Local author receives international recognition
A local author has received international recognition for her “book of hope.”
St. Catharines resident Kay Jantzi has won several awards for her devotional “Little Thoughts for Big Days.”
Jantzi received the finalist award for Religion: Christian Inspirational category in the 2018 American Book Fest awards. She was also awarded the Pinnacle Award for Best Book in Inspirational Gift from the National Association Of Book Entrepreneurs.
Jantzi, who writes and does photography as a hobby, decided to put her work together at the suggestion of a friend. Most of the photos were taken at Short Hills Provincial Park or in her backyard.
She said she gained her knowledge in religious writing growing up in a Christian home. Jantzi also attended Emmanuel Bible College in Kitchener, where she met her husband, who’s been the pastor at Glenridge Bible Church for the last 34 years. But, the inspiration for the devotional came after her family went through some painful experiences.
“You let that pain kind of inspire you and then the writing just kind of comes natural,” she said. “Hope just kind of evolved out of that.”
The first page of the devotional says “Hang onto hope until it blooms,” which Jantzi described as the springboard for the book.
“If we don’t have hope, we have nothing,” she said. “What do we have to look forward to?”
Because of this theme, Jantzi said she hopes her book reaches both religious and non-religious readers.
“I think a lot of people could benefit from it.”
So far, she said she’s quite surprised at the recognition the devotional is receiving.
The book can be purchased at various stores, including the Heritage Christian Bookstore in St. Catharines, The Hope Chest in Welland, and the Believers Bookshelf Canada Inc. in Beamsville.