Meet the Author — James Cormier

My Journey to Writing

As a first-time author, I’ve taken online courses and joined writing groups to learn how to outline and shape a story into a book. The learning curve has been steep, and the process keeps evolving as I do. Much of what I’ve written has felt divinely inspired.

Writing has been both a challenge and a source of healing. I’ve struggled with PTSD after traumatic events in Dubai. As I recount the story, I confront deep emotions — and also discover strength, growth, and clarity.

My unedited memoir has passed 85,000 words and continues to grow. The words often flow naturally, though I do hit the occasional block — usually from fatigue.

I’m now navigating marketing and publishing as I prepare to self-publish Lighthouse in the Desert. I designed the cover and this website myself. I’m having the manuscript professionally edited and typeset, with the goal of being market-ready in Fall 2025.

Faith and Family

I’ve taken many wrong turns, yet I’m certain God has protected me at every step. I left the church at 17, convinced it was boring and unnecessary. In hindsight, I needed it more than I realized.

For years my relationship with God faded — sometimes resurfacing, often ignored. That changed when I met my wife. I didn’t see it then, but I now recognize that moment as an encounter with God.

My love for Jesus truly blossomed in my thirties, shortly after my son was born. There’s something about looking into the eyes of a newborn — a brand-new creation — that stirs the soul.

I may have lost friends because of my faith. Even so, I trust seeds have been planted — seeds of hope in Christ. I try to be a daily witness. Since my baptism in 2006, God has guided me through the hardest moments and lifted me in times of joy. He gave peace when everything seemed lost (as in Dubai), and He gave reasons to celebrate in blessings.

My family — especially my wife — has been a steady source of love and encouragement. She helped me navigate trauma and ongoing healing, and I’m forever grateful. The power of prayer has never been more evident in my life and in the lives touched by this story — His story — which I feel compelled to share.

The Writing Process

Writing this book meant revisiting memories I wasn’t sure I wanted to relive. Through the process I acknowledged my PTSD, unearthed pain, and took another step toward lasting peace.

My hope is that this story helps you feel less alone, strengthens your faith in the cross, and reminds you that prayer is more powerful than you might think. I want to encourage you: when you or someone you love needs help, God is always there — listening and ready.

I feel called to be a beacon of hope — for those who’ve faced similar struggles and those who may one day — so they’re prepared. It took me a long time, but I now hear Him clearly: that still, small voice moving my heart.

Fun Facts

• Gypsy:

I have a loyal dog named Gypsy, a street rescue from Aruba (potcake mix of Xoloitzcuintli and Whippet). I adopted her in August 2023 — initially as a support animal — and she’s become so much more. She does a mournful little howl, loves to snuggle, snores in her sleep, and gets me outside every day. The whole family adores her.

• Emma:

Before Gypsy, we had a Whippet named Emma. Saying goodbye — two days before I left for Dubai in January 2023 — was heartbreaking. You’ll meet Emma in the memoir.