We are excited to welcome Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, the newest member of the Victorious By Design family, as we celebrate the release of her upcoming book Not My Will, but Yours Be Done: Activating Faith in Times of Sickness. Dr. Smith is not only a dedicated author but also an accomplished academic, consultant, and motivational speaker. Her impressive background in disaster risk management, coupled with her passion for writing, makes her a multifaceted individual driven by faith and purpose.
With her spiritual work, Not My Will, but Yours Be Done: Activating Faith in Times of Sickness, set to launch on October 3, 2024, Dr. Smith takes readers on a deeply personal journey through her battle with breast cancer, reflecting on the true meaning of faith in times of uncertainty. As you read through our interview with her, you will discover the heart of a woman who has faced countless challenges yet stands resilient and determined to inspire others with her story. From her academic achievements to her literary pursuits, Dr. Smith demonstrates perseverance, faith, and the power of trusting in God’s will.
Let’s dive into the insights she shares about her journey as an author, her message of hope, and the advice she offers to those aspiring to walk in their purpose.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
Can you share professional and educational background with us?
I am a lecturer at the University of the West Indies, specializing in disaster risk management. While I teach several courses, my primary area of expertise is in this field, which I have been involved with for about 9 years. Additionally, I work as a consultant in climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, contributing to various projects that address challenging environmental issues through research.
I earned my BA in Geography with First Class Honours in 2008 and later completed my PhD in the same field in 2015, both from the University of the West Indies.
Let’s talk about your author life. What inspires you to write and what have you written?
Oh, wow! I’ve always loved writing from an early age, even though I hadn’t published anything back then. I spent that time writing short stories and poetry, often romantic or cultural in nature. While the characters in my stories were fictional, many of the plots were inspired by real-life experiences, whether my own or others’. I was also an avid blogger, though life and children eventually made me less active in that arena.
As I ventured into academia, my writing continued, now focused on my field of study. Most of my publications, including book chapters and journal articles, are in the academic realm. My first published book is a children’s book titled The Day I Became a Hurricane, inspired by my expertise in Disaster Management and the need to educate kids about hazards in a creative and engaging way. I’ve also written two other unpublished books in this area—one is ready for publication, while the other needs some refinement. Beyond this field, I enjoy writing in genres such as romance and faith-based books. Although I’m relatively new to book authorship and publishing, I’m eager to see many of my unpublished manuscripts find their way into bookstores.
Can you share your writing process with us?
Let me start by saying that I generally don’t follow a strict outline. My process is very organic; the story often just comes to me. For example, my first children’s book was written in about an hour, and people are always amazed at how well it turned out. Some of my best writing emerges in this spontaneous way. I might be inspired by a song, something I read, or an experience, and then the story just flows. Once I start writing, I can’t stop until it’s finished.
My unpublished manuscript, titled From the Ashes We Rise: A Tale of the Carib People, was inspired by the volcanic eruption in my birth country, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, in 2021. After immersing myself in reading and watching videos about the event, the story came to me naturally.
My upcoming release, inspired by my journey through breast cancer, was more challenging to write. It involved grappling with what faith means during a difficult time. While writing about my experiences and insights, there were days when I couldn’t write because I was waiting for answers from God, particularly regarding questions like, “Why do Christians who request prayer for healing still die from the very things they seek healing from?” These spiritual questions made the process more complex.
Once the book is written, my next step, even before editing, is to gather reviews from a few trusted friends. Their feedback helps me determine if the book is ready for the next stage, which includes proofreading and copyediting.
What message do you hope readers will take away after reading your new release?
My upcoming book, titled Not My Will, but Yours Be Done: Activating Faith in Times of Sickness, is my first spiritual work and was inspired by my journey through breast cancer. It was one of the toughest books I’ve ever written, but also incredibly fulfilling because it allowed me not only to share my testimony but also to encourage others in the Lord. Faith is something I’ve always questioned—what does it truly look like? When I was forced to understand it in a new way, the Lord laid it on my heart to write this book, and so I did.
In writing this book, I learned to relinquish control and not get caught up in things I can't change. Breast cancer isn’t something you can just take a pill for—it’s a diagnosis that often brings fear, as it feels like death is looming. I was in a position where I had no choice but to rely on God, not even on the doctors, because there’s no definitive cure for cancer. Throughout the process, I had to trust God to guide the doctors. My biggest takeaway was realizing that faith isn’t about what I want, but about God’s will. Just like Jesus, I found myself crying out, "Lord, take this cup away from me, but not my will—yours be done," and then waiting for His will to be manifested.
What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
I believe there are many authors among us who have written but haven’t yet published. My main advice is to learn about the publishing process, especially with the rise of self-publishing, and let your voice be heard through your work. Embrace your calling wholeheartedly.
Let’s talk about your other interests. What inspired that interest and how are you using that interest to serve others?
This year, I am committed to fully walking in my purpose. I've often been sought out for advice, even on relationships, and I've done several Facebook Live sessions that attracted a lot of views. Hearing from so many people about how I've inspired them has fueled my passion to step into the role of a motivational speaker. My goal is to inspire others, especially young women, in various aspects of life.
What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Too many to count—I could write an entire book on that alone. My journey is no secret; I’ve openly shared how I grew up in poverty in a home marked by domestic abuse and an alcoholic father. This was incredibly tough, affecting me psychologically, financially, and socially. I struggled with low self-esteem and self-confidence, and although I often performed at the top of my class, there were many obstacles, including the lack of money for school and even worse, to pay for my exams when the time came. While my friends went off to university, I had to work to support my family. Eventually, I made it to university, but not without challenges. I needed a bank loan but had no collateral. Fortunately, the government had a program for economically disadvantaged individuals like me, which I took advantage of. Getting to university was my first step toward breaking free from the cycle of poverty. Although other challenges followed, I was better equipped to face them because I had developed a warrior spirit, and my confidence had grown significantly since my teenage years.
How do you ensure that you thrive during challenging times?
I pray—a lot. While some might not understand why I thank God, believing that credit should go to ourselves or those who help us along the way, I see things differently. The way my life has aligned, the people and friends placed in my path at various times and seasons, can only be attributed to divine intervention. I often reflect on how others who’ve faced similar challenges have ended up differently, but I’m where I am because of God’s mercy and grace. I asked, and it was given; I knocked, and He opened the door. Prayer is central to my life, and I’ve learned to give thanks even in the most difficult times. I’m also not ashamed or too proud to seek help. As someone referred to as Dr. Rose-Ann Smith, I recognize that asking for help when needed is essential.
What’s next for you?
The Lord has already placed another book on my heart, and I’m prayerfully waiting for His guidance on what He wants me to write. I anticipate it will be another challenging book, but it’s one I must write because it’s His will. If I don't, it will feel like a thorn in my flesh. Beyond that, I’m focused on establishing my brand as an author and motivational speaker and eagerly looking forward to the opportunities to walk in that purpose.
ABOUT DR. ROSE-ANN SMITH
Inspiring Minds, Empowering Voices, Transforming Lives
Dr. Rose-Ann Smith is an educator, author, and motivational speaker who finds joy in writing, singing, and inspiring others to pursue their goals with purpose. As a lecturer at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, and a Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation Consultant, Dr. Smith is deeply involved in research initiatives that focus on disaster management and sustainable development across the Caribbean.
Beyond her academic career, Dr. Smith is a devoted mother, Christian, and wife who draws on her personal experiences to inspire others to reach their fullest potential. She has written several book chapters, articles, and books spanning various genres, including faith-based and academic works. Her notable publications include her first children’s book, The Day I Became a Hurricane, which teaches young readers about hurricanes while promoting self-acceptance, and her second book, Not My Will But Yours Be Done: Activating Faith in Times of Sickness, which offers a deeply personal account of her struggles with infertility and breast cancer, providing hope and encouragement to those facing similar challenges. Dr. Smith remains dedicated to writing and sharing her stories, fueled by her passion for empowering minds through insightful words and wisdom.