Ellesmere Port writer Julia McGuinness, who is also a lay reader at the town’s parish church, St Thomas and All Saints’, has combined her two passions into a new book Writing Our Faith .

Published by SPCK, it features a wide range of creative writing exercises, projects and inspirational stories to help people embark on their own spiritual journey through writing.

It is a highly practical book offering techniques for mind mapping, addressing difficult issues through imaginary conversations, using poetic language to express emotions and creating a dialogue with God.

The book features instructive chapters on everything from keeping a journal, writing letters, stories and dialogue, to prayer plans and poetry.

Julia works as a therapeutic counsellor and trainer and is currently studying for an MA in creative writing at Manchester Metropolitan University, specialising in poetry under the direction of the Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

She is an occasional performer at Zest!, a quarterly open mic poetry night held at Alexander’s in Chester, and is currently working on a collection of poetry inspired by Chester’s city walls.

Julia, who ran her first half marathon in Chester this summer, says: “Writing a book is a bit like running a long race- you never imagine at first that you’ll make it.

“You have to break down the big challenge into shorter sections and do it one step at a time. But it’s all worth it for the thrill of crossing the finishing line or holding your published book in your hand.”

Writing Your Faith will be launched at a special creative writing workshop day, run by Julia, at Gladstone’s Library, Hawarden, on Saturday, December 7.

The workshop costs £25, including lunch, and places may be booked direct with the library on 01244 532350.

Writing Our Faith is published by SPCK and is priced at £10.99, available from selected local bookshops, Amazon, or direct from the publishers www.spckpublishing.co.uk .