Karissa’s first book, Daddy’s Little Girl, started as a spark of an idea. Like a votive candle in a dark room, the flame started to glow and the light started to grow. Soon the room was filled with the vision. Karissa immediately recognized this could only be from God.
Karissa McCall grew up in Albuquerque, NM. The daughter of educators, Karissa describes herself as a “pew baby.” Her parents made certain that Karissa and her two siblings knew the importance of having the Lord in their lives.
Karissa attended Fisk University in Nashville, TN where she studied microbiology and immunology. Not your typical field of study for a children’s author. But remember, that was not in the plans…yet. She moved on to Vanderbilt, also in Nashville, where she earned her PhD.
Karissa had a husband and a life waiting stateside, she boarded a plane and flew home. The couple moved to Albuquerque, where Karissa had grown up and Brian found employment as a graphic designer. Karissa soon found her place as the Director of Infectious Disease at TriCore Labs.
Karissa is the proud mother of two of the most talented and adorable children God ever created. Mikaela is five and Ethan is three. Her face lights up when she shares their antics. You can see right away how much Karissa loves her family. Her parents are an important part of her life as well. She partners with her father, now a pastor, in ministry.
In 2013 Karissa and Brian left Mikaela with Karissa’s parents. They just wanted a brief respite, one night. That night in a hotel room, with a band playing in the distance, God revealed not only the idea for the book, but He revealed every single page in detail. Karissa’s little votive candle had suddenly become a flood light. She couldn’t write fast enough.
However, once she returned home, rough draft in hand, the enemy began his attack. She struggled with doubts. “Who am I? Am I good enough? Is this stupid? Will anyone read this?” If you are a new writer, a published author, you understand. You’ve had those very same thoughts.
Then came the distractions. And the logistics. How was she going to get this book published? She took a risk. She submitted the manuscript to a contest. She thought if the book was chosen she would know it was God’s plan. She never heard a word. Maybe it wasn’t God.
In 2016, Daddy’s Little Girl went from a fragment of light in Karissa’s mind to a bright shining beacon for all to see. To God be the Glory.
There’s a lot more to this story and you can hear it in person when Karissa shares with attendees at the upcoming CLASS Writers Contreat. Karissa will be delivering our devotions each morning.
To learn more about Karissa and her ministry visit www.karissaculbreath.com.
Plan now to attend the 2017 CLASS Writers Contreat, November 8 -11. Visit www.classeminars.org/writers-contreat-2017.html.