An Interview with Teresa Stepp

Teresa Torba Stepp is an author and visionary storyteller whose work invites readers to step into the timeless journey of the soul. Blending faith, spiritual wisdom, and the profound lessons carried across lifetimes, she writes with the intention of healing hearts and helping souls rediscover their voice.

Her writing reflects a deep reverence for the sacred footprints we leave along the path of life—moments of love, loss, resilience, and awakening. With a gentle yet powerful touch, Teresa illuminates the mysteries of reincarnation, the beauty of spiritual growth, and the transformative power of awareness.

A multi-faceted creative, Teresa weaves words with the same care she brings to her art and illustrations, bringing stories to life in ways that touch both the heart and spirit. Her debut spiritual work, The Glimmer Within: Sacred Footprints on the Soul’s Timeless Journey, serves as a guide for readers longing to deepen their faith, embrace healing, and awaken to the eternal truth within.

Through her books, she offers readers a space of refuge, hope, and profound awareness—reminding us all that the journey of the soul is both deeply personal and universally shared. Each page she writes serves as a lantern, offering light and comfort to those seeking clarity, healing, and connection to something greater.

When she is not writing, Teresa finds joy in creating art, illustrating children’s stories, and exploring the sacred connections that bind family, faith, and gratitude. Her life’s work is dedicated to inspiring others to listen closely to their inner voice, embrace the lessons of the soul, and walk their path with courage, compassion, and light.

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What inspired you to start writing this book?

The loss of my mother. I had a life-defining moment at her viewing in 1992, which I explain in the book’s introduction. There’s quite a backstory that ties into the author’s note. I first put pen to paper in 2009, and it’s taken me nineteen years to bring it to completion.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

It came to me pretty quickly, as I just started writing paragraphs in the beginning, which aligned with the title. I’m more of a lyrical writer drawn to thought first, and I’ve always been a deeply spiritual person, so I get more hung up on the inconsequential details of whether or not to use prepositions.

Describe your dream book cover.

I’m an artist more than an author, so the visual ideas in my head are never-ending. I always say I have ADD – artist distraction disorder. I had at least three different cover designs in mind. I’m a huge fan of ‘moody’ designs with a mystical or celestial edge.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

First and foremost, The Chain from Fleetwood Mac. It has a very significant connection to the concepts within the book. I am spiritually connected to the song through my son, who passed away in 2017. I would also select Uninvited by Alanis Morissette and Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls. And I can’t forget Sunshower by Chris Cornell.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

I’m doing more writing than reading these days. But my influences would be John Edwards from Crossing Over, Sylvia Brown, and anything by John Welwood, PhD. I keep wanting to pick up a book from Mark Nepo, as it’s on my ‘to read’ list.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

Too funny. The common denominator throughout my career has always been a senior-level support role as an executive assistant, which is my current title. I am a federal civilian supporting the US Army, but I’ve been a radio DJ, bank teller, human resources manager, accounting manager, and a handful of other things.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I wrote and illustrated my first book at the age of six. This was 1972, when things were different. There was no internet. My mother, always being the most supportive person in my life, mailed it to a publisher who took the time to reply with a lovely letter telling me to reach back out in twenty years. I’m only thirty years late.

Where is your favorite place to write?

My head! Physical location is no longer limited since we carry cell phones. Inspiration comes to me in moments rather than places.

What advice would you give your past self at the start of your writing journey?

Interesting question, because I tell people the current version of me could not have written this book. I’ve changed a lot over the last twenty years, and this book first saw the light in 2009. I picked it back up in 2018, and it finally found its way into print in 2025. I would tell myself…have a little faith, you will find what you are supposed to have, or it will find you.

What’s one thing you hope sticks with readers after they finish your book?

I hope they find it profoundly moving. It was written with the purpose of healing. I want people to feel the words and have a genuine connection to them. I hope I help people see their full potential and their purpose a little differently than before reading it. I want readers to know joy is not fleeting; it’s eternal.

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