Interview with Jane Walters

Jane Walters is a very busy lady! Not only is she an author whose new book, Bless The Work Of Our Hands just launched last week, but she is also, amongst other things, Chair of the Association of Christian Writers. So it is with many thanks and blessings that I welcome her to the blog today to tell us more about her new work which comprises prayers and reflections for creatives. Thank you for your time today, Jane.

Thank you for inviting me to chat with you today, Val. I was inspired to write Bless the Work of your Hands by my love of creation. Right from childhood, I’ve always loved making things. I’ve work-played in textiles, pottery, music-making, interior design, baking, painting and, of course, writing; and feel I’m following in our Creator God’s footsteps, so to speak.

When I started leading creative writing retreats, I would write out prayers to use with the guests, and they became a valuable part of the programme. It felt natural to extend the idea out, for creatives of all kinds to use.

Who is the book aimed at?

At its most basic, this book is for anyone who loves creating – whatever that looks like, and whether it’s your main job or simply a hobby. The final section of the book includes prayers for as many different crafts as I could think of: writing, painting, needlework, leatherwork, music and song and many more. All of us can use prayer to underpin all we do.

How are we supposed to use the book?

Well, the first thing I’d say is that it’s definitely intended to be used, rather than kept on the shelf. BRF have done a brilliant job with the design but, honestly, I want to hear stories of how dog-eared it’s got, or paint-spattered or smudged with ink or clay!

The book starts with prayers of praise and thanksgiving to God for all his blessings, then turns towards prayers of surrendering ourselves afresh to his lordship and leading. Carrying on flicking through the pages reveals prayers for all the different stages of a project, and finishes with those prayers specific to different crafts. The hope is that there’s something for everyone.

I’ve included Bible verses for each section, to mull on while we’re creating. There’s also some of my poetry and some reflections on biblical characters. There’s a lot going on here!

What would you say to people who are more of a ‘spontaneous pray-er’? How can the book help them?

I guess it’s fair to say that some people associate written prayers with more formal church traditions. What I’ve found, though, is that if I was left to my own devices, my spontaneous prayers would largely sound like, ‘Help!’ Reading a prayer from the book, slowly and thoughtfully, helps us re-centre, turn our attention back towards God, and be freshly aware of His presence. Sure, He’s there to help us, and He absolutely will answer those panicky prayers; but using the written words offers a fuller expression of what our hearts might be saying.

I see you illustrated the book yourself. Tell me about that.

Writing and illustrating a book has been a little ambition of mine, and when BRF mentioned wanting some simple illustrations, I was quick to offer. Actually, I’m relatively new to drawing – that might be all-too obvious! – but the whole point, to me, of crafting is that it isn’t perfect. Factories might churn out immaculate ‘stuff’ on a conveyor belt, but us creatives do show the brushstrokes and imperfections – even when the standard is high. I like to think that I’ve put my heart and soul into the whole project.

Can you share a story about one of the prayers from the book?  

It’s happened before, that something I’ve written myself turns out to help me at a later date. In this case, one particular morning I was in the ‘messy middle’ – you know those times of being in the thick of a project when doubts creep in, or mistakes start to happen. I started to read from the prayers in that section, and realised these words were just what I needed to hear:

[God], thank you for reminding me:

I have a choice.

I can either close the door on it all

and walk away

or I can pray a new prayer:

‘God, grow me.’

Teach me something of yourself

in this uncomfortable place.

Take away agitation;

give me your peace and serenity.

Remind me who is in charge,

that there is a God and it is not me!

Then take my hand –

I offer it freely –

and lead me through,

each step placed for your glory.

Amen

You’re Chair of the Association of Christian Writers, and I’m a member myself. Can you tell us a bit more about it?

When I first started writing seriously, back in 2013, the first thing I did was join ACW. It felt a no-brainer to ally myself with people who’d been writing way longer and better than me, and to see what I could learn from them. It’s proved pivotal to the whole journey.

I was invited onto the committee back in 2016, and became Chair in 2023. It’s a huge privilege to head up such an amazing group of people. We all write in such diverse genres and for different audiences, but have in common that we are all Christians and seek to bring God glory and make Him known through what we do.

I’m particularly keen to support and encourage emerging writers, and alongside ACW I lead the creative writing retreats I mentioned earlier. It never ceases to amaze me what God can do during those times.

What do you like to do when you’re not planning or writing your next book? I’m guessing it might be something creative?

Ha, yes, you’d be right there! The thing about writing – which is how I spend most of my time – is that ideas bubble up when we don’t force them. When I’m painting or sewing or knitting, or sitting at the piano, my mind is free to wander, and it’s often when I get my best inspiration. I always have a notebook to hand, so I can scribble it down before I forget.

The Blurb

Pausing to think, pray and yield to God at every stage is a natural, vital element of the creative process.

Bless the Work of our Hands offers prayers, reflections and biblical character studies to encourage Christian creatives to commit themselves and their projects to God. Written for hobbyists and paid professionals alike, playing and working in every genre, it encourages an honest, open-handed and open-hearted approach, in order that all we produce and all we become from our creative toil may bring glory to God.

The Author

Jane Walters is published with SPCK and BRF Ministries, and has appeared regularly on UCB Radio, Premier Christian Radio and BBC Radio Norfolk. 2026 sees three new publications: Bless the Work of our Hands (BRF), Give Me Strength! (BRF) and You Can’t Beat a (Writing) Retreat (indie). She lives in Norfolk, where she loves all things creative, as well as walking and exploring nature.

Find out more at https://janewyattwalters.com  and on Instagram: @readywritersretreats