We're welcoming Claire to the Heart Ally Books family! Her story of how she came to us is a little bit different than some of the others.

HA: Why did you choose to work with Heart Ally Books? 

CS: I chose to work with Heart Ally Books because I believe Divine Intervention brought Lisa into my life at exactly the right moment. Several years before meeting Lisa, I had nearly finished my manuscript—or so I thought. Then, in the winter of 2022, I experienced the unimaginable loss of my son. Everything, including my book, suddenly seemed unimportant. My faith was shaken and my dream of publishing a book was gone. Hoping to find some peace and healing from my recent loss, I attended a women’s spiritual retreat in Colorado. My book was the farthest thing from my mind. I was simply trying to navigate my grief and find my way back to faith. 

One afternoon, while waiting for the lunch line to thin, I struck up a conversation with women from around the country. One was from Bozeman, Montana, where I had once lived with my ex-husband, Richard Bernard, a professor at MSU. She asked whether I knew her best friend, a math professor at the university. Unsure, she texted her—and moments later said, “Yes, I know Claire! She’s married to Dr. Richard Bernard.” Without missing a beat, I blurted, “I’m not married to him anymore! He was an a$$%@&e! I even wrote a book about him!” Apparently, I said it louder than I realized.

This comment attracted a lot of attention. The women were caught up in the story and asked when it would be published. I said that I'd tried, but given up on finding a publisher.

About ten minutes later, a beautiful woman approached, handed me her business card, and explained that she had overheard our conversation. She asked me to call her if I wanted to talk about the book, then disappeared into the crowd. I stared at the card, blinking in disbelief, my mouth falling open as the words sank in. 

 Heart Ally Books, LLC — Lisa Norman, Owner. 

Could this really be a publisher? I wanted to believe it, but I was afraid to get my hopes up. After a little research, I discovered Lisa was the real deal. I finally worked up the courage to call her, and from our first conversation, she was kind, encouraging, and genuinely interested in my story. I sent her my manuscript the next morning. Then I prayed. 

Lisa became much more than my publisher. She was a teacher, a guide, and, a trusted friend who helped me find my voice again.

Looking back, I am certain meeting Lisa was no accident. At a time when I had lost my son, questioned my faith, and abandoned my book, God placed a business card—and exactly the right person—directly in my path.

HA: That moment was surreal and NOT my usual approach to an author, for sure. I wasn't there looking for clients, didn't really want another book at the time, and definitely do not approach strangers with offers. But I felt that this was a divine moment, because a lot of little things had to align for us to have been there at the same time. When you called I was worried that I'd just approached a random stranger with a story and that maybe it would be terrible. But as I read, I cried, knowing that it held a story that desperately needed to be told. I devoured the manuscript in one sitting, stunned by how good it was. And I knew, I was the right publisher for this book.

SO—aside from being hijacked by a weird publisher in the middle of a crowd, what was the most surprising experience you had while becoming an author? 

CS: The most surprising part of becoming an author was realizing how much goes into publishing a book. I had so much to learn. I had never written a book before and had some pretty big misconceptions. I thought I would simply write it, get it published, and—of course—sell a billion copies. Once again, I proved that ignorance is bliss!

The process was far more complicated than I imagined, but it was also incredibly rewarding. Lisa was patient and encouraging as she taught me how to elevate my story and invite readers to experience Claire’s journey rather than simply observe it from a distance. Watching my original manuscript grow and improve with each revision was both surprising and deeply motivating. 

HA: You didn't set out to become an author, but you took on the challenge with a professionalism and energy that stunned me. Do you have a favorite part of being an author? 

CS: My favorite part, hands down, was the moment I finally held the completed book in my hands. So many years of writing, rewriting, doubting, grieving, and persevering had led to that one extraordinary moment. I had imagined it countless times, but nothing could have prepared me for the emotion of actually holding the finished book. 

I opened it with Lisa, and the moment I saw those pages, I squealed with completely unbridled joy. We laughed and celebrated together, and for a moment, all the hard work and heartache that had gone into the journey seemed to fade away. That book represented so much more than a finished manuscript. It represented a part of me that I had almost given up on. Holding it in my hands felt like proof that I had made it through, and that my story had found its way into the world. It was, without question, one of the happiest and most meaningful moments of my life. 

HA: Your story is powerful, and one that I know will touch people's lives. I've watched others walk your journey, which was part of why I knew that this book was mine to publish. I saw so many people I love in those pages. People who have felt alone, ashamed, afraid. And in your pages, I saw understanding and care and courage. So tell us: What is the story behind It Started with a Cookie? 

CS: This true story was born out of my need to understand and deal with my seemingly inexplicable anxiety and panic attacks. When I first met my therapist, I confidently informed him that I was a fast learner and would probably need only three of the six free sessions covered by my insurance. Looking back, that was probably my first clue that I had no idea what I was getting myself into! My therapist encouraged me to journal as a starting point for our sessions. Before long, he commented that I wrote well and suggested that my journals might someday make a good book. Perhaps, he said, sharing my story could help someone else. 

At first, I scoffed at the idea. I was a career math teacher, after all—not a writer! But the idea had been planted, and it stayed with me. I discovered that I loved writing. I loved the freedom of a blank page and, perhaps most importantly, the freedom to be completely honest. I could put into words things I had never been able to say out loud. 

What began as a way to understand and process my own struggles slowly became something much bigger—a story I hoped might help someone else feel a little less alone. And that is where the journey to becoming a first-time author really began. 

HA: What is your top recommendation for new authors wanting to learn the craft? 

CS: My biggest recommendation for new authors is simple: just start. Put your words on the page, even if they aren’t perfect. Once you have something written, you have a place to start. Trust your voice, be willing to learn, and listen to your heart, and to a good editor! I learned that writing a book is a process, and sometimes it takes much longer than you imagined. That’s okay. Give yourself permission to learn along the way, embrace the revisions, and celebrate the small victories. Most of all, enjoy the journey. If your story is important to you, it is worth the time, patience, and courage it takes to bring it to life.

HA: Folks, if you or someone you know is dealing with psychological abuse, please take time and read this book. Claire's vulnerability and honesty help understand how someone can become trapped and how they can escape to a new and fulfilling life.

Learn more about It Started with a Cookie here.

Read more in this article by the St. George News about Claire and her book.