s a tOWER'S lATEST rELEASE - BEHIND enemy lines : An In-depth Insider's guide to spiritual warfare
ONLY JESUS! A Personal Journey of Navigating the Challenges of Faith and Publishing
7/12/20267 min read
Introduction: My Heartfelt Journey
Moments mark every personal journey that challenges and shapes our beliefs. For me, the intricate relationship between faith and the art of publishing has been at the forefront of my latest experience. After returning to Christ, I felt compelled to share my story of how Jesus’ rescued me from satan’s domain, which ignited my passion for writing. I discovered many challenges on the path to publication as I started my professional journey, particularly when the roots were spiritual. This blog post serves not only as a narrative of my experiences, but on an issue dear to my heart that I’ve been prayerfully considering since my latest book release.
The Traditional Publishing Conflict
For those who aren’t aware, after finishing my memoir, A Witch’s Encounter With God, I had three major publishing houses interested, but I quickly learned it wasn’t the true story of how Jesus rescued me from satan’s domain they were so interested in, rather it was me. I’ll never forget the day my manager, Robert, got off the phone with an acquisition editor and laid it all out to me.
Basically, he told me they wanted to brand me, put a full-cover portrait of myself on the book cover and send me throughout the country to sell books. I would be a kind of spokesmodel and would need to develop my own self-focused platform. It was like putting me on a pedestal; the more people who followed me, the better. In fact, the testimony of what Jesus did really wasn’t their priority; in contrast, the publishing houses prioritized marketability and targeted profitability. This phenomenon stemmed from the belief that an author’s personal brand can directly influence book sales. In fact, I would find that pretty much summed it up for the Christian publishing industry. The emphasis on personal branding resulted in a profound sense of conflict within my spirit, as my primary motivation was to share God’s story of my life. My response then was, “Hold up, it’s not about me, it’s all about Jesus; it’s not about sales, it’s about salvation.” I told Robert I wasn’t interested, realizing I was giving up the opportunity of a lifetime, but that was okay because it wasn’t about me.
Dwell Publishing: A New Direction
Robert conceived Dwell Publishing as a response to the multitude of voices in the publishing industry that veer towards profit rather than purpose. He recognized that the commercial pressures faced by many publishers frequently lead to a dilution of the original message, leaving readers yearning for authenticity and Biblical accuracy. Thus, Dwell sought to create a sanctuary for writers who wished to convey God’s truths without the pervasive influence of commercial interests distorting their work. For me, it provided the ability to market without a “self-absorbed platform” and publish God’s story of what HE did in my life, while still producing a professional quality book, and the Lord blessed the endeavor.
By emphasizing a divine message over commercial gain, Dwell Publishing has transformed the production and distribution of faith content. The decision to stay true to this vision has not only shaped the trajectory of the books created but also provides writers who prioritize spirituality and faith over marketability. In doing so, Dwell Publishing has redefined the ethos of Christian publishing, demonstrating that genuine success can indeed thrive when faith is at the forefront.
Overcoming Spiritual Warfare During Book Creation
My latest work, "Behind Enemy Lines" emerged from a culmination of life events and reflections—a testament to the trials faced when intertwining faith with spiritual opposition. The title itself signifies the various struggles encountered in a world that does not foster supportive environments for believers. While penning this book, I sought to peel back the layers of demonic influence, revealing the triumphs that arise when we stand steadfast against the enemy. Not surprisingly, I encountered intense spiritual warfare that challenged my dedication and purpose. These challenges manifested in various forms, including questioning the timing, external criticism, and demonic nuisances.
One of the most significant instances of spiritual warfare occurred when I grappled with the timing of the book. As I reached pivotal chapters that delved into challenging spiritual topics, I questioned if I had missed the season for its effectiveness. I believed the Lord had spoken to me years ago about writing this book, but I had procrastinated. It felt as if a profound resistance was mounting against my writing efforts, siphoning my confidence and making me hesitant, as if it were too late to publish my work. In these moments, I leaned heavily on my faith, seeking divine strength through prayer and reflection, which ultimately helped me overcome this barrage of negativity.
Additionally, I faced considerable external opposition from unexpected places. Friends and acquaintances obviously under demonic influence engaged in conflicts that should never have reached the level they did. These encounters were discouraging and often left me feeling isolated. Nevertheless, I committed myself to focusing on the purpose behind the book’s creation: to enlighten and inspire. By holding steadfast to my vision and praying for clarity, I was able to filter out the white noise and comments that did not align with the Word of God and my mission.
In the last couple of months leading up to the book’s launch, everything that could go wrong went wrong, but we pushed through. From the need to reschedule the editing to the editing process itself, as well as the artwork for the book’s cover. I consider most of these spiritual hindrances, but they were more extreme than usual. The publishing date came and went…Amazon delayed its release. This was the first clue that something had changed and would alter my book publishing process. You see, Amazon was being, well, Amazon, and they had prioritized books published on their platform, which basically enabled them to control the market.
Through each struggle, I realized that spiritual warfare was not merely an obstacle but also an opportunity for spiritual growth. The process of writing “Behind Enemy Lines” challenged me to deepen my faith and cultivate perseverance, valuable assets in any creative endeavor. By sticking to my convictions and embracing the trials, I could ultimately navigate through the turbulent waters of spiritual conflict and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose.
The Reality of Modern Marketing and Distribution
The landscape of the publishing industry has undergone significant transformation in recent years, particularly because of the rise of digital platforms and the increasing prevalence of streaming services. Today’s authors navigate a complex environment. Online strategies that prioritize immediacy and accessibility, and sometimes replace, traditional marketing and distribution methods.
In this digital era, marketing strategies have shifted towards embracing streaming platforms, with provocative titles and clickbait as primary tools for reaching audiences. Authors of faith-driven messages may leverage these platforms to share their work, creating connections with readers who resonate with their narratives. However, the challenge arises in maintaining authenticity while engaging with the vast array of digital marketing tactics. Such an approach can often blur the line between spiritual expression and market demands, leaving authors grappling with how to remain faithful to their message without succumbing to commercial pressures.
And so, given the circumstances, Robert suggested that creating a platform might be the way to go. The most profound problem for the platform is the one who stands upon it. When sharing what Christ has done in our lives, or sharing a message that He has placed on our hearts, our aim is not to be the center of the message. We are but messengers sharing the wondrous works of a Holy God. It’s not about us, it’s all about Him. All I could say was, “But I didn’t dethrone the Jezebel spirit, only to stand in its place.”
Conclusion: Standing Firm in Faith and Purpose
As I reflect on the journey of faith interwoven with the complexities of publishing, the lessons learned have been profound and transformative. Each challenge faced, whether it was navigating tough decision-making processes or encountering moments of self-doubt, has underscored the significance of standing firm in faith. This journey has reaffirmed my commitment to sharing God’s story through my book, revealing how storytelling can powerfully resonate with others who seek encouragement and strength.
Throughout the writing and publishing process, I have discovered that perseverance fuels passion. Integrating faith into writing offers a unique perspective, which is instrumental in crafting narratives that align with divine truth and purpose. It is essential to acknowledge that prayerful consideration has played a pivotal role in every decision, guiding me to remain aligned with my mission. This not only energizes my writing but also enriches the authentic connection between the work and its intended audience.
To conclude with the message of this blog, I share my conviction in response to creating a self-focused platform:
I will not rise to the pedestal of an ex-witch entertainer or bend a knee to conform to the ways of man. There is but one word on my lips: JESUS. Not my will, but thine. May I never forget the grace that accepted my wandering heart, the love that held me when I couldn’t have held myself, and the salvation that I received when all odds were against me. I will always continue to tell God’s story of my life. To testify to the gospel of grace and HIS unwavering love for the least of us, but I will do so in all humility, not as a high-profile influencer.
I submit all the books I’ve written to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and pray He ensures their distribution according to His plan, thwarting algorithms, spiritual snake fences, or demonic influences that seek to impede their reach. Lord Jesus, I ask that you would place these books in the hands of all those who need to hear them. Let them learn of Your goodness and I break the chains that bind them, in the name above every name, Jesus.
Thank you to all my readers, and to Robert, my manager, for understanding and supporting my conviction. The testimony of my life is not what I’ve done, but what Jesus has done in my life. It’s only and always about Jesus!
© By, S.A. Tower, July 2026