Note: This is the second in a series of posts that will consider the question: What does literature have to offer (if anything) that no other art form or media (such as video games, social media, movies, TV shows, etc.) can match? To view the first post in this series, scroll down or click here. Literary Labor by Bethany Wagner, …
Is Literature Still Necessary?
Note: This is the first in a series of posts that will consider the question: What does literature have to offer (if anything) that no other art form or media (such as video games, social media, movies, TV shows, etc.) can match? This post will be followed next week by three responses from students at my university—two Honors students and …
“Desperate for Hope” Probes Life’s Most Difficult Questions
Bruce W. Martin’s new book, Desperate for Hope: Hanging on and Finding God During Life’s Hardest Times, is about suffering. It is direct, honest, thought-provoking, and moving. He has done his homework to create a book that analyzes the issue from a Christian perspective with theological rigor, but his tone is not academic or philosophical. It is personal. Throughout the …
“Pieces of Heaven” Is Released!
My publisher, Beacon Hill Press, announced this week that my new book, Pieces of Heaven: Recognizing the Presence of God, is now available. This book has been a major focus of my writing and thinking for the past two years. For those who are interested in knowing what the book is about, I am posting the introductory chapter. More information …
Why Write Books at All? A Case in Favor of It
Last week I offered a case against writing books in this new era. This week I want to give some reasons for continuing to write in spite of the obstacles that stand in the author’s way. Here are some things that keep me writing: 1. I Want to Play. Picture a Little League baseball team. Twelve players are on the …
Why Write Books at All? A Case Against It
Is writing books still worth the effort? I know writers at every level who are asking that question, from new writers I meet at writers conferences to authors with multiple published books. This week I will make a case against writing a book, and next week I will make a case in favor of it. Please jump in with your …
Should Authors Value Fans Only—Or Do They Also Need Opponents?
In this era when authors are expected to spend much of their time seeking the approval of readers—by “building a platform,” doing blog tours, conducting interviews, and praying for 5-star Amazon reviews—it may be helpful to look at how writers of an earlier generation used opposition to their work to make themselves better writers. My friend and colleague Diana Glyer …
On the Necessity of Cultivating a Secret Life
When people hear of someone having a “secret life” or “secret self,” their first impression is probably negative. They might think of someone having an affair or extorting money from his company. They might think of a politician using secret funds to hide and mistress and a baby. But a secret life—or lives—doesn’t have to mean hiding something illicit. I …