We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kimberly Novak. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Kimberly, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I strive to live each day by following my path in God’s will, which often feels like a guessing game. However, I prefer to wander because it is during this journey that I feel most connected to God. When I am vulnerable, I am my authentic self, allowing God to shape and mold me.
On days when I feel I’m on a comfortable path, I often question whether I am truly aligned with His will. This is because God reaches out to us when we are wandering and pulls us back toward Him. I find more inspiration in the less comfortable days, as I let go of my plans and ideas, inviting God to walk with me on my journey. I actually enjoy my moments of wandering because they deepen my connection with God.
During these times, I become more prayerful and intentional in my actions. I find creative inspiration when I seek God. That said, I believe it’s important to appreciate the days when I feel like I have everything together. Those are the moments I take a quick inventory of my life to ensure I am including God in all aspects. Only then can I confidently continue on the path that God has laid out for me.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kimberly Novak, and I am a Christian fiction author, spiritual director, wife, mother, and executive secretary. I have a deep love for butterflies, which has fueled my passion for spiritual writing over the years. Since my last interview, I have gained a new title: as of January 2024, I am a survivor of a traumatic brain injury, a journey that I consider to be a testament to resilience and grace. I feel incredibly blessed that God has allowed me to retain my writing abilities and gifts for His glory.
Just eleven months after my injury, I published my first children’s Christian picture book titled Bella’s Fruitful Adventure. This title introduces children to the Fruits of the Spirit and is a great introduction to learning about Jesus. Due to small deficits or after effects of the brain injury, along with a diagnosis of Fibromuscular Dysplasia, or weakening of the arteries, my writing process has evolved in terms of how I write and the time I dedicate to my craft. I remain committed to pushing through and following God’s call. I am currently working on a sequel to my first book, Bella’s Beautiful Miracle, which is slated for release sometime in 2026. The sequel will introduce new characters, bring back familiar favorites, and engage readers in an adventure of faith, friendship, and Jesus.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
For me, it’s an easy answer: my relationship with God. Have you ever woken up feeling like you got out of bed on the wrong side? That’s how I feel on the days I don’t make time to pray and connect with Him. On days when I feel incapable, I reach out to my faithful friend, who is always there to lend a listening ear. There’s no better pep talk than a heartfelt conversation with God.
God often surprises me by calling me into situations I never imagined I could handle. Through these calls, He gives me a glimpse of what I can achieve and who I can become when I walk in alignment with Him. I experience moments of doubt in all areas of life—we all do. However, in my relationship with God, I remain open to the little glimpses of encouragement He sends my way. I like to call those moments “nods from God.”
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
When you experience suffering, it serves as a reminder that you are alive, and it often accompanies a long list of things for which you can be grateful. There are many lessons that suffering can impart, even amidst the heartache.
In my case, following my brain injury, I learned that God still has work for me to do on this earth. The survival rate for the type of injury I sustained—which, by the way, was spontaneous—is extremely low. Coupled with the discovery of the FMD artery disease, I have found immense joy in my suffering simply because I survived.
In the first few days following my injury, I had a profound vision of God’s crown of thorns, which appeared in my room against a crimson background. Along with this heavenly vision, I heard uplifting Christian music in my head for several days. This, my friends, is what I call success in the face of suffering. By the grace of God, I was granted hope amidst the chaos, shining a light at the end of the tunnel.
The passions within me remain strong, and God continues to work through me, allowing me to express those passions through writing. No measure of success in anything I do could ever surpass the hope I experience during my times of suffering.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
I certainly hope so. I tend not to embellish, primarily out of fear of being “found out.” I am who God created me to be, complete with flaws and imperfections. What some may not know is that I have a significant fear of public speaking. However, by the grace of God, this fear often remains hidden on the outside and only comes to life in my mind or as feelings of nervousness.
One of my many roles involves facilitating retreats, which requires public speaking. I like to think that God calls me to these events as a way to help me emerge from my cocoon. This reminds me of a conversation my sixth-grade teacher had with my mom. He repeatedly insisted that they needed to get me out of my cocoon. I wish I could find him today and share with him the fact that this butterfly is now flying freely!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely! One of the biggest challenges authors face is receiving reviews for their work. Often, readers forget to leave reviews, lack the technology to post them, or don’t think it’s necessary. Contrary to popular belief, a written review can make a significant difference. Not only does it encourage the author, but it also helps bring their work to the attention of potential readers online.
If I stopped creating and writing solely because I wasn’t getting any reviews, it would be detrimental to my calling. The only praise I seek is from God, and I know I’m receiving that when my creativity flows freely and I feel good about what I’m producing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kimberlynovak.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knovakauthor/#
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-novak/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberlynovakauthor
- Other: https://www.outofthechrysalis.com
Image Credits
Kimberly Novak
