PIECES OF US: Building Stories of Healing, Hope, and Restoration
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The journey of bringing Pieces of Us to life has been both intentional and deeply rewarding. Pieces of Us is a Christian fiction anthology that explores the fragility of love, where vulnerability becomes the pathway to healing, self-discovery, and the restoration of the heart.
The inspiration behind Pieces of Us came from bestselling author, speaker, and publishing consultant Dr. Ann Marie Bryan. As visionary author, Dr. Bryan set out to create a collection of Christian fiction stories that would examine the complexities of love, the process of healing, and the transformative power of faith. Through Pieces of Us, she has brought together a group of talented writers whose individual stories will contribute to a larger message of hope, restoration, and redemption.
As Project Coordinator, one of the most significant milestones in this process was the selection of our co-authors. We received submissions from a diverse pool of writers, each bringing their own voice, perspective, and lived experience. After careful review, a group of contributors was selected whose work aligns with the heart and vision of the anthology.
Following this, we hosted our official orientation session, which marked the beginning of our collaborative journey. This session allowed authors to connect, gain clarity on the structure of the project, and understand expectations moving forward. It also established a strong sense of community among the contributors, reminding us that while each story stands on its own, together they form something far greater.
A major highlight of the project was our virtual workshop with New York Times bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby, held on June 2nd. The session was both enriching and practical, offering insight into storytelling, character development, and maintaining authenticity within the Christian fiction genre. Our co-authors left the session encouraged, equipped, and more confident as they moved into the writing phase of the project.
Beyond the group workshop experience, co-authors benefited from one-on-one coaching sessions with Dr. Bryan. These personalized consultations have played an important role in shaping the anthology, providing writers with guidance on character development, story structure, emotional depth, and thematic alignment. Through these sessions, co-authors have refined their stories, strengthened their narratives, and remained true to their unique voices while contributing to the shared vision of the project.
Since then, we have successfully received the first drafts of each contributor’s short story. This marks a significant milestone as the anthology transitions fully from development into refinement and curation. It has been inspiring to see each writer begin shaping their individual piece within the shared vision of Pieces of Us.
With that stage underway, we are now looking forward to formally announcing our co-authors and unveiling the official cover design for the anthology. These next steps represent the final stretch of preparation before publication, as the project moves closer to completion.
The coming months will be dedicated to editing, refining, and ensuring that each story reflects both excellence and intention. There is a growing sense of anticipation as the anthology continues to take its final shape.
At its core, Pieces of Us remains a project rooted in healing and truth, a reminder that even in brokenness, there is beauty, and even in fragments, there is wholeness when placed in God’s hands.
The foundation has been laid, and the stories have been written. Now the work of refinement continues as Pieces of Us moves one step closer to the hands of readers.
KEY COLLABORATORS
Ann Marie Bryan
Visionary Author
Ann Marie Bryan is a multi-talented leader with a passion for excellence. She is an International Bestselling Author, Editor-in-Chief of VBD Magazine, and CEO of Victorious By Design. Ann Marie is committed to helping writers share powerful faith-filled stories that inspire, empower, and transform lives. She desires to make her life a ministry for the Lord.
Atinuke Oladele
Project Management Coordinator
Atinuke Oladele is an author, customer experience and quality assurance professional, and project coordinator. She is an encourager and a quiet warrior of hope. With a heart for strong friends, silent sufferers, and late-night overthinkers, she crafts honest, healing words that offer grace and space to breathe.
Kimberla Lawson Roby
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author & Speaker
Kimberla Lawson Roby is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, Speaker, and Podcast Host. She has published 30 books, including The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally.
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