The Way Back
ARTIST
Collective
The Way Back Artist Collective is a way that we showcase the fine talents, products, and services of our community members. It’s our way to celebrate what God is doing as we beautify the kingdom and give back to the souls who make The Way Back such a unique and beloved community. If you’re looking for services and art from faithful creatives, you’ve come to the right place.
CONNECT, FOLLOW, HIRE, OR SHOP WITH OUR COLLECTIVE.
WE ARE THE WAY BACK ARTIST COLLECTIVE.
WE ARE THE WAY BACK ARTIST COLLECTIVE.
TANNER OLSON, writer, speaker, poet, and podcaster
“If you ask me what I do for work, I’ll tell you that I am an author, poet, and speaker. But if you ask me what I am about, I’ll tell you that I am here to spread hope. For all I do not know (and there is a lot I do not know!) I know hope is real. I know good is on the way. I know words can change us and move us and heal us and remind us that everything is going to be okay. And I know it is better to go together than alone. And that is what The Way Back To Ourselves is all about. Continuing together, not alone.”
Tanner is the nicest guy around, and he’s available for hire at www.WrittentoSpeak.com. You can find Tanner on Instagram at @writtentospeak and buy ALL of his poetry books, which are best sellers at his website or Amazon.
NICHOLAS TRANDAHL, award-winning poet
“Where the human experience blends with the natural experience and the divine experience is where, for me, truth resides. I’m a poet because I want to bring my readers with me to that special place. When I’m not out seeking that truth in the unsoiled holy places of the world, The Way Back to Ourselves is a community to return home to, a warm campfire surrounded by other creatives and seekers, and there’s always a spot for me at that fire, even if I’ve been away in the wild for a long while.”
You can buy Nicholas’s popular collections of poetry on Amazon: Mountain Song, All the Color All the Wind, Purgatory, and more. You can also find him active on his Instagram page: @nicholastrandahl.
STEVE VEASEY, illustrator & writer
“I take the calling of created to create to heart. I like to say that I’m ‘drawing my way through life’ and hope that what I create will resonate with others and help them feel seen. I have a passion for mental health and use my creativity to find ways to start those conversations since this is a topic that affects all of us. TWBTO is a “come as you are” community. As a creative, it has been refreshing to connect with and collaborate with other creatives. But the community truly is for anyone who is looking for a place to belong. It wasn’t a community that I sought out to find, but it found me. I am grateful to be able to invite others into this community because we all need a place to feel like we belong.”
Steve is an illustrator for hire and is accepting commissions at www.SteveCanDraw.com. You can find Steve on Instagram at @stevecandraw and buy his NEW special second edition of Thin Spaces on Amazon now.
DEIDRE BRALEY, writer & podcaster
“I am a poet, freelance writer, and editor, and the face behind The Second Cup blog and podcast, where I strive to make peace with being human—and bring others along with me. I truly believe that words and ideas can shape culture and communities, and I want to form mine into the shape of hope. When I set my mind to making a career out of writing a couple of years ago, I had no writing community. I felt that loneliness deeply. I knew I needed people like me—ones who understood what it's like to make a living out of being creative. Who couldn't help but create. When I found The Way Back to Ourselves, I knew I had found my people. I felt hopeful. I felt inspired to take risks with my writing. I felt truly cared for. And I felt not alone. I'm so thankful to Kimberly and the whole TWBTO community for welcoming me into this fold of incredible, creative humans.”
You can buy Deidre’s debut poetry chapbook The Shape I Take at Bootlecap Press. You can listen to her podcast The Second Cup and subscribe to her Substack here.
SARAH STEELE, artist & writer
“Words add meaning, offer insight, and give understanding. So, whether I’m stitching with floss on antique paper or brushing watercolor across a textured page, my art includes words—in the form of original poetry or Scripture. And if poetry recorded through the pen is beautiful, poetry expressed through the mouth is stunning. I look for structure and rhythm in the words I piece together for my poems, practicing them with my tongue with every edit. TWBTO has blessed me abundantly. A community of writers who are not stepping over each other to glorify oneself but rather who are leaning in, listening hard, cheering each other on with every victory, and encouraging with every setback. One of my favorite parts is getting together via Zoom calls; it makes the community feel all the more real. Every writer needs such a group! (And being one of the editors gives me a front row seat to all the goodness.)”
Sarah’s first poetry book debuts in March 2024; it will be available through all major retailers. Subscribe at her website to receive updates: www.bysarahsteele.com. And check out her Etsy shop as she adds artwork that highlights some of her favorite poems: bysarahsteele.etsy.com.
Matt Nash, spiritual director & writer
"Nothing gives me more pleasure than walking alongside people on their life journey. C.S. Lewis once said, ‘Joy is the serious business of heaven,’ and I believe that is true with my whole being. I have been so overjoyed to be part of the community here at The Way Back To Ourselves and stretch my writing muscles to express what is bubbling up in my heart to bless others. At Kardia Community we care for people at the intersection of Soul Care and Spiritual Formation. Helping people focus on their inner life is our passion. Helping people thrive in life is our goal. We would love to help provide a retreat for your church, business, or organization. We offer individual and group spiritual direction, which is a conversational and prayerful relationship of seeking God together. I would love to connect with you and help you on your path in life to help you be your authentic self."
Hire Matt for spiritual direction, seminars, and public speaking engagements. Find him on his website. He writes about spiritual direction and all things C.S. Lewis at his Substack Aslan on the Move.
EDWARD HOLMES, writer, podcaster, & publisher
"I believe we've been given a great responsibility to display the love of God, our Maker, creatively. Whether they're spoken or written, our words hold a great deal of power to deeply harm or heal others. For this reason, I take my writing very seriously, and I want my craft to serve as a vehicle of vulnerability and hope. I'm passionate about poetry because it reaches diverse people groups who would otherwise never darken the door of a traditional church. I love this.
If one person decides that life is still worth living tomorrow because of our words, then everything we do is worth it! This is why I write." The Way Back To Ourselves has been a means of healing and belonging for me. I've never been part of a more beautiful community of writers who champion one another, simply to see each other lifted. It's truly an incredible thing, and I think you belong here too.”
You can discover Edward's poetry, devotional, children's book, and anthologies on his website www.edwardlholmes.com. You can find new episodes of his podcast on Spotify and iHeart Radio here: Life Lines: Positive Poetry. He hopes you stop by and stay a while.
Daniel Eccles, leader, pastor, & podcaster
“The Opportunity Collective is a network of faithful creators collaborating to create opportunities and live more purpose-driven lives. I formed this community and podcast because I want to see people thrive. And thriving happens when we stop competing and start collaborating. It's collaboration > competition. The Way Back to Ourselves has been one of the most collaborative communities that comes alongside and encourages folks in The Opportunity Collective to dive deeper into the mystery, pain, joy, and mediocrity of living a purpose-driven life.”
Work with Daniel! You can learn more about Daniel at his website: danieleccles.com. Check out his podcast here: danieleccles.substack.com Follow him on Instagram: @djeccles. And you can contact Daniel by email here: daniel@learnedopportunity.com
