The writer and publisher Stephanie Duncan Smith was raised by Christian parents in the state of Maryland in the US, so from a very young age faith was woven into her life. Smith likes to talk about in terms of 'rhythms' and says there were three that dominated her early life: Church, dinner and reading. It didn't take long for her to develop an instinct for 'the word'.

She is now the senior editor for HarperOne which produces books on religion, spirituality and growth, among other things, and is part of the Harper Collins publishing house stable.

She also writes herself publishing the Slant newsletter on Substack which is aimed at writers hoping to hone their craft.

Her book, Even After Everything: The Spiritual Practice of Knowing the Risks and Loving Anyway, explores her personal experiences of loss alongside themes of joy, and hope.

In this conversation with Emma Fowle, Associate Editor of Christianity Magazine, she talks about the changing of the seasons and the sacredness of the year focussing particularly on Advent and how it ended up having deeper meaning to her after a period of personal grief.

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Released on 20 Nov 2025