Amy Kemp Writes
Simply Writing. . .or. . .Writing Simply
They say a writer is someone who simply writes – published or not. I write every day. I have kept a journal for probably 25 years. I sit at my desk every morning with a tried-and-true routine. I write about scripture, what the verses made me think of, the visions that I had from the words, and the remembrances that come flooding back to me as I consider (and reconsider).
Follow me through a collection of the ordinary. Find it refreshing, captivating, special, and exciting.
About Writing
They say a writer is someone who simply writes – published or not. I write every day. I have kept a journal for probably 25 years. I sit at my desk every morning with a tried and true routine. I write scripture, and the scripture must always be written with my red ink pen. By the way, I will only use Pilot G2 fine point pens. Then, I think on the verse/s that I’ve written and write my reflections. I write about what the verses made me think of, the visions that I had from the words, the remembrances that came flooding back to me as I considered. My reflections are written in black. Then, I write my personal prayers – prayers for situations, family, health, crises, prayers of thanksgiving and praise, prayers of gratitude and adoration. My personal prayers are always written in blue ink. It’s been this way for about as long as I can remember, and my closets are filled with journal after journal. No one will ever read them, and that’s ok, but sometimes I go back and read a page or two. It is amazing how much God has done to respond to my prayers over time. He is so faithful.
Those journals are the very substance of Simple Collections. My husband has continually said that the book was already written; it just needed to be assembled. He was right. What I really needed was a frame, and the Lord brought to mind the innocent question of my oldest daughter, “Mama, can we do the collections?” Indeed, we did often “do the collections.” We’d walk sidewalks, collecting stems, rocks, dandelions, flowers, a four-leaf clover, and maybe even a stray coin. . .our collections.
That became my frame – a collection that was very ordinary (just daily scripture musings), but captured in a way that made them feel special, unique, and exciting. And that’s the way we ought to be looking at scripture – it is God-breathed after all!
Who is Amy Kemp?
I grew up on a farm in the Midwest. My childhood was about as far away from modern-day "screen time" as you can imagine. I rode my three-wheeler constantly, particularly with my best friend, Jenny. In the spring, when the daffodils bloom, I remember picking those that were growing by the roadside and bringing them home. I remember sunbathing (before we knew what UV rays would do to skin) and running through the sprinkler in the backyard. I remember “camping” in the backyard, too, when my dad would pitch a tent just so I could sleep outside.
I recognized a love for writing and speaking in junior high and high school. I was in a young author’s competition that took me to the state capital once, and I often advanced in 4-H public speaking projects and in civic oration contests. I sang as a child (and I do as an adult as well). Being in front of audiences never seemed to bother me.
My faith has always been a huge part of my daily living. I considered attending Bible college, but I thought there was more for me than simply being a preacher’s wife, and unfortunately, in the late 80s and early 90s, that’s all most female students at Christian colleges saw for themselves. So, I attended the University of Illinois and majored in English and Speech Communications. That seemed like the right combination. I later received an advanced degree in Broadcast Journalism, and then in my 40s, I received my MBA. I believe you should never stop learning.
As fate would have it, I did become a minister’s wife, but my husband is in no way a traditional pastor. We have operated a community youth center for over 10 years. We have led youth groups together, and because he is a gifted guitar player and singer himself, we’ve led worship for many, many groups – young and old.
My published books can be purchased at Amazon.com. Follow the link below.
Where you can find me!
June 6, 2026
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Join me for coffee