God's grace is the focus. When I was first married, I considered my own narrative boring and my husband's conversion thrilling. I was wrong. Every Christian's testimony holds the miracle of redemption. It is my desire for people to experience and share their own stories of grace.

"Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee and hath had compassion on thee" (Mark 5:19)

Q: How would you define your writing style?
A: Hmmm... I am not sure how I would define my writing skills. I have always been drawn to creative arts. I find joy when God is glorified through literature, music, and drama.

Writing everything from Christian fiction (the sappier the better!), to church plays and notes of encouragement, I am passionate to communicate God's faithfulness.

If anything I guess my writing style is honest, raw, and just a "wee bit" obsessive. Not long ago, my daughter presented me with a decal for my computer. It reads, "Hold on and let me overthink this".... Yep, that's me!

Q: Do you have any advice for future authors?
A: Wow, that is an interesting question. Considering that I am a new author myself, I am not sure how much advice I can give. But here we go:

Strangely enough, this past week I came across a couple of my old elementary school report cards. Happy to skip over my grades in math (who wants to dig up the ugly past anyway) I did smile at the "A's" I received in language arts... However, before my head could swell too much, I read my grade six teacher's comment:

"Creative work is at times excellent, showing a keen imagination. However, proofreading is a must to check for carelessness in spelling and grammatical work".

Ouch! To this day I still struggle with colons and semi-colons. That being said, I find that slowly reading my work out loud is a great help. In the long haul, trust your editor.

If you feel that your writing is disjointed, delete the chapter and start over again. It may hurt to erase your hard work but in the long run, you will be in a better place. A clean slate gives permission for fresh ideas!

Last but not least, partner with people who will keep you accountable. I am blessed to be a part of a Ladies' Bible Study that kept me on my toes. From 2023 to 2025 these special prayer warriors kept me in check. Not only did they pray for me, but they also expected regular updates on my progress. When my book was completed, it was these same women who cheered in unison as they presented me with a card of congratulations. I will keep that card and cherish those dear ladies for the rest of my life!

Q: Are there any last thoughts that you would like to share?
A: Yes, I wish to humbly thank Word Alive Press for the honour of "Spotlighting". I am just the regular housewife that you would meet at the discount grocery store. My education never went past high school. And yet, Word Alive Press took a chance and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime.

God indeed is faithful.

Connecting Points

Find Lynn online via:
Instagram
And order her book, here: Chapters in Autism, Stories of Grace