Talking more with author Danela Butler
- What inspired you to write this book?
This began as a High School Senior Project which turned into a manuscript for a full poetry book. Poetry I have written over the years beginning at the age of 9.
- How did you choose the title? Does it hold special meaning to you?
My Great Uncle was a Preacher in Reno, Nevada and he came to Seattle, WA as a guest preacher in 2008. He preached a sermon called “The Parable of the Pearl found in Matthew 13:45-46. I was incredibly moved and it hit home with everything I was going through that year.
Originally I was only going to call it “The Pearl” but I was inspired by another fellow Author Jenni Chester who encouraged me to place the subtitle “Unveiling the Strength Within” to add more depth.
I went through a lot my Senior year which was supposed to be my most celebrated time ended up being a dark moment in my life. The title is a reminder of how precious I am to my Heavenly Father. Despite all the cracks, the bumps and bruises life throws at me.
- Can you share your process of writing and how long it took to complete the book?
Most of the poems I’ve already written. So it was a matter of picking and choosing specific poems that fit the theme of the message I wanted to convey. It took over 10 years for me to pick my manuscript back up. It took over 4 rewrites and edits. Even when I was in the process of publishing I was still adding and subtracting ones I thought would fit and ones that didn’t.
4. Were there any challenges you faced while writing or publishing it?
I almost destroyed the final manuscript because I was afraid of it being too dark for audiences. I picked it up one day and read through it and I felt a heaviness over me. I didn’t want people to read it and feel depressed. Another colleague of mine who was also an Author Destinee Shiplee, one day read it and told me, “You better not destroy this. Someone needs this!”
5. How do you feel about sharing your work with the world?
I’m excited and anxious about it. I can’t wait to see how many people’s lives are impacted by the words and rhythm. At the same time, I’m literally baring my soul in these poems but my hope is that others will be inspired and empowered.
6. Are there any parts or characters in the book that are especially personal or meaningful to you?
There are a lot of parts in the both that are definitely personal. It’s difficult to decide which one is most meaningful. It would be like choosing a favorite child.
7. What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
My hope is when people read this book that it’s like looking into a mirror for them and shining a light in places they haven’t spoken about or a strength they have yet to unlock. That despite how complicated life gets, they are precious in the eyes of Christ.
8. Did you experience any memorable moments during the research or creation of the book?
I did experience memorable moments. Most of them brought a smile to my face and other memories were not so pleasant. But it’s all part of the process.
9. What surprised you the most about the publishing journey?
I didn’t realize how much of a challenge it was. Self-publishing is not for the weak. Especially the amount of time you have to deal with marginal bleeds when uploading your manuscript and images. You can’t imagine how many times I have panicked and cried over tweaks through KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing).
10. Do you already have ideas or plans for your next project?
I do indeed. God gave my next project in a dream that I won’t reveal just yet. But be on the lookout for that in the future, plus several other projects in the works.
All about author Danela Butler
Danela Butler is a poet and spoken word artist from Seattle, WA. She began writing poetry at
nine, encouraged by her Grandmother, and later performed at Franklin High School (Seattle,
WA), earning recognition as “Most Creative Poet.” She continued sharing her work at churches,
community events, and Western Washington University, where she earned a B.A. in Theatre
Arts. Danela’s poetry explores themes of empowerment, identity, and faith, and she remains
dedicated to storytelling through spoken word.
How to follow author Danela Butler’s journey
Instagram/Threads: danela_butlerofficial
TikTok: @danelabutler1
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