Steven Maunda Patrick Reflects on Faith, Resilience, and the Power of Writing
PHOTO: Author Steven Maunda Patrick, a multifaceted storyteller and motivator, brings life experiences to the forefront of his inspiring work.
A Journey From Adversity To Inspiration Through The Written Word
Steven Maunda Patrick shares how faith, resilience, and personal experiences shape his writing, crafting stories and poetry that bridge the gaps between personal transformation and universal human connections.
Steven M Patrick weaves stories and verses that pulse with life, drawing deeply from the well of his own remarkable journey. From a childhood shaped by resilience amidst adversity to an adulthood dedicated to illuminating the human spirit, Patrick’s writing speaks to the power of hope and the beauty of transformation. It is a testament to the extraordinary in the everyday, crafted in voices that feel both personal and universal.
At the heart of works like Echoes of the Heart: Poems that Resonate with the Soul, Patrick lays bare emotions that usurp the confines of language. He creates a mirror for readers to see their own reflections through his poetry and prose. His deeply rooted authenticity draws us into a dance between poignant introspection and shared experience, whispering truths we’ve long carried but not yet articulated. To read his words is to feel seen.
In his exploration of life’s complexity, Patrick does not shy away from confronting scars and celebrating victories. Whether honouring the struggles of a dedicated single mother in How She Did It: A Son’s Confession, or embracing the organic flow of a story yet to find its ending, his work brims with sincerity and purpose. His craft reminds us that literature, at its best, is more than just storytelling—it is a bridge between soul and soul, a mechanism for empathy, healing, and quiet revolution.
It is clear that Patrick’s devotion to his art comes not only from the desire to create but also from a heartfelt mission to inspire, uplift, and connect. Through hardships, faith, and a grounded sense of humanity, he writes with the conviction of someone who understands the weight and wonder of life. His work asks us to reflect, breathe, and believe in the transformative power of persistence and grace.
A profound voice in contemporary inspirational writing, Patrick captures life’s challenges and triumphs with authenticity and deeply resonates with readers.
Could you describe the moment or idea that first inspired you to become an author?
Growing up, I had neither a brother nor a sister. The best way I kept myself company was by expressing myself in ink and paper. I remember seeing my mom go through the life journey by herself, since my dad was late, and kept telling myself, “People should know about this lady I call Mom; she’s done more than enough.” That gave birth to the book, “How She Did It: A Son’s Confession,” presently undergoing revision, set to be released later in 2026.
In your latest work, how did you choose the central theme, and what were the biggest challenges you encountered while bringing it to life?
My latest work is still being cooked, “The Opposite Has Happened.” #Smiles. But if we are talking about “Echoes of the Heart: Poems that resonate with the Soul,” The main challenge was writing in a voice that would not only resonate with me but also with the people who would entrust me with their time in the form of taking time to read through my art. I didn’t just want to write in words but to share a piece of me that resonates with them.
“Just start. Start badly. Start when no one believes. You never know who is watching.” – Steven Maunda Patrick
Many of your characters feel deeply authentic. What is your process for developing character voices and backstories, and do you draw on people you know in real life?
Lol! The best way I develop characters and their voices is by living life 🙂 Most of the characters in my work are drawn from real life. I may be with someone and pick a funny cue that later translates to art in one way or another. It’s just me being keen on what life presents to me and being appreciative of every moment life presents to me.
When you begin a new manuscript, do you outline everything in advance or allow the story to evolve organically as you write? How has that approach changed over time?
I allow the story to evolve organically, as most of the lessons I depict in the written have been lived in real life
Writing often involves rewriting. Can you share a specific instance when revision transformed a scene or chapter into something far different and stronger than your initial draft?
Yes, like the book “Echoes of the Heart,” which was initially “Quit Worrying about It.” I’ve just polished the poems with time and added more. Rewriting can not only change a scene but can also give life to a book. Had I not rewritten the book, this interview wouldn’t have been possible 🙂
“My writing aims to change lives, inspire, guide, and share the lessons hidden in life’s toughest challenges.” – Steven Maunda Patrick
How do you balance the expectations of your readers with your own creative vision—especially when a character or plot twist does not follow the conventional path?
This is a path I’m still learning to navigate. Each day, and every new book presents its own expectations differently. The key takeaway in all these is to walk the journey like my readers do, being authentic to the commitment as to why I started writing. Change lives, inspire, guide, and share the scars of life and the lessons within.
Looking at the broader publishing landscape, which trends or developments excite you most, and how do you see your work fitting into or pushing against these trends?
As of now, I’m keen on creatively getting into audio presentations. I’m still curious to see how this pans out long-term.
How do you manage the business side of authorship—marketing, social media presence, book-tour logistics—while still preserving time and space for creative writing?
Men! This is the part of the craft I’m still struggling to master. I’m working on getting a team to run these sides of the business for me. I wouldn’t want to dilute the art. I would love to continue being a creative and stick to that, but I know what’s going on inside the hood.
“I create authentic characters by being keen on life’s moments and appreciating every cue and detail the world presents.” – Steven Maunda Patrick
Could you share one moment—either personal or professional—that you consider a turning point in your writing career, and how it changed your approach to your craft?
Giving my life to Jesus and pegging my inspiration to the one thing that has been consistent in my life. That is my Rock; that’s where I draw strength from. Initially, the pages I wrote were fueled by negative emotions and provocative thoughts. Now, we write differently. Thanks be to this commitment. We are the Light, says my bible. I’d like to stick to that shine.
Finally—and perhaps most importantly—what advice would you give to emerging authors who are striving to write, publish, and sustain a career in today’s literary world?
Just start. Start badly. Start anyhow. Start without money. Start when no one believes. JUST START. You never know who is watching.
