Well, my heart is kind of in my throat… I read this post and a deep sadness was swelling in the depths of my heart… being vulnerable here, the thoughts that accompanied it were… I’m too old! (& logically, I know it’s a bit of a ridiculous thought and feeling, but, I’m just being honest) and following that, I nearly kept swiping thinking, just leave it Amanda… but, Alicia something drew me back and so, I’m here to answer your questions.
1. I write from a little ‘hut/cottage’ in our backyard, sheltered under a golden elm and surrounded by fig trees, paddocks and with my golden cocker spaniel on the deck.. it is as serene as it sounds. Truly grateful.
2. I started writing as a young child and always wanted too. Some years ago I really felt a string prompt which I feel was from God to ‘just write’ there were a number of incredible confirmations along the way and eventually I released my book, Dew of Heaven. I’ve since written 4 children’s book and literally dreamt my last one - called Leo’s Rest.
3. I just finished reading ‘Reclaiming Quiet’ by Sarah Clarkson who is on Substack. And it was her Instagram I first heard of this platform.
Finally, this community, honestly feels like the heart beat that I’ve been praying for, but my dang insecurities are trying to rob me of entering in… so, I’ll tap the little blue arrow for now and exhale and sip my English breakfast tea…
Oh Amanda, I'm so glad your insecurities didn't rob you of this—you are in the right place! One could just as easily say that I am “too young.” The thing about the body of Christ is that we need all different ages, experience, wisdom… I feel so blessed that you are here.
I am honestly blown away by what this community is becoming already… I could not have DREAMED that this little Substack I started on Friday would meet the felt need of so many. I have plans and dreams, but only God really knows what this is going to become. And I’m excited.
Your writing spot sounds IDYLLIC. And I haven’t read Reclaiming Quiet but I want to because it sounds incredible.
I don't think it's possible to be "too old" to be apart of a community. I'm glad that you decided to be vulnerable here - this was so beautiful to read and I hope we'll get to glean some wisdom from you.
I’m writing from a tiny apartment in Northern California where my husband and I are living after getting married last May. He’s a veteran returning to school to study ministry. I directed the writer center and was an adjunct English professor at a private Christianity university here in town until moving to Nashville for a few years to work in publishing.
On Substack—and in the literary nonfiction manuscript I’m pitching to agents—I write about faith, beauty, the grief of wrestling with God through mental + physical illness, and how to live well alongside our unmet longings. I also host a podcast called Listen to Your Life (inspired by the works of Frederick Buechner) on the intersection of spiritual formation/soul care, health, and well-being.
Right now, I’m reading Beholding by Strahan Coleman.
Can’t wait to read your beautiful words and meet others! 💛
P. S. I did my online graduate program through New England College, based in NH. And I see that you live there! Your cottage graphic looks like Orchard House from Little Women. ☺️
What a resume! I'm really interested in your nonfiction manuscript—I hope you find the right agent and publishing house for your book! I've always wanted to get into podcasting because I love having conversations with people and asking questions, but never felt like I could really commit to one more iron in the fire... but here I am, starting this. 🤣 Very content to just chat it up on other peoples' podcasts and let them do the editing for now!
What do you think of Rembrandt is in the Wind? I really enjoyed it even though I know next to nothing about art—it's excellently done! SO VERY GLAD you're here Ishah!
Yes, it's been fascinating so far and really emphasises the beauty of the Gospel ( manages to do this while teaching me about art history too!). Just read the chapter on Caravaggio which was heartbreaking. Thanks for your welcome 🤗!
I loved Rembrandt is the Wind as well - it was so fascinating. I still think about the line from the introduction that says story is a trohan horse for truth. Unforgettable.
Thanks for welcoming us into your cozy cottage! What you’re doing is SOOOOO important and I’m here for it.
I’m writing from Maine. I first started sharing my writing as a food blogger, but then I realized I kept trying to bring Jesus into my lasagna recipes and thought maybe it was time to just come out and write what I needed to write.
I’m reading lots of books on ancient Israel for seminary right now, but for fun I’m reading “Don’t Let My Baby Do Rodeo,” by Boris Fishman.
I am so excited about this! I started writing as soon as I could write (probably 5!). As a kid, I was huge into dress up and always playing pretend. I am writing from Canada, about an hour North of Toronto. This week...haha I wish it was something a little more inspiring - I'm reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility. I've just started a publication called Mother's Nightlight and would so love to be apart of a community of Christian writers. Workshopping together in a cottage really does sound like a dream!
I love talking about the things people write at those really young, tender ages. I remember writing a poem (on the toilet, lol) called "A Whisper in the Moonlight" at maybe 4? and my parents were so encouraging I wonder if that's what sparked my lifelong love of writing. Welcome to the community—I am SO SO excited for what this space will become! I'm so encouraged already!
Thank you for creating this lovely community - I am so excited to have found a space like this!
Writing has had a hold on me since before I could form letters. I used to form circles and squiggles to communicate my thoughts. When my parents and teachers equipped me with letters and words, writing became part of who I am. I never considered myself a writer, though, because writing was simply always there, coexisting with me from the start and accompanying me in every other endeavor. To this day, I would sooner call myself a mother, a teacher, a gardener, an artist - than I would think to call myself a writer. Yet, what unites all of those endeavors? I write about them.
I write about them from southern Germany, where I am now a homemaker for my husband and our two children. Prior to this job upgrade, I was a primary school teacher. I unite all of my interests - my love for this gift of life that God has granted and my passion for learning about His grand creation - on my Substack, Adventures and Academia.
I am currently reading several Substack articles, but I do prefer a real book in my hands. I just organized my bookshelves this morning (we needed a new one after receiving so many lovely new books for Christmas), and I am eager to read Wildkräuter vor Deiner Haustür. My husband gifted me this German book about the wild herbs that grow here. If I am honest, all the books on my shelves are calling to me. I prioritize my Bible reading, though, and on most days as a busy mama, that is all that time allows. I do read a lot of picture books with kiddoes cuddled on my lap, and I have a few of my own picture book ideas begging to be put on paper, along with a plethora of poems.
I loved reading your story—it's amazing how many of us had writing in us from such an early age. What a gift.
I do love reading on Substack, but I agree about the book in hand! It feels so much nicer than reading on a screen, and getting lost in something as longform as a novel or a nonfiction book is always so restful.
Oh I love this. I completely relate about feeling as though all the books on your shelves are calling to you but not being able to get to them because of your wonderful job upgrade - I'm in the same boat. Do you find that motherhood mixed with reading picture books has inspired you to write your own and to write more poetry? I have felt that, for sure. So many ideas swimming around in my head.
Which book would you first choose from your shelf if you had the time to read it from cover to cover?
I am not sure if I could even answer that question!
To answer your question:
I've had poems pleading to be put down for as long as I can remember, and I wrote a lot of stories for my primary school students when I was a teacher. However, motherhood and reading picture books with my children have certainly inspired me to entertain the dream of one day becoming a traditionally published author. This is the second time in my life that I am putting that dream into written words (the first was just a few months ago). I am so excited to see where God leads and what He will make of the gifts He has granted. 💚
Yes, I am learning so much. To share what I've learned, I like to create plant factsheets as part of my monthly mini-magazine for subscribers. It is such a blessing to learn about God's grand creation and share His gifts with others! 💚
I love seeing more Christian writers rising up to build community!!! My heart is for very much the same as yours, Alicia. I just launched my writing course last week specifically to help Christian writers who want to write their memoir. God is calling up His remnant to bring more Christian art into the world! 😍
Yes! It's really beautiful to see all the art that's being made and it makes me so excited. It does seem like we are very similar in our missions and it's exciting to have you here! Thank you Christina!
Loving this. I just launched my publication yesterday! Mine is The Writer’s Garden, so your Writer’s Cottage immediately grabbed my attention. I’m an English teacher too. All the best in your new endeavor. Everything you’re saying here strikes a chord. Thank you for sharing it. Praying for good things on your new publication adventure. 🙏🏼💚
Oh I feel like our publications are kindred spirits!!! It's so good to have an English teacher in our midst. I'm not teaching in a classroom—it's a very long, winding, God-ordained story about how I ended up in ministry instead—so this is letting my English teacher heart stretch its creative muscles. A dream!!! Glad to have you Tracy! Excited to learn from you :)
Hallo Alicia :) lovely to e-meet you! I love this idea and look forward to seeing how it grows over time.
I think I am an accidental writer. But for as along as I remember I have been writing privately to God and with God. Until one day I decided to write to him and with him but for others. It was a small group of people who were sending me on mission and covering me in prayer . There I found myself in love with words and the expression of story. But then I stopped, and my words were mainly for functional purposes (court assessments and reports as a social worker ) but even then I saw it all as an art and craft. Then one day last year, I decided I would start again (as led by the spirit). And now here I am, so much more aware of my writing as worship than ever before and loving the process of being with him as I type.
Currently I’m writing in the dark in the living room of my grandma’s flat in Hong Kong whilst my daughter sleeps on the shared mattress we are staying on during our visit. Hehe it sounds hard core but it’s actually really fun!
I am reading the Two Towers too! My first time reading LOTR loving it but it is taking me a long time to get through haha!
Anna! SO glad you're here! My writing journey started as an internal, private thing between me and the Lord as well, so I know how precious those quiet beginnings can be. I'm glad you're writing for others now, too—how would you describe what you mostly write these days?
LOTRS (and especially The Two Towers) feels like a very long but very worth-it hike to me, and I am right there with you!
I hope you have a lovely visit to your grandma :) Enjoy your adventure!
Yes I so relate to this! I’m a writer in Kansas City. I started out writing stories about my Webkinz as a kid. 🙃 I’m rereading the Anne of Green Gables books and it’s very nostalgic!
Webkinz is SUCH a throwback—I love that that's how you started. And I LOVE ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. I was a theatre kid, and the first real play I was ever in was AGG I played Jane Andrews and my friend Olivia played Ruby Gillis, and then our senior year of high school I was Marilla and she was Rachel Lynde 🥹 Anyway, welcome Sarah! I'm so glad to have you here!
I have always wanted to write, most especially on the reflections on the Scripture readings. The interest started in high school when our Religion teacher would ask us to submit Gospel reflections on the Sunday readings. It has gradually stopped as I was growing up, together with my faith, until I became agnostic a few years ago. When I had a reversion to the Catholic faith I picked up writing reflections again.
Though I can say that my writing has been on and off since my reversion, I can say that I find joy when I do them and share them to others. And it gives me a sense that there is something I can say that I am good at, because God gave me this gift.
Right now I am reading The Imitation of Christ. I am based in Sydney, Australia.
Frank, I am so glad you are here! Writing reflections on Scripture is one of my favorite things to do. It's also so fun to have someone in our community from Australia! A very warm welcome!
I love all of this!! I’ve been writing since childhood, which is a faint memory now. I feel the call to return quite strong as of late. So here I am, in a land I never dreamt I would call home (around here we just call it Buffalo), wishing I didn’t have to go to work every day but would rather stay cozied up with a book and journal. My hope is to help people feel seen, known, and loved through the spaces I create and the words that live there. I’m looking forward to connecting with others here - thank you for the invitation.
I absolutely love the idea of this community and honestly it's much needed, since I've only recently started consistently writing a newsletter about growing in your God-given creativity. The input and support of other Christian writers would therefore be very valuable 🤍🌿
Honestly, I had known for some time that God had given me this gift for writing, but a good many years I've buried His beckoning me to do something with it until a few months ago when I couldn't anymore and I knew it was high time I got to work and started walking in obedience regarding what He had told me. I could see a need that people had to gain a deeper understanding of the creativity that God has put inside of them and how to develop it, while also demolishing some misconceptions about it along the way (e.g. only artists are creative). This is what I'm praying and hoping to do as part of my writing journey and I'm incredibly excited to see all that God has in store for this part of my life 😊
I’m from western WI. I have always been a journaler and I began writing a blog in 2008. I self-published two Bible studies in 2017/2018. And I just hit up the socials whenever I feel led and continue to write here and there and everywhere.
I am currently reading, waiting on God by Andrew Murray, and the time of the signs by Barry Stagner.
I’m kind of barely getting started here on Substack, though I’ve had it for a while. I haven’t used it very much—so it was fun to encounter your Substack!
My studies are on prayer and intimacy with God. Written at a time in my life when I had wide open spaces. I’m up to twelve grandchildren now (from two children) and nearly full time ministry in church, mentoring moms at a homeschool co-op, offering events at church as women’s ministry director, teaching on Sundays, and speaking at events. Hoping to discipline myself to write more again. 🙏🏼
Hey Kathy, I have read a number of Andrew Murray texts, one of my favorite's is 'humility'. I am just getting started on substack and mostly just spent my time here and on another post. There have been some deep things to ponder in my heart and I don't want to rush over what I am gleaning. I also love writing Bible Studies, I haven't thought to put them on here. I'll go take a look at yours, I see in a following post you have a store. I have a Substack 'The straight path' which is my faith writing. It think my first sub stack -'Because heart matters' seems to be what is connected to my comments, and I don't know how to change that.. anyway, I need to keep working out how to use this space. Lovely to meet you.
What a delightful venture, Alicia! I'm looking forward to joining and connecting!
My name is Riley. Writing from Kansas City! Poetry has been my go-to genre lately, but I've been trying to get back to my memoir manuscript which is undergoing a massive overhaul and expansion.
I've been writing stories and poems since I was a child and blogging since my teenage years, but my creative writing really took a spark when I switched majors in college from architecture to English. I ended up getting my MFA as well, and now I'm navigating what it looks like to make time for writing between pregnancies, postpartum, raising tiny humans, and (in a few years) homeschooling.
What am I reading? Ha, too many things! I always have around five books started. One book in particular that I am enjoying is The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl.
I also am passionate about community and just started a little project called The Hike & Write Virtual Community for writers who want to spend more time in and are inspired by nature. We just had our first "Community Call" this past weekend, and it was a joy! So this makes me even more thrilled to see other writers working to foster meaningful community. 🤍
Welcome Riley! I LOVE that we have another poet in our midst. It's such a wonderful thing—it seems that we can say more in one poem than in whole books, sometimes.
The Hike & Write sounds so lovely. Being in nature can prepare us to create art in really poignant and crisp ways, and how much more so in community!
I can relate a lot to this post Riley! Poetry is my go-to genre but I fell in love with writing when I started blogging in high school. It's my dream to get an MFA down the line. I love that you're fostering community around nature & writing: being in nature always provides me rest when I'm burned out from writing & feeds my writing as well.
Okay I'll answer my own questions:
Reading: The Two Towers (this one is always the slowest to get through for me!), Sense and Sensibility, and the books of Genesis and Matthew.
Writing from: NH, in the middle of our 6th (I think?) snowstorm this month 🤣
What got me started: see my reply to Sarah Comeau's comment!
I'm already so encouraged by what this space is becoming and I'm really grateful for everyone who is here. 🫶
Well, my heart is kind of in my throat… I read this post and a deep sadness was swelling in the depths of my heart… being vulnerable here, the thoughts that accompanied it were… I’m too old! (& logically, I know it’s a bit of a ridiculous thought and feeling, but, I’m just being honest) and following that, I nearly kept swiping thinking, just leave it Amanda… but, Alicia something drew me back and so, I’m here to answer your questions.
1. I write from a little ‘hut/cottage’ in our backyard, sheltered under a golden elm and surrounded by fig trees, paddocks and with my golden cocker spaniel on the deck.. it is as serene as it sounds. Truly grateful.
2. I started writing as a young child and always wanted too. Some years ago I really felt a string prompt which I feel was from God to ‘just write’ there were a number of incredible confirmations along the way and eventually I released my book, Dew of Heaven. I’ve since written 4 children’s book and literally dreamt my last one - called Leo’s Rest.
3. I just finished reading ‘Reclaiming Quiet’ by Sarah Clarkson who is on Substack. And it was her Instagram I first heard of this platform.
Finally, this community, honestly feels like the heart beat that I’ve been praying for, but my dang insecurities are trying to rob me of entering in… so, I’ll tap the little blue arrow for now and exhale and sip my English breakfast tea…
Oh Amanda, I'm so glad your insecurities didn't rob you of this—you are in the right place! One could just as easily say that I am “too young.” The thing about the body of Christ is that we need all different ages, experience, wisdom… I feel so blessed that you are here.
I am honestly blown away by what this community is becoming already… I could not have DREAMED that this little Substack I started on Friday would meet the felt need of so many. I have plans and dreams, but only God really knows what this is going to become. And I’m excited.
Your writing spot sounds IDYLLIC. And I haven’t read Reclaiming Quiet but I want to because it sounds incredible.
Welcome to the community!
Thank you Alicia, it's really lovely to be here.
I don't think it's possible to be "too old" to be apart of a community. I'm glad that you decided to be vulnerable here - this was so beautiful to read and I hope we'll get to glean some wisdom from you.
Sarah, when you say it like that - of course ‘being too old’ for a community, is unlikely. It’s just so wonderful being in this together.
Hi Arianna, have you read Sarah's book, Reclaiming Quiet, it's a beautiful authentic and encouraging read?
Thanks for cultivating this space, Alicia! 😊
I’m writing from a tiny apartment in Northern California where my husband and I are living after getting married last May. He’s a veteran returning to school to study ministry. I directed the writer center and was an adjunct English professor at a private Christianity university here in town until moving to Nashville for a few years to work in publishing.
On Substack—and in the literary nonfiction manuscript I’m pitching to agents—I write about faith, beauty, the grief of wrestling with God through mental + physical illness, and how to live well alongside our unmet longings. I also host a podcast called Listen to Your Life (inspired by the works of Frederick Buechner) on the intersection of spiritual formation/soul care, health, and well-being.
Right now, I’m reading Beholding by Strahan Coleman.
IG: @baileylgillespie
Substack: baileygillespie.substack.com
Can’t wait to read your beautiful words and meet others! 💛
P. S. I did my online graduate program through New England College, based in NH. And I see that you live there! Your cottage graphic looks like Orchard House from Little Women. ☺️
What a resume! I'm really interested in your nonfiction manuscript—I hope you find the right agent and publishing house for your book! I've always wanted to get into podcasting because I love having conversations with people and asking questions, but never felt like I could really commit to one more iron in the fire... but here I am, starting this. 🤣 Very content to just chat it up on other peoples' podcasts and let them do the editing for now!
Very happy you are here Bailey! I'm excited!
I love that you're writing about wrestling with God in mental illness — something that doesn't get talked about enough!
Hi Alicia,
This writing community will be such a blessing to many! Your warmth and encouragement shine through 😊
I've been a lover of the written word since childhood ( in all its forms).
I'm writing from Derbyshire in the UK.
Currently reading—too many on the go at once!...but I'll mention a few:
✨ 100 Proofs that Jesus is God by Curt D.Daniel
✨ Rembrandt is in the Wind by Russ Ramsey
✨ Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë ( my favourite ❤️)
✨ The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
What do you think of Rembrandt is in the Wind? I really enjoyed it even though I know next to nothing about art—it's excellently done! SO VERY GLAD you're here Ishah!
Yes, it's been fascinating so far and really emphasises the beauty of the Gospel ( manages to do this while teaching me about art history too!). Just read the chapter on Caravaggio which was heartbreaking. Thanks for your welcome 🤗!
Oooh I think I’ll start Rembrandt is in the Wind next! Sounds fascinating!!
I loved Rembrandt is the Wind as well - it was so fascinating. I still think about the line from the introduction that says story is a trohan horse for truth. Unforgettable.
Thanks for welcoming us into your cozy cottage! What you’re doing is SOOOOO important and I’m here for it.
I’m writing from Maine. I first started sharing my writing as a food blogger, but then I realized I kept trying to bring Jesus into my lasagna recipes and thought maybe it was time to just come out and write what I needed to write.
I’m reading lots of books on ancient Israel for seminary right now, but for fun I’m reading “Don’t Let My Baby Do Rodeo,” by Boris Fishman.
I didn't know you started as a food blogger! Haha I would totally read a lasagna/Jesus piece though 🤣
I'm so happy you're here, Deidre. You inspire me and I am so grateful for you!
Hey, Jesus and lasagna go well together, if you ask me! 🍽️
Couldn’t agree more!
I am so excited about this! I started writing as soon as I could write (probably 5!). As a kid, I was huge into dress up and always playing pretend. I am writing from Canada, about an hour North of Toronto. This week...haha I wish it was something a little more inspiring - I'm reading Taking Charge of Your Fertility. I've just started a publication called Mother's Nightlight and would so love to be apart of a community of Christian writers. Workshopping together in a cottage really does sound like a dream!
I love talking about the things people write at those really young, tender ages. I remember writing a poem (on the toilet, lol) called "A Whisper in the Moonlight" at maybe 4? and my parents were so encouraging I wonder if that's what sparked my lifelong love of writing. Welcome to the community—I am SO SO excited for what this space will become! I'm so encouraged already!
Thank you for creating this lovely community - I am so excited to have found a space like this!
Writing has had a hold on me since before I could form letters. I used to form circles and squiggles to communicate my thoughts. When my parents and teachers equipped me with letters and words, writing became part of who I am. I never considered myself a writer, though, because writing was simply always there, coexisting with me from the start and accompanying me in every other endeavor. To this day, I would sooner call myself a mother, a teacher, a gardener, an artist - than I would think to call myself a writer. Yet, what unites all of those endeavors? I write about them.
I write about them from southern Germany, where I am now a homemaker for my husband and our two children. Prior to this job upgrade, I was a primary school teacher. I unite all of my interests - my love for this gift of life that God has granted and my passion for learning about His grand creation - on my Substack, Adventures and Academia.
I am currently reading several Substack articles, but I do prefer a real book in my hands. I just organized my bookshelves this morning (we needed a new one after receiving so many lovely new books for Christmas), and I am eager to read Wildkräuter vor Deiner Haustür. My husband gifted me this German book about the wild herbs that grow here. If I am honest, all the books on my shelves are calling to me. I prioritize my Bible reading, though, and on most days as a busy mama, that is all that time allows. I do read a lot of picture books with kiddoes cuddled on my lap, and I have a few of my own picture book ideas begging to be put on paper, along with a plethora of poems.
Thank you again for the delightful invitation. 💚
I loved reading your story—it's amazing how many of us had writing in us from such an early age. What a gift.
I do love reading on Substack, but I agree about the book in hand! It feels so much nicer than reading on a screen, and getting lost in something as longform as a novel or a nonfiction book is always so restful.
Excited to have you here! Welcome!
Oh I love this. I completely relate about feeling as though all the books on your shelves are calling to you but not being able to get to them because of your wonderful job upgrade - I'm in the same boat. Do you find that motherhood mixed with reading picture books has inspired you to write your own and to write more poetry? I have felt that, for sure. So many ideas swimming around in my head.
Which book would you first choose from your shelf if you had the time to read it from cover to cover?
I am not sure if I could even answer that question!
To answer your question:
I've had poems pleading to be put down for as long as I can remember, and I wrote a lot of stories for my primary school students when I was a teacher. However, motherhood and reading picture books with my children have certainly inspired me to entertain the dream of one day becoming a traditionally published author. This is the second time in my life that I am putting that dream into written words (the first was just a few months ago). I am so excited to see where God leads and what He will make of the gifts He has granted. 💚
What a beautiful gift of wild herbs of the Country you are in.
Yes, I am learning so much. To share what I've learned, I like to create plant factsheets as part of my monthly mini-magazine for subscribers. It is such a blessing to learn about God's grand creation and share His gifts with others! 💚
I love seeing more Christian writers rising up to build community!!! My heart is for very much the same as yours, Alicia. I just launched my writing course last week specifically to help Christian writers who want to write their memoir. God is calling up His remnant to bring more Christian art into the world! 😍
Yes! It's really beautiful to see all the art that's being made and it makes me so excited. It does seem like we are very similar in our missions and it's exciting to have you here! Thank you Christina!
Loving this. I just launched my publication yesterday! Mine is The Writer’s Garden, so your Writer’s Cottage immediately grabbed my attention. I’m an English teacher too. All the best in your new endeavor. Everything you’re saying here strikes a chord. Thank you for sharing it. Praying for good things on your new publication adventure. 🙏🏼💚
Oh I feel like our publications are kindred spirits!!! It's so good to have an English teacher in our midst. I'm not teaching in a classroom—it's a very long, winding, God-ordained story about how I ended up in ministry instead—so this is letting my English teacher heart stretch its creative muscles. A dream!!! Glad to have you Tracy! Excited to learn from you :)
Hallo Alicia :) lovely to e-meet you! I love this idea and look forward to seeing how it grows over time.
I think I am an accidental writer. But for as along as I remember I have been writing privately to God and with God. Until one day I decided to write to him and with him but for others. It was a small group of people who were sending me on mission and covering me in prayer . There I found myself in love with words and the expression of story. But then I stopped, and my words were mainly for functional purposes (court assessments and reports as a social worker ) but even then I saw it all as an art and craft. Then one day last year, I decided I would start again (as led by the spirit). And now here I am, so much more aware of my writing as worship than ever before and loving the process of being with him as I type.
Currently I’m writing in the dark in the living room of my grandma’s flat in Hong Kong whilst my daughter sleeps on the shared mattress we are staying on during our visit. Hehe it sounds hard core but it’s actually really fun!
I am reading the Two Towers too! My first time reading LOTR loving it but it is taking me a long time to get through haha!
Anna! SO glad you're here! My writing journey started as an internal, private thing between me and the Lord as well, so I know how precious those quiet beginnings can be. I'm glad you're writing for others now, too—how would you describe what you mostly write these days?
LOTRS (and especially The Two Towers) feels like a very long but very worth-it hike to me, and I am right there with you!
I hope you have a lovely visit to your grandma :) Enjoy your adventure!
Writing as worship - I love that!
Yes I so relate to this! I’m a writer in Kansas City. I started out writing stories about my Webkinz as a kid. 🙃 I’m rereading the Anne of Green Gables books and it’s very nostalgic!
Webkinz is SUCH a throwback—I love that that's how you started. And I LOVE ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. I was a theatre kid, and the first real play I was ever in was AGG I played Jane Andrews and my friend Olivia played Ruby Gillis, and then our senior year of high school I was Marilla and she was Rachel Lynde 🥹 Anyway, welcome Sarah! I'm so glad to have you here!
Wow so fun!!
Ahhh! Hi, fellow Kansas Citian! 🤍🤍🤍
Hi Alicia, thank you for this space.
I have always wanted to write, most especially on the reflections on the Scripture readings. The interest started in high school when our Religion teacher would ask us to submit Gospel reflections on the Sunday readings. It has gradually stopped as I was growing up, together with my faith, until I became agnostic a few years ago. When I had a reversion to the Catholic faith I picked up writing reflections again.
Though I can say that my writing has been on and off since my reversion, I can say that I find joy when I do them and share them to others. And it gives me a sense that there is something I can say that I am good at, because God gave me this gift.
Right now I am reading The Imitation of Christ. I am based in Sydney, Australia.
Frank, I am so glad you are here! Writing reflections on Scripture is one of my favorite things to do. It's also so fun to have someone in our community from Australia! A very warm welcome!
I love all of this!! I’ve been writing since childhood, which is a faint memory now. I feel the call to return quite strong as of late. So here I am, in a land I never dreamt I would call home (around here we just call it Buffalo), wishing I didn’t have to go to work every day but would rather stay cozied up with a book and journal. My hope is to help people feel seen, known, and loved through the spaces I create and the words that live there. I’m looking forward to connecting with others here - thank you for the invitation.
Helping people feel seen, known, and loved through what we create is so beautiful—what a mission statement! Thank you for being here.
I absolutely love the idea of this community and honestly it's much needed, since I've only recently started consistently writing a newsletter about growing in your God-given creativity. The input and support of other Christian writers would therefore be very valuable 🤍🌿
https://substack.com/@thecreativebean?r=3c7210&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=edit-profile
Welcome!!! I love that you are writing about creativity. What sparked that desire to write?
Honestly, I had known for some time that God had given me this gift for writing, but a good many years I've buried His beckoning me to do something with it until a few months ago when I couldn't anymore and I knew it was high time I got to work and started walking in obedience regarding what He had told me. I could see a need that people had to gain a deeper understanding of the creativity that God has put inside of them and how to develop it, while also demolishing some misconceptions about it along the way (e.g. only artists are creative). This is what I'm praying and hoping to do as part of my writing journey and I'm incredibly excited to see all that God has in store for this part of my life 😊
Subscribed!
Thanks a lot, really appreciate it 🥹
Hello,
I’m from western WI. I have always been a journaler and I began writing a blog in 2008. I self-published two Bible studies in 2017/2018. And I just hit up the socials whenever I feel led and continue to write here and there and everywhere.
I am currently reading, waiting on God by Andrew Murray, and the time of the signs by Barry Stagner.
I’m kind of barely getting started here on Substack, though I’ve had it for a while. I haven’t used it very much—so it was fun to encounter your Substack!
So happy to have you here Kathy! What were the topics of your Bible studies? I'm a Bible study writer too!
Your study looks beautiful! I
Intend to get my hands on a copy.
My studies are on prayer and intimacy with God. Written at a time in my life when I had wide open spaces. I’m up to twelve grandchildren now (from two children) and nearly full time ministry in church, mentoring moms at a homeschool co-op, offering events at church as women’s ministry director, teaching on Sundays, and speaking at events. Hoping to discipline myself to write more again. 🙏🏼
https://www.kathyschwanke.com/store
Hey Kathy, I have read a number of Andrew Murray texts, one of my favorite's is 'humility'. I am just getting started on substack and mostly just spent my time here and on another post. There have been some deep things to ponder in my heart and I don't want to rush over what I am gleaning. I also love writing Bible Studies, I haven't thought to put them on here. I'll go take a look at yours, I see in a following post you have a store. I have a Substack 'The straight path' which is my faith writing. It think my first sub stack -'Because heart matters' seems to be what is connected to my comments, and I don't know how to change that.. anyway, I need to keep working out how to use this space. Lovely to meet you.
What a delightful venture, Alicia! I'm looking forward to joining and connecting!
My name is Riley. Writing from Kansas City! Poetry has been my go-to genre lately, but I've been trying to get back to my memoir manuscript which is undergoing a massive overhaul and expansion.
I've been writing stories and poems since I was a child and blogging since my teenage years, but my creative writing really took a spark when I switched majors in college from architecture to English. I ended up getting my MFA as well, and now I'm navigating what it looks like to make time for writing between pregnancies, postpartum, raising tiny humans, and (in a few years) homeschooling.
What am I reading? Ha, too many things! I always have around five books started. One book in particular that I am enjoying is The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renkl.
I also am passionate about community and just started a little project called The Hike & Write Virtual Community for writers who want to spend more time in and are inspired by nature. We just had our first "Community Call" this past weekend, and it was a joy! So this makes me even more thrilled to see other writers working to foster meaningful community. 🤍
Welcome Riley! I LOVE that we have another poet in our midst. It's such a wonderful thing—it seems that we can say more in one poem than in whole books, sometimes.
The Hike & Write sounds so lovely. Being in nature can prepare us to create art in really poignant and crisp ways, and how much more so in community!
Happy to have you here, Riley!
I can relate a lot to this post Riley! Poetry is my go-to genre but I fell in love with writing when I started blogging in high school. It's my dream to get an MFA down the line. I love that you're fostering community around nature & writing: being in nature always provides me rest when I'm burned out from writing & feeds my writing as well.