GUIDING THROUGH GRIEF. Local writer and floral designer, Stephanie Nesja, is releasing her first essay collection. (Submitted photos)

Stephanie Nesja, a local floral designer, is taking her writing passion to paper with her debut essay collection, Unfaltering Flame. The four essays delve into how Nesja dealt with pivotal points in her life, which ultimately formed her identity and faith. From her friend passing away at 19 to her aunt’s sudden death at the pandemic’s beginning to her parent’s divorce, Nesja weaves the importance of God helping her through each moment.

“No matter what you’re going through, no matter what type of grief it is, there is hope out there,” said Nesja. “After my aunt passed away, that was an intense moment of grief for me, and it was such a pivotal moment in my life that I think having faith in God is one of the best and strongest ways to combat grief.”

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No matter what you’re going through, no matter what type of grief it is, there is hope out there.

Stephanie nesja

author

Stephanie Nesja

With a circular, woven narrative, Nesja also incorporated substantial space between lines for more ease of reading for individuals with ADHD, something she thought of after buying a book with similar line space for her father at Christmas. 

Unfaltering Flame will be available beginning April 28 through Amazon, The Local Store, Drewmark Boutique, and Jacob’s Well Church in Chippewa Falls for $12.99-$13.99. The day after, on April 29 from 2-5pm, Nesja will host a Reading Launch Party at Renew Church (416 Niagara St.) in Eau Claire.

“The goal is to just show everybody that there’s light in the darkness and that there’s always hope in God,” Nesja said.

To read more of Stephanie Nesja’s work, visit her Volume One contributor page volumeone.org/contributors.