Meet Kristina Welch

We were lucky to catch up with Kristina Welch recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kristina, we can’t begin to explain how much we appreciate you sharing about your PPD experience, but we can say that so many in our community are suffering from or have suffered from postpartum issues including postpartum depression and so you sharing your story and how you overcame it might help someone who is going through it right now or in the future. What can you share with us about how you overcame PPD? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

At first, I resisted the idea that I could even have postpartum depression. My life looked too perfect on paper. My husband is wonderful—he’s always supported me staying home with our kids, and he helped in every way possible. My kids were healthy and adorable. Loving grandparents lived nearby. We had a weekly date night. And only a few months earlier, God had spared my oldest son’s life from a rare disease through perfect timing and the right doctors. By any standard, I “had it made.” I felt like I should only ever be grateful. So when a friend at Bible study—who had been through her own brutal bout with PPD—pulled me aside and said, “I think this is what’s happening to you,” I was equal parts relieved and mortified.

But she was right. The cocktail of a desperate lack of sleep, the physical depletion of three babies in four years, and the crushing increase in responsibility that comes with a newborn had all contributed. I was a wreck. PPD was a long slog—worst for a few months, but lingering for years. I did go to counseling, which was a mixed bag—some moments very helpful, others not as much. I was far from my former self. Optimism? Gone. Joy in the things I’d always loved? Gone. Simple delight? Gone.

The one unexpected spark was writing. It came a little over two years in. My depression had carved out a vacuum of focus, interest, and thrill, and when I found writing, I couldn’t stop. It tornadoed through my life—and maybe, in God’s kindness, that’s part of what He used to draw me out of the fog. He didn’t wait until I was “better” or “ready.” He met me in the middle of the mess, and He’s brought me to a place far better than I ever was before PPD.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I write Christian romances set on a college campus. What’s exciting (and maddening) is that my stories never show up neatly from beginning to end. They come in fits and starts. I keep layering, swapping, and adding as the story takes on a life of its own. Edits blindside me all the time. I usually feel like I’m hanging on for the ride rather than steering it. I hope it all contributes to a dimensional and meaningful experience for my readers.

I call my books Romances for Jesus Freaks because they don’t read like many of the Christian romances I see. My characters are quirky and amused and deeply flawed. They’re oriented toward loving God and relying on Him, which means their narration naturally includes all kinds of prayers and even subtle answers to those prayers, just like in my own life. None of us have it figured out. We’re just begging for help and marveling at what He’s done as we go. I want readers to think, “She’s just like me,” even if they’re a totally different age or personality—because life with Jesus can resonate.

And what’s new? My novel *Anywhere*, book two in the Mayberry University series, releases November 4th. It’s a standalone, but way more fun if you’ve read the first book, *Anything*. Where *Anything* from Kit’s perspective was more linear, *Anywhere* is more chaotic—Sophie’s choices keep shifting the ground under her feet.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Start with a true need in the world.
A hobby isn’t enough to make your work unique, growing, and your gut-level best. Ask yourself: What does the world need more of? That answer will carry you much farther than “this is fun.” Better yet, both.

Because of that need, I’ve found myself in a niche I deeply value—the kind of stories I wish I had when I was younger. We escape into fiction, yes, but we also grow from it. My favorite authors never quite got me, because they didn’t view everything through the lens of faith the way I do. That perspective became my lane. And choosing a college setting made so many creative decisions for me, in the best way. It’s a time of life when huge changes happen, when you decide who you want to be … and when you inevitably make some big mistakes. I also include tons of song lyrics and pop culture references, because that’s how I talk and think.

2. Learn from what’s already out there.
Austin Kleon wrote *Steal Like an Artist*, and that nails it—so much can be learned from what’s already been done. For an author, every book is coaching. Some show you what to do, some what not to do, and most do both. If something makes you come alive, allow it to influence what you create.

And inspiration doesn’t just come from one industry. I’ve learned about weaving faith into fiction from Francine Rivers and about plotting and dialogue from Katherine Center. From musicians like Jordan Davis and Walker Hayes, I’ve learned rhythm, imagery, storytelling, and the art of saying much in few words. From shows and films like “Gilmore Girls,” “Psych,” “Win a Date with Tad Hamilton,” and “Hitch,” I’ve seen how timeless humor, sharp banter, and realistic relationships make stories evergreen. Inspiration really is everywhere.

3. Double down on what’s uniquely yours—and recruit backup.
You can’t be fabulous at everything, so if you find something about yourself that others think is weird or uncanny, lean in. I can wake up at 4 with focus to write like my life depends on it. And I’m living a love story many people only get to read about. I’ve been rescued a thousand times by a God who never gives up on me (not unique, but precious!). I have an obsession with detail and a critical instinct (being honest) that would drive most people crazy. Somehow, mashed together, that’s what makes me an author.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes! I’m jealous of musicians’ endless opportunities to collaborate. Some of my favorite songs are collaborations. I’ve been brainstorming how I can work with those in my industry—and in others.

I’d love to work with people who share my vision for Christian girls and authentic faith, especially in a modern, accessible format. That could look like other authors, bookstagrammers, podcasters, or bloggers. But I also really value creatives working in completely different worlds—graphic artists, musicians, or designers who want to mix fiction with other art forms. I already make “soundtracks” for my novels in the form of Spotify playlists. How cool would it be to commission a theme song for the series? The possibilities are endless, but this type of collaborating also seems rare.

The best way to connect with me is through email ([email protected]) or Instagram (@_kristinawelch). If you’re reading this and thinking, “We could do something cool together,” I’d love to hear from you. Worst case, we swap a few ideas. Best case, we make something amazing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kristinawelchauthor.com
• Instagram: @_kristinawelch

Image Credits

Brooke Ashlee Photography