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Flowing from the Vine

Divine Purpose Publishing House is not just a name; it is a sacred expression of purpose, identity, and connection. Throughout the website, you will see it written as Divine, but the logo retains its distinct design with the two lowercase “i”s. This detail was a direct instruction from God, a reminder to always remain humble and rooted. The lowercase “i”s symbolize humility and connection to something greater. It’s a call to lean into God’s leading rather than striving in our own strength, always remembering the source of all we are and all we do.

The design itself also reflects the essence of John 15, a life scripture foundational to my journey. In John 15, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” This truth reminds us of the importance of remaining connected to the Vine. When we live from this connection, everything flows effortlessly. But when we strive—forgetting that we are already rooted and grounded—we cut ourselves off from the flow of nourishment, inspiration, and life that comes from being in Him.

The very structure of the word “Divine” in the logo speaks to this truth. The lowercase “i”s break the word into DiViNE, “The Vine,” a visual representation of our source of life and purpose. As a publishing house, this connection is vital because we believe every story, every book, and every author’s journey has its appointed time. Being connected to the Vine ensures that we are not forcing things into existence but allowing God’s timing to guide the process.

Trusting the Divine Pause

When God first gave me the vision for Divine Purpose Publishing, I leapt forward with enthusiasm, creating and building with all the courage I could muster. Starting something entirely new—especially in an industry I never imagined stepping into—was both bold and exhilarating. But it also came with challenges. Despite my best efforts, it often felt like plowing a field with a manual tool, exhausting and unsustainable. I was striving rather than flowing.

Now, as I step back into this calling, it feels entirely different—because I’m different. There is no striving, only alignment. This time, we operate in unison with Spirit, from the truth of identity and connection, a reflection of what it means to remain connected to the Vine.

Honoring the Pause and Trusting the Timing

One of the greatest lessons from this journey is understanding the importance of God’s timing. Sometimes God gives us a word—like writing a book—and we assume it must happen immediately. But there are moments when God calls us to pause, to shelve the work until the appointed time. This isn’t a rejection or a delay; it’s a preparation. The audience God intends for your story may not be ready yet, or there may be more that He wants to reveal to you before the work is complete.

We honor these pauses. If we sense that a manuscript needs to wait, it’s not because we don’t believe in the work or the author. It’s because we trust God’s divine timing. We invite our authors to trust the pause with us, knowing that waiting often brings deeper clarity, refinement, and alignment.

Flowing from Connection

Ultimately, Divine Purpose Publishing House is about living and creating from a place of connection. When we remain in the Vine, everything flows—creativity, purpose, and timing. When we disconnect, striving takes over, and the process becomes exhausting. But the truth is, we are never truly disconnected; we only live as though we are. Returning to the Vine reminds us of who we are and where our source lies.

As you journey with us, know that this is more than a publishing house. It’s a place where stories find their home, guided by Love and grounded in purpose. We are honored to walk alongside you, connected to the Vine, flowing in the beauty of God’s timing and grace.

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Alignment & Support

There is something profound about the power of community. It’s not just about people gathering together; it’s about creating a space where hearts are aligned, support flows naturally, and individuals are empowered to walk in their purpose. As I reflect on the journey of Divine Purpose Publishing, one thing stands out: community is the oil that keeps everything moving like a well-oiled machine.

When I first started Divine Purpose Publishing in 2013, I was wearing every hat imaginable. I had to learn every part of the publishing process on my own, and it often felt overwhelming. By 2017, I began networking and delegating to contractors, which brought a surge of authors my way. But even with that external growth, I struggled internally. Imposter syndrome clouded my vision, and I often questioned, “What right do I have to be a publisher?”

The truth was that Spirit had given me this vision, and I was moving in flow when I received the instructions for what was then a publishing company. However, that flow felt blocked. I didn’t understand why until much later. The missing piece was community. I didn’t know what it was like to be surrounded by people who genuinely loved, believed in, and supported me. Instead, I was trying to build something alone, which left me striving and feeling disconnected.

After seven years in the publishing industry, after years of struggle, I felt Papa God speak clearly to me: it was time to let go of Divine Purpose Publishing Company. This wasn’t easy. Letting go felt like releasing the very promises I had received. I released it, carrying with me the sting of past experiences and the weight of unmet expectations. For a while, I couldn’t even imagine stepping back into publishing. Just thinking about it brought feelings of resistance and dread.

But something happened over these past few years. Little by little, my heart began to heal. The sting faded, and what remained was a growing excitement to create something new, something aligned with my heart vision but far more beautiful and supported.

The difference this time? Community.

Now, I am surrounded by a healthy, supportive community of friends who reflect back to me the truth of my identity. They see me for who I am, not for what I’m doing or not doing. Through these relationships, I’ve been able to heal and rediscover the beauty of being in flow. It’s within this safe, loving environment that Divine Purpose Publishing has been reimagined—not as a company, but as a publishing house.

This shift from company to house isn’t just a name change; it’s a reflection of this new foundation. A house is a place of belonging, of connection, and of shared purpose. It’s not transactional but relational. As a hybrid publishing house, we now operate from a place of mutual investment—where we invest in our authors just as they invest in their own journey. It’s about partnership, collaboration, and building something together.

I can now look back and see how God has been aligning all the pieces of this journey, like a 1,000-piece puzzle. At first, it felt impossible to make sense of it all. The pieces seemed scattered, and I couldn’t see how they connected. But over time, Papa has given me piece after piece, and now I can see the bigger picture. The once overwhelming puzzle now moves together in perfect alignment, and everything flows effortlessly.

This flow wouldn’t be possible without the oil of community. The horizontal connections I now have with others and the vertical alignment with Spirit are what make this season so different from the striving of the past. Healthy community—one that loves, sees, hears, and believes in you—is vital. It’s through community that we heal, grow, and step into the fullness of who we are meant to be.

For those who may have been hurt by community in the past, I see you. I’ve been there too. There was a time when I was hesitant to trust others because of deep wounds caused by people I thought I could rely on. But I’ve learned that while unhealthy community can wound, healthy community is where healing happens.

Today, I’m so grateful for the trusted friends and partnerships that have shaped this new season. It’s through them that Divine Purpose Publishing has found its true identity as a house—a home for authors who feel seen, heard, and supported as they bring their stories to life.

This journey has been one of awakening, healing, and rediscovery. And I’m honored to invite you into this space, where we can create, dream, and flow together—like a well-oiled machine, powered by the oil of community.

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Why We Call This Space Writer’s Nook

Welcome to the Writer’s Nook! You may be wondering why we chose this name for our blog. Let me share a little story with you.

To me, every writer has a unique place in Papa’s (God’s) heart—a special nook just for them. This space is where inspiration flows, where courage to share your voice is nurtured, and where love and purpose are written into every page of your story.

The Writer’s Nook isn’t just a blog; it’s a cozy corner for you—a place to feel seen, encouraged, and empowered in your creative journey. Just like the nook in Papa’s heart, this is a space where you can find connection, rest, and purpose as you share your voice with the world.

Here, we’ll explore topics like storytelling, creativity, and the journey of publishing, all while staying rooted in love and authenticity. Whether you’re stopping by for a dose of inspiration or diving deep into your writing dreams, know that this space was created with you in mind.

Welcome to the Writer’s Nook. Your story matters here. 🌟

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Welcome to Divine Purpose Publishing!

Hi there! My name is LaShawn Dobbs, and I am the founder of Divine Purpose Publishing. I want to take a moment to personally welcome you into this space. Whether you stumbled upon us by chance, are exploring options for publishing your story, or are simply curious about what we do here, I’m so glad you’re here.

Divine Purpose Publishing is more than just a publishing house—it’s a home where stories find their place and hearts are seen, known, and loved. We believe that every story carries power, and every storyteller deserves a space to be heard, valued, and celebrated. Here, our goal is to walk alongside you on your journey, offering guidance, support, and encouragement as you share your voice with the world.

If you’re new to this space, let me share a little about who we are. DPP was born out of a passion to create a safe and welcoming environment for authors, especially those who may have felt unseen or unheard in their creative journey. Whether you’re an experienced writer or someone just beginning to dream about putting pen to paper, this is a space for you. You don’t have to be polished or perfect—you just have to be you.

At DPP, we’re about more than books; we’re about connection, purpose, and impact. We see publishing as an extension of love—a way to share truth, inspire change, and bring beauty into the world. Regardless of whether you choose to publish with us or are simply here to explore, you’re family. You are welcome here.

In the coming weeks, I’ll share more about the heart behind DPP, the meaning of our logo, and the journey that led us to this point. I’ll also highlight stories of courage and creativity from authors who have partnered with us to bring their visions to life. My hope is that these posts will encourage and inspire you wherever you are on your path.

Thank you for stopping by. I’m honored that you’ve taken the time to visit Divine Purpose Publishing. If you ever have questions or feel ready to explore the possibility of working together, don’t hesitate to schedule a connection call. I can’t wait to hear your story and walk alongside you in this beautiful journey.

With love and purpose,