International Writers Inspiring Change presents: No Grapes In Grateful: What if gratitude wasn’t about what’s given— but what’s grown?

No Grapes in Grateful is a deeply personal reflection on what it means to stay soft, strong, and rooted—especially when life doesn’t go as planned. Author Keith Thorn offers readers an honest and hope-filled look at the moments we don’t post about: the near-misses, the delays, the disappointments, and the silent prayers left unanswered.

Through thirteen heartfelt chapters and powerful bonus pages, Thorn gently dismantles the myth that gratitude only belongs to those who’ve received what they asked for. Instead, he makes a compelling case that some of life’s greatest gifts come not from getting—but from growing.

Blending memoir, reflection, and practical tools, No Grapes in Grateful is for anyone who’s ever asked, “Where’s the good in this?” and hoped there was still purpose in the pause. With warmth and wisdom, this book invites you to trade bitterness for better, and to discover that even without grapes, there is still so much to be grateful for.

About the author

Bio -

Keith Thorn – Author, Storyteller, Soulful Observer

Keith Thorn writes from the heart—with honesty, wisdom, and a quiet strength earned through years of living, loving, and learning the hard way. Whether through fiction, memoir, or daily reflection, his work explores what it means to be present, to grow through pain, and to carry kindness forward in a noisy world.

A martial artist and lifelong student of inner peace, Keith blends personal experience with spiritual insight to offer stories that heal, inspire, and linger. His books have resonated with readers who value authenticity, emotional depth, and the sacred simplicity of real-life moments.

Keith spends his time between Collinsville, Illinois and Port Isabel, Texas with his wife Melody—his greatest companion and muse. Together, they live a life shaped by sunsets, road trips, and the belief that it’s never too late to start again.

If you’re looking for a voice that honors vulnerability, celebrates resilience, and reminds you that you’re not alone—Keith’s books are for you.

Interview -

iWIC: What inspired you to write?

Keith: I was inspired by the simple but radical power of gratitude. I’ve seen how choosing to be grateful—even when nothing feels “good”—reshapes perspective and rewrites the story we tell ourselves.

iWIC: Who or what most inspired you in life?

Keith: Those who keep giving thanks in the face of difficulty. My mentors, my faith, and my own journey with Melody showed me that gratitude isn’t about circumstances—it’s about seeing the gift of each breath.

iWIC: What do you hope to inspire with your writing?

Keith: I want readers to realize that gratitude is not about having “grapes on the table” or getting what we want. It’s about discovering fullness in what we already have, and freedom in what we can let go of.

iWIC: What is the backstory to your book? How did it come about?

Keith: No Grapes in Grateful grew out of a personal shift: moving from asking “Why me?” to saying “Thank you” even in hardship. The phrase came to me as a reminder that gratitude isn’t transactional—it doesn’t depend on what’s served, but on how we choose to receive life. This book is that reminder in written form.