NAME: Kristi Lasher
1. What inspired you to become an author?
The Holy Spirit. Seriously. Never had a desire or thought in a million years I’d be an author. I didn't know I had a story in me until I encountered the Lord.
2. When did you first realize you had a passion for writing?
When I finally and authentically surrendered to Christ my desires changed. I was not a big reader or writer in my younger years, but when I started my master degree studies in Worship Leadership at Dallas Baptist University, it forced me to read and write a lot, but I enjoyed it because it was over a subject I was passionate about. I’d find myself writing up until 3 or 4 am unable to stop.
Then I taught English as a public school teacher to 7th graders. Originally, it was supposed to be a math position, but ended up teaching English for four years and absolutely loved it. It forced me to relearn all the grammar rules and read some interesting literature that I would have normally never considered. Both of those seasons of my life collided with some personal revelations and the world’s current events which resulted in me writing my own book.
3. What has been your biggest challenge as an author? Promoting myself and learning the logistics of the business.
4. Who is your biggest writing inspiration? It’s a toss up between Beth Moore & Maya Angelou. Their way with words is gravitating and infectious.
5. What book are you reading right now? Well, I’m currently in seminary, so nothing for fun, but it is very interesting…Canoeing the Mountains by Tod Bolisnger.
6. What sets your book apart from others in the same genre? There is no other book out there that tells the story about the challenges of being biracial in today’s context with a biblical perspective and solution. It is not bitter or argumentative. It is redemptive and healing.
7. How do you beat writer’s block? Prayer, getting alone, changing my surroundings, walking outside and getting some sunshine, and the most helpful…doing the dishes.
8. What do you hope readers take away from your writing? I hope they gain courage to break free from the chains in their lives, be transparent and honest before a God who sets us free from the bondages we carry. I also hope it encourages readers to tell their stories.
9. If you could describe your writing journey in three words, what would they be? Terrifying, frustrating, empowering.
10. What advice would you give to aspiring authors? Find your passion, take risks, be patient, and get comfortable with promoting yourself and your work.
11. What made you choose Lucid Books as your publishing partner? I was praying for a publisher, went to Colorado, finished writing my book in a cabin owned by some close friends, that evening got a visit from a neighbor, and found out that a publisher, the owner of Lucid Books, had just left the same cabin the weekend before we got there. We were close to the cabin owners who also knew the publisher well and I took that as a strong leading from the Lord that this was indeed the publisher that we were supposed to go with.
12. Where can we find you when you’re not busy writing? Deep in theology, studying through books and lectures, researching, writing, working on my master’s of theology degree at Dallas Theological Seminary, or playing a featured extra on THE CHOSEN. I spent a week and a half playing a Syrophonecian on Season 3 episodes 7 & 8. I Met some amazing people and even did a few book signings!
13. Where can we find you on social media/website?
- Instagram: @thenaturallycurlybook
- Twitter: @kristi_lasher
- Facebook: @thenaturallycurlybook
- www.naturallycurly.net
About the Book
The complexities of a racially divided culture are too numerous to count, and with one glance around the globe, it is easy to see why no one is immune to its effects. With so many stories, personal experiences, and misunderstandings, it is all too much to contain and sort out. Thankfully, we serve a God who will do the sorting if we simply keep our eyes on Him. The One who truly knows us and sees us as we are understands our deeply rooted issues; there is no condemnation in Him.
In her memoir Naturally Curly, Kristi shares a true account of how she was nearly engulfed by a deeply rooted lie accepted by many in our country. Kristi takes you on a journey from her early years when the lie first took root in her life to its massive and subtle manifestations in adulthood, which culminated in God’s grand rescue. Finally, she thoughtfully explores some aspects of what she believes the racial divide means for the church.
