Hi, I'm Claire.

I'm a writer.

And my mission with this project is to publish a beautiful magazine-style book that draws people to Jesus.

My career began in newspaper and, before becoming a mum, I worked for 10 years at my local Fairfax newspaper, The Examiner, in Launceston, Tasmania. During my time there I wrote a weekly column called Keeping the Faith, which was a window into my faith journey: an often revealing article that unraveled why I believe in God and how this relationship enriches my life. I did that for more than eight years.

When that stopped, I continued to blog about the things that God reveals to me. Observations on life, encouragement, inspiration, small epiphanies and rambling musings. I compiled a selection of these articles into a book, which won the 2012 Australian Young Christian Writer Award.

Now, after some time of waiting on God, seeking his direction, I have refreshed the vision. FLAM (Faith Like a Mushroom) is the name of this compilation that reads like a devotional, presents like a creative magazine, and encourages you to engage like a journal.

What is FLAM?

My heart’s desire with this publication is that it draws people to Jesus. Every page exists to turn people’s eyes to him, whose love is transformational. I hope that people will learn about a God who is compassionate, loving, creative, gracious, merciful and keenly interested in the finer details of our lives.

In practical terms, FLAM is:

• A mag-book-devotional-journal. All of those things and more! It’s the kind of publication that’ll look great on your coffee table too. Or as a gift.
• About 160 pages, full colour, 210x274mm, on quality matte stock.
• Award-winning content (the manuscript won the 2012 Australian Young Christian Writers Award).
• Written by journalist, writer, blogger, mum and creative Claire van Ryn.
• 60 devotional articles to encourage and propel people to begin, continue or deepen their faith.
• 10 real life stories of people’s faith journeys.
• Many watercolour and ink artwork, as well as photos, by Claire.
• Copies will be avaible to purchase from October (after the book's formal launch).
• The retail price of FLAM is $16.50.

The artwork

For those of you who wish to support me and the FLAM vision, you have the opportunity to purchase an original artwork from the publication. The details are on the right --->
But I just wanted to clarify. Once you have processed your pledge, I will email you a link to a temporary gallery of artwork for you to make your choice. You'll have a window of 24 hours to make your selection from the remaining artwork, before you forfeit the ability to choose (that is, I get to choose for you!). 

This magazine is going to happen! It’s had a looong gestation, but finally, this year, it’s going to happen. It’s so exciting to be able to say that I already have most of the funds covered. This campaign is simply to push it over the finish line. And to invite you in on a project that has really involved so many of you from the start. Here is a snapshot of how your funds will be spent.

• Professional edit
• Printing
• Design
• Postage
  
  

If this campaign surpasses expectation, funds will also go towards:

• The book launch
• Distribution/publicity
  
  

If this campaign is mind-blowingly successful and it brings in dollars that I have no need for, I will pass your generous contributions along to people experiencing need in my community. And while we’re on the topic, I’d like you to know that it’s not my intention to profit from this book. I feel like I’ve already profited, actually. The creative process is such a joy to me, and God has taught me so much in this long and winding path, things that money cannot buy. So I assure you that, should there be any profit (it’s pretty rare for books to make a profit these days…), I will be passing it on. And that’s kinda on your behalf. We’re all passing it on. Passing on the bounty that belongs to God anyway.

Is publishing a book a challenge? 

Sure. 

But there’s this verse in the Bible that reads, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

Challenge? Meh!

In all honesty, my lovely designer Rose is full steam ahead so that we can have this book in print as soon as possible. If this campaign is unsuccessful, that will cause a little blip in stress levels, definitely. But we’re trusting God to complete what he started here.

Here's a little bit more about me...