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The Stanborough Press Open Day was held Sunday, 8 September, with a special emphasis on the 140th-anniversary celebration of ministry through their publications. Amongst the various reflections were acknowledgements and presentations to past Press managers, editors, long-serving staff, and authors.

One of the authors acknowledged during the event was Sharon Platt-McDonald, British Union Conference (BUC) Director of Health, Community Services, and Women's Ministries. The Stanborough Press presented her with a framed collage of book covers featuring her 20 publications.

Commenting on the unique presentation, Kofi Osei-Owusu, BUC Creative Director, expressed his excitement about the acknowledgement. He said he was pleased that the Press had "recognised her prolific work." He further expressed, "Sharon's impact on literature and faith is truly remarkable. Her works have touched countless lives, from health and wellness to spiritual growth."

Join me in celebrating Stanborough Press's recognition of Sharon Platt-McDonald's incredible contribution to literature and faith within the BUC and beyond!

I caught up with Platt-McDonald to discuss her motivation for writing and its impact on her life and that of others.

SD – Sharon, you clearly have a passion for writing. What inspires you to have published so many books?

SPM– I have always loved reading and appreciated the impact of words. From that foundation sprang adesire for expressive and creative writing, which led me to write stories and poetry from a young age.

Reading books by Christian authors such as E G White, Max Lucado, and others was a huge inspiration. I observed their various writing styles and the popularity of their publications.

Additionally, as I grew in my Christian faith, I was driven by a desire to write about my experiences with God throughout the varied seasons of life. Every trial, triumph, gain, and loss has been chronicled in the pages of the books that I write.

I feel it is essential to share what God has shared with me, so every time something significant happens in my life, I feel compelled to document it. From my feedback, individuals report that some of these publications have resonated with their life experiences and given them hope.

SD – Several of your books have been written from a health perspective. What led you to follow this path?

SPM– Working in the National Health Service for over 26 years has framed my understanding of whole-person wellbeing. I have a background in General Nursing, Midwifery, Health Visiting, and Health Care Management.

I am passionate about sharing the message of health, hope, and healing. This encompasses aspiring to optimum health through balanced lifestyle practices, developing a positive mindset, embracing hope, and accessing interventions to aid in recovery, healing, and restoration.

I believe that following divine directives for emotional, physical, spiritual, relational, and social wellbeing will positively impact our families, churches, and communities and bring glory to God. From this perspective, I write on holistic wellbeing.

SD – Some of your books have been published in various languages. In particular, the book Women of Virtue appears to be popular in other countries. Tell me a little about the inspiration behind that publication.

SPM – Women of Virtue has its origins from 2 key sources. Primarily, it was borne out of the life of my wonderful and virtuous mother, Dorothy Mercilyn Platt, to whom I dedicated the book. I saw Proverbs 31:10–31 lived out in every facet of her life. She was a devout woman of God, a faithful wife, an outstanding mother and an exceptional friend to all who knew her. She was a tremendous inspiration in my life, work, and ministry. I thank God for her positive influence.

Secondly, it is a culmination of the life lessons God has taught me through the years and how, as a Christian woman, my living is framed by kingdom principles, regardless of earthly challenges.

SD – Have you been able to share your writing skills with others?

SPM – Yes.Over the years, I have undertaken 1:1 coaching sessions for budding writers, shared presentation tips on writing skills and conducted writers' conferences. I have also encouraged several authors to self-publish and supported them on their journey.

SD – Thank you so much for sharing with our readers. May God continue to bless your work and ministry.

A list of the 20 publications authored by Platt-McDonald:

1. Woman of Virtue
2. Lighting Your Path
3. Cancer – Facts, Faith & Formulas
4. Golden Tips for those Golden Years
5. The Healing Power of Forgiveness
6. Eco Health – Healthy living in a safe environment
7. A Sound Mind – Thinking your way to vibrant health
8. Stressed? How to handle the pressure
9. Healing Hearts, Restoring Minds – The A-Z of emotional wellbeing
10. The Little Book of Health for Seniors
11. The Little Book of Health for Men
12. The Little Book of Health for Women
13. The Little Book of Health for Children & Teens
14. Brain Health – How to handle your head
15. His & Hers – The little book of intimacy
16. Body Beautiful – A concise book of health for teens
17. Body Clock – How do you tick?
18. God's Word as Therapy
19. Voices: Urban Pain – Urban Promise
20. Sacred Hours – 52 Sabbath reflections for your devotional time

You can access the above-listed publications directly from the Stanborough Press or online at https://lifesourcebookshop.co.uk/book_author/sharon-platt-mcdonald/