Giving Voice to Stories That Matter
Award-winning author Cortney Donelson shares her journey from physical therapy to writing, her inspirations behind Clay Jar, Cracked and The Billionaire’s List, and the role of faith in her creative process.
Cortney Donelson is not just a writer—she is a storyteller with a mission. An award-winning author and a highly sought-after ghostwriter, she has dedicated her career to amplifying voices and bringing powerful narratives to life. Through her writing services company, vocem LLC, she has helped countless individuals share their journeys with authenticity and impact.
With a body of work spanning both fiction and non-fiction, Donelson has proven her mastery across genres. Her deeply personal and inspiring memoir, Clay Jar, Cracked: When We’re Broken But Not Shattered, takes readers through a transformative journey of resilience, while The Outlier’s Choice: Why Living an Uncomfortable Life is Worth It, co-authored with a friend, delivers a poignant message about surrendering to faith in the face of life’s uncertainties. Stepping into the world of fiction, she captivated readers with The Billionaire’s List, a novel born from an unconventional inspiration—Monopoly—and further expanded this universe with Baby Girl Jones, a compelling prequel released in 2024.
Beyond her literary achievements, Donelson’s journey itself is an inspiration. From a career in physical therapy to finding her true calling in writing, her path is a testament to courage, faith, and the power of storytelling. Whether crafting her own narratives or giving life to others’ stories, she does so with heart, precision, and a rare depth of understanding.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House, we delve into the mind of a writer who is reshaping the literary landscape—one story at a time. Donelson shares insights into her creative process, the challenges and triumphs of her writing journey, and the profound role faith plays in her work. It is an honour to feature her in this issue, as her words continue to inspire and uplift both readers and aspiring writers alike.
Cortney Donelson is a gifted storyteller whose heartfelt, compelling narratives captivate readers, inspire transformation, and bring powerful, authentic voices to life.
What inspired you to transition from a career in physical therapy to writing?
An avid reader in my youth, I dreamed of being a writer, succumbing to the stereotypical image of a darkened den, a steaming cup of tea, and a cozy blanket as “adult me” scribbled away. Unfortunately, an English teacher told me I was skilled in grammar but not writing. The assessment was crushing. Since I also enjoyed science and was an athlete with plenty of injuries, I changed my career goal to become a physical therapist. I trekked through school and a twelve-year career helping those with spine pain. I felt rewarded with my patients’ improvement but not passionate about the work. Like a relentless wave, writing pulled and pushed on my heart. I’d start something, but just know it was awful and toss it or drag it to the trash can, the teacher’s words echoing in my head. Then, my marriage crumbled under the weight of a secret addiction. I finally had content worth writing. A divine gift was unleashed, and I constructed short devotions to process my pain. With the help of a coach, I used those devotions to draft my memoir, and I “retired” from PT, never looking back. I couldn’t. I’d let my license expire, knowing writing and editing—entrepreneurship in the creative space—was what I was meant to do. Still, it would be years before I dared to write fiction. It was the one benefit of the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020—time and space to try in earnest. Finally, my first novel was born.
How did your personal experiences influence the themes and messages in The Outlier’s Choice?
I co-authored The Outlier’s Choice with a friend. She has a powerful story but wasn’t ready to forge the writing process to pen her full memoir. So we crafted our “tiny book with a big message” as an afterword to my memoir and a foreword to her future one. The process was altogether cathartic, bonding, eye-opening, and fun! The big message—that surrendering to God’s will, even when it’s hard, even when it doesn’t make any earthly or logical sense, is worth it—drove us to places we never dreamed possible, individually or as friends. Hers is a story of grief, mine of betrayal. In both, we saw the hands of God working to make things good. Since successfully co-authoring such a powerful little book, I now recommend new writers partner with a more experienced author if fear or doubt prevents them from writing their story worth sharing.
How do you approach blending personal testimony with inspirational messages in your memoirs?
This one is easy to answer. Authenticity and courage. If your testimony is true, it will be inspiring. If you’re honest with your flaws and what you had to learn and go through—without taking on a victim mindset or engaging in the blame game—you’ll inspire others, even if their specific stories are different.
Could you tell us more about the process of creating your fiction work, especially with The Billionaire’s List?
My process for writing The Billionaire’s List was unconventional. The story was inspired by the board game Monopoly. So, I started with a setting: Atlantic City, New Jersey. Most writers begin with a story premise or a character. For me, I looked at St. Charles Place, Ventnor Avenue, and the Boardwalk, and a story unfolded in my mind. Growing up visiting the Jersey Shore helped tremendously. I know how the Jersey beaches smell. I know how they look. I know the distinct vibe of each little shore town. That’s what got me hooked.
What challenges did you face when writing Baby Girl Jones, and how did you overcome them?
Ah, the messy middle—that was the biggest challenge. It’s a common one for novelists. Even though I’m a developmental editor, I was too close to my story, trying to marry it with the first book. So, I enlisted another editor to help. Once that middle section was finished and some of the characters’ motivations were ironed out, I knew I had a winner.
How has your faith influenced both your personal life and your writing journey?
Jesus is everything. He’s not just first; he’s center. I wouldn’t be writing at all without God gifting me first with the passion for storytelling and then with the skill to make it happen—each unwrapped when I needed it the most. While my novels are not faith-based, my memoir is, and my writing services business (ghostwriting and editing) serves many Christian writers. I’m humbled to advance God’s kingdom in this way.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors looking to share their personal stories or write inspirational content?
Know your audience and your why. Before you release a personal testimony book—whether memoir or fiction based on your life, heal first. Writing is a transformative process. But sharing it publicly is best done after you can honestly assess your trauma, your part, and your growth. With inspirational content, readers will force you to dive back into what prompted your epiphanies. Be prepared emotionally and spiritually.
