20 Comments

Well this is a delight. I've spent a good deal of time with Shemaiah and still I learned more about her in this interview! So glad you are featuring these, Karen.

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Oh my dear Jody, thank you for always being an encouragement to me.

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I have read your beautiful words on Ignatianspirituality.com, or was it Loyola Press, or American Magazine? I look forward to reading your book! And here you are with Karen Swallow Prior whose work on both literature and her life experiences have been both meaningful and delightful. Thanks you two for loving and following Jesus

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Dorry, Yes! I have been writing for Ignatianspirituality for years....as well as posts for Loyola and America. Thank you for your encouragement. I think the book will make you laugh and cry ---sometimes at the same time.

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So informative and encouraging

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Loved this piece. Really great look at her writing life. Had never even heard the phrase creative Christian non fiction… but totally get it. Would love to write into that down the road as a pastor!

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I hope you do JR! Strangely it was Rick Rubin who really influenced my thinking in this way. Our work is an act of worship, a gift to God that we offer Him.

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So glad you mentioned the importance of reading in a writer's life, as well as the time it takes up--valuing that and making space for it.

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So much comes out of reading! One learns to be a better writer but it also jogs memories and ideas for your own work. It scratches the part of your brain that needs to be scratched for writing

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YES, exactly!

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I love this quote: "Writing is an act of worship, as I write about these things and shine light on them for others." Shemaiah, I'm looking forward to your book.

What an interesting interview. Thank you, Karen Swallow Prior, for featuring Shemaiah.

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Thank you Starlene!

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Thank you for reading, Starlene!

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I LOVE THIS. Karen, thank you for this interview! Shemaiah, thank you for your insights!

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Thank you for reading!

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So glad to “meet” you Shemaiah. Thank you for letting us peek inside the writers’ life. Your insights are both real and refreshing.

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Thank you! Trying to be realistic but also reveal some of the ins and outs.

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Hi Shemaiah, I follow you on X and see your posts all the time. It is nice to get to know you better. I appreciate your perspective on writing.

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Did you get your flower tattoo today :) Thank you for reading. I so appreciate it!

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I’ve got a full sleeve coming. Just got the first phase last weekend, the dahlia is up next.

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