Exploring complex journeys through compelling stories

I help young adults explore their faith without judgment, overcome grief, and navigate modern world challenges to find a brighter future.

Want to read a gripping coming-of-age story about how three grieving families caught in life’s drama, coincidentally cross paths and eventually find healing and redemption?

Get God’s Instant for free, only pay for shipping!

As a teacher,

I witnessed first-hand the challenges and dilemmas young adults faced…

During my years as a teacher in Southeastern Washington state, I noticed that too many young people including kids, who were members of a strong faith community, were unable to connect their faith to the challenges they faced in their daily lives.

And the Church, because of a rigidity they naturally resisted and the judgment they feared, was for some reason, not the safe haven they felt it should be.

As a public-school teacher, I was not able (or maybe I was unwilling) to help the kids I saw struggling to reconcile their faith with their daily experience. Finally, years after I walked away from the classroom, I discovered the best way to make a difference was to write books centered on forgiveness, redemption, imperfection, love, faith, etc. 

I also began exploring other themes that are rarely talked about in the Christian youth community such as revenge, grief, and doubt.

Today, I write books and stories to help young readers navigate the disconnect they may feel between the expression of their faith and the daily challenges they face as they navigate the modern world.

While my stories have a recurring theme of Christianity, sports, nature and western living, it is the way the characters react to each other and to the adult world that I hope will speak to you.

Through my books, I am on a mission to show that young adults are also complex humans, by creating imperfect characters to explore topics like revenge, redemption, grief and healing - topics that are rarely spoken of in the christian community.

I believe that young adults should have a safe space to explore their faith without judgment or restriction while they navigate the complex personal journeys and dilemmas in their daily lives.

Man of the Oval

I was commissioned to write ‘Man of the Oval’, a memoir on the life and achievements of John Chaplin, head coach of the 2000 USA Men Olympic Track and Field Team.

Being a Track and Field coach myself, it has been my honor to learn in depth what I have of this remarkable leader. 

Few have dedicated as much time, energy, and expertise to the sport of track and field… while being willing to roll up their sleeves and get their 'hands dirty' when needed.

The positive influence of John Chaplin on the sport cannot be overstated. 

I am honored to call him my confidant and friend.  

Image: Coach John Chaplin at Man of the Oval Book Signing Event

More Books By Bruce Blizard

  • MOVING STORY ABOUT SORROW AND REDEMPTION

    “Bruce Blizard is a talented writer, firmly planted in a landscape he obviously loves, with a moving story about sorrow and redemption to tell us. Definitely worth a read.”

    – Erin Matthiessen

  • FINE QUALITY PROSE AND A GOOD STORY

    “Bruce Blizard is a talented writer of smooth flowing, easy to assimilate, engaging prose fiction. At his best, each page is a pleasure to read simply because he writes so well. The unhurried simplicity of Blizard's understated style is nicely complemented by the depths of the insights he uses in developing his most interesting characters, and a varied group they are, a testimonial to the breadth of Blizard's empathy.”

    — Reader

  • BEAUTIFUL AND HAUNTING

    “The plot moves along like the wide and deep Columbia River. As the book progresses, the back stories of each character are revealed, showing more depth and connections between them. I became attached to these characters and felt myself rooting for them to succeed. Blizard's prose is both beautiful and haunting. I highly recommend God's Instant, and look forward with excitement to Blizard's next book.”

    – David

  • I CONSIDERED HIM A GENIUS BACK THEN AND NOW

    “I had the privilege of being recruited by and being coached by Coach Chaplin. I considered him a genius back then and now. I'm grateful for his current friendship to me and his mentorship in the past as well. He's by far one of the greats to have graced our beautiful sport. Thank you for everything Coach! The book is a must read for anyone who wants to read about how to win. Coach was and is a winner! Enjoy.”

    – Mike

  • VIRTUOUS WRITING

    “This book hooked me in quickly and I had a hard time putting it down. When I did put it down, I always looked forward to getting back to it. Why? Because it had a gentle power within it. The characters, particularly the mother and daughter, were simple, yet quietly dynamic, and the plot did not disappoint. The use of first and third person perspective was refreshing. Mr. Blizard's has written a quality novel with a "Edgar Sawtelle" flavor. “

    – Peter Wood

Start by reading God’s Instant.

“Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive. Bruce Blizard's intriguing novel, GOD'S INSTANT, is just such a story of sustenance, drawing together everyday folks adrift in hidden secrets, brutal honesty, unrealized connections, faith, and hope.” - Jim D, United States

Featured Content

Sagebrush Nightmare, a Short Story by Bruce Blizard

In the harsh prairie, a woman escapes an abusive relationship, triggering tragic consequences. A tale of survival, violence, and the desert's unforgiving nature.

Ride on Rattlesnake Ridge, Poem by Bruce Blizard

A father and daughter ride horseback in the wilderness, far from nuclear reactors on the horizon. They rediscover the past and a sense of home in the rugged terrain.

The Longest Race, Book Review by Bruce Blizard

While Kara Goucher’s journey to Olympic and World Championship success was undeniably impressive, it was also fraught with challenges, exploitation, and abuse that she had to endure as the first female participant in the Nike Oregon Project.

Get in touch with me!

I would love to be a podcast guest on topics exploring Western lifestyle, Western fiction, book writing, farm life, complex journeys of young adults, athletic sports in the USA, sports coaching, and the school system in America.