What is your book all about?
A Man’s Shield and Fortress is about learning to trust God while wrestling with the emotions that the struggles and joys of life bring. Through the medium of poetry, the book explores many experiences and the emotions that come with them, while also reminding the reader of the truths of life. The book also has three parts. Part one is called, “Set Sail on Adventure”, and is focused on creativity and imagination. Part two is called, “The Tree through the Seasons”. Part two really adds another dimension to the book, as it explores my literary journey and how I have left and reunited with friends throughout my life. Lastly, part three is titled, “Through Flood and Flame”, and really is made up of the poems that tackle trusting God through hardships.
What inspired you to write the book?
I was inspired to write these poems by King David. David was the king of Israel, a warrior, and a poet. He authored many of the psalms in the years he was fleeing King Saul. As I read 1 and 2 Samuel and the Psalms in the months before writing these poems, it really felt like reading the diary entries of a hero. As I went through my journals for poems to revise and publish, they reminded me of the Psalms. Throughout the Psalms, David pours out his heart as he mourns, suffers, but also rejoices and celebrates, but whatever he writes, he concludes with God’s faithfulness. The title comes from two of David’s favorite metaphors for God: a shield and a fortress. David uses these often because they held so much meaning for him as a warrior. He would never go into battle without his shield. When the battle became too overwhelming, David would always prefer a fortress to retreat into. In the same way, it’s never a good idea to go into life’s battles without God, or not let Him be your fortress when life is overwhelming.
What is your target audience for the book?
My audience for this book is Christians who enjoy thinking deeply about their faith. The forms and beautiful language of the poems can be enjoyable to any reader, but the themes of the poems will be understood more by those who have a relationship with God already. Avid readers and writers can relate deeply with “Part Two: The Tree through the Seasons”, and one who loves the intricacies of poetry will love it all.
What do you hope readers could get out of your book?
I intend and pray that my readers will be encouraged that intense emotions through hardships are expected, but just because sorrow is real, does not mean the God they follow is not. Through the most difficult seasons, the timeless truths of God’s Word are needed. God is still good and sovereign. He will never forsake His people, and He is their salvation.
Writers who read the poems in part two, will cherish poems that encapsulate the experiences it takes to go from book lover to book creator.
What are your future goals/plans for the book?
I intend this book to be my first of many books of poetry and also fiction farther down the road. This book will be my first step in displaying to my audience my capability in writing and my desire to encourage the church and glorify God in what I write. I have already submitted more poems that will be published into a second book in the coming months. To stay updated on this upcoming book, and my other writing, you can follow my Instagram and Facebook pages, @shieldandfortress and Workmanship Writing.
More about Stephen Ritchie
In addition to writing poetry, I also have a blog. You can find my website here: https://workmanshipwriting.com/ My career outside of writing is teaching. I’m in my third year of teaching, and since starting, I have taught English, History, and many other subjects as a substitute teacher. Ever since middle school, I have always been involved in youth ministry in whatever church I was attending at the time. I graduated from Messiah College with my Bachelor’s Degree in English Studies with a concentration in writing. Apart from my years in Pennsylvania for college, I have lived in Florida with my family.
I am grateful Author’s Lounge has given me this opportunity to share my book with you. It is another important step in meeting more like-minded readers and writers. That’s a process that has been wonderful since publishing. As I continue to write and publish, I am looking forward to blessing others with more of my work and engaging with great communities.
