Written by Mattie Powers
Many students at Harding University have reached many accomplishments, and recently another student has made an achievement of her own. Junior Tayler B. Appleton, a biochem and molecular biology major, published her own book last month titled “The Fire Within One’s Heart,” a two-in-one novel discussing spiritual exploration and interpretations of scripture.
Appleton initially aimed to publish short stories she had written before becoming inspired to work on her new book.
“I was planning on just trying to publish those, but then I came to Harding and learned a bit more about philosophy,” Appleton said. “… And I’ve always been really passionate about philosophy, and I was like, ‘Well I’ve never seen a book that’s like Christian devotional and philosophy,’ so I decided to combine the two.”
Christian Faith Publishing Inc. served as Appleton’s publisher, releasing “The Fire Within One’s Heart” on March 21. Two professors helped her with the book creation and publishing process, including Dr. David Donley, assistant professor of biology.
“Tayler has been an excellent student who is motivated and curious,” Donley said. “If my students are nervous about trying something new — for example, completing a new technique in the lab — I will often tell them ‘Just go for it, and you’ll learn along the way.’ Tayler often does just that. She is willing to try new things and enjoys being involved in lots of different projects.”
Jonathan Wood, assistant professor of marketing, has helped her in the process of marketing her new book. He said he benefited from assisting her.
“She’s a doer,” Wood said. “She will just do things. She doesn’t sit around and wait for someone else, so she’s actually really a lot of fun to watch, and she’s very enjoyable to be around, and she’s wise beyond her years.”
Appleton said “The Fire Within One’s Heart” will be available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble in the next month or two.
