Christina Ryan Claypool, 1982 Bluffton University alumnae, recently had her third writing contribution accepted in Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Her most recent, Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Forgiveness Fix, was released on Nov. 5.

She speaks highly of her experience at Bluffton: “I had so many incredible instructors during my time at Bluffton who were role models. At that point in my life I lacked self-confidence, but it was empowering to have the support of dedicated educators like Linda Suter and Lawrence Templin.

"I was also blessed to work in the office of Leland Lehman, Willis Sommer and Ronald Friesen.”    

In addition to her work as a freelance writer, last year she authored a Christian fiction book “Secrets of the Pastor’s Wife: A Novel.”

In it, the topics faith, forgiveness and friendship are explored, along with other difficult subjects, many people, primarily women grapple with.

Claypool has been a Christian inspirational speaker and freelance journalist, formerly employed as a reporter for WTLW TV 44, Lima.

During one interview, Kathy Troccoli told her, “Secrets make you sick," in response to a question about the need for healing for the internal struggles many folks hide.

“Her statement about ‘secrets’ really hit home for me,” Claypool said. “As a writer, I began contemplating how I could author a book that might not only entertain readers of fiction, but would provide emotional and spiritual healing, especially in the area of forgiveness.”

Claypool says she specifically chose to write about a fictional ministry spouse as the main character.

“To me, the role of a pastor’s wife appears rather lonely and sometimes misunderstood, and if we are honest, many of us feel lonely and misunderstood on occasion.”

One reviewer says the book offers “Healing and forgiveness…without being preachy,” despite addressing rather challenging issues. It fits into the Christian/Inspirational genre, even though it is definitely written for an adult female demographic. It is designed specifically to be used for inspirational book clubs and women’s church small groups, since it is complete with discussion questions.

In addition to her degree from Bluffton, Claypool also holds a master’s in ministry from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University, and served as an adjunct instructor in the MVNU communications department. She and her husband, Larry, live in Troy.

For more information visit the author’s website at www.christinaryanclaypool.com.