Book Review: Saving the Saved - Highly Recommend

I grew up in The Salvation Army. They believe a child of God, a Christian, can lose their salvation. One of the primary dangers in this view is an inflated sense of self-preservation. It leads to believing one has the power to negate what God has done on your behalf ("void His promise") because your actions supersede God's act of forgiveness that He has declared as FINISHED. Contrary to what they think, we are not the lynch pin holding our security in place! Praise God, He paid the debt I could not pay. He holds me, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, a seal of promise, assuring my eternal ("eternal," not "temporary," not "probationary") life! He is the author/sustainer/perfecter of our faith.

While Salvationists would agree that we cannot DO anything to gain our salvation, they say we must DO something to keep our salvation. They assert we can "choose to come out from under that seal." In that case, what's the point of a seal? Living with constant fear one has not repented from each infraction (and, yes, we continue to struggle with SIN) leads to a performance-driven faith. I now believe that is an error, and a grievous one. It makes me think of a phrase I once heard stating there are only two religious camps: DO and DONE. I rest in what He has done, not what I do.

Salvation is a gift, an act of grace, "Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:9) First, He justifies; then, He sanctifies. On the cross, Christ paid the penalty for our sin. Once we are His child, sealed with the Holy Spirit, that Spirit helps us fight against the ongoing presence of sin we will battle until death. We are not out from under the consequence of sin, but we are FREE from the condemnation of sin. Again, I trust in Christ's act, not my actions, for my heart is desperately wicked and the battle against sin continues (Romans 7:14-25).

We are neither co-saviors, nor co-judges. God will decide each individual's spiritual destiny. Indeed, it is not our place to speculate. (We cannot determine someone in scripture ended up in hell because they did not repent of their waywardness.) Praise God, it is not our call. Yet everyone will answer for where they place their faith. Are you trusting in your sufficiency (your ability to remain obedient) or in a deep and abiding trust in Christ's sufficiency (His obedience in taking your sin penalty on the cross)? Are you wearing His robes of righteousness or your own?

I face tension with family members who believe in the Army's 9th doctrine, that "continuance in the state of salvation DEPENDS upon continued, obedient faith in Christ." It rankles all the more because I have a wayward son. I have a child who, despite attesting dependence upon Christ for salvation, makes harmful choices that others perceive as unrepentant rebellion. Indeed, if they pronounce judgment on one in scripture who, despite writing books of the Bible, strayed, they believe my child is in danger of hellfire. Yes, it's personal! Yet, Paul's letter to the Corinthians reveals it is possible to follow Christ and still indulge in seasons of sin. Indeed, those willing to pronounce judgment on my son should examine their own sin indulgences.

Perhaps all of this led me to Bryan Loritts' book, Saving the Saved: How Jesus Saves Us from Try-Harder Christianity Into Performance-Free Love. Loritts is determined to teach the reader how to rest in God's performance-free love. He argues against spiritual meritocracy (using our performance to gain God's approval). I loved this comment, "If anything I ever do of eternal value is because of God's grace, and if anything I ever do that brings shame is covered by God's grace, where is the boasting... the shame?" He urges us to come to Him "with the outfit He supplies. Life in the kingdom means I come out of my old clothes of performance and receive the new ones of abiding in Christ."

I loved his comments on prayer. He likened it to a 3-year-old, with arms outstretched, asking her daddy to carry her. He argues for the humility required to pray fervently. "Every day I spend in prayerlessness is a day wasted in pride--a day in which I say to God, 'I got this.'" And we don't hold the results against God. "He's worthy to be praised when breast cancer is cured--and just as worthy when the disease takes a life. We don't follow God for outcomes or for the benefits package; we follow Him because we love Him."

His discussion on Matthew 11:30 ["my yoke is easy; my burden is light"] brings special encouragement to my weary soul. He explains that, in the Greek, these words mean "custom-made." A carpenter measured the yoke to fit a specific ox's neck. "As the Divine Carpenter, Jesus knows you inside and out.... He customizes the yokes and trials of our lives so there's nothing we go through that we cannot handle.... You and Jesus are yoked together. He's in this with you, and there's nothing... you can't handle... in God's amazing love."

As Loritts speaks of why our failure is never final, he focuses on Peter's denial and subsequent use for the kingdom. He talks about our need for fresh, daily grace, and how that should make us gracious with others. Here is where the message hit me between the eyes. Unforgiveness is an affront, a sign of hypocrisy. I have exhibited this very problem and must repent of it. Loritts writes, "The unforgiving 'Christian' puts on a display of arrogance, assuming in their unforgiveness that they are the only ones truly worthy of being forgiven, of receiving God's performance-free love." Oh, how I need repentance.

Our repentance is not, however, to GAIN his love, but is an expression in RESPONSE to his performance-free love. We must be careful not to confuse salvation with sanctification. First, we repent of our sin and seek His forgiveness and His atonement (eternally expunging our sin debt). Then, our further repentance is a process of sanctification. It expresses our desire to become more like Him out of gratitude for the reconciliation we had no hope of attaining on our own. 

Our salvation makes us a child of God. It is an act of adoption that renders us secure. I would never look at my child and say, "That's it! You've gone too far. I no longer love you or call you my son." He is and will always be my son and nothing he does will negate that status. The truly saved do not need to be saved again, and again, and again. Indeed, believing such renders Christ's atoning work as equivalent to the Old Testament covenant sacrifices. (Here it would be good to look at Hebrews 6:4-6 - do we crucify Christ over and over to reclaim our salvation?) No, the saved rest in God's performance-free love and will greet the bridegroom wearing His robes of righteousness, not their own (filthy rags).

2025 - First Quarterly Review

To assist my blog readers, I summarize my reading four times a year, providing a brief description, genre, the page count, and a grading scale (💖5 page-turner - highly recommend, 4 page-turner - enjoyed, 3 page-turner - good, 2 page-turner - meh, and 1 page-turner - regret, wishing I could get back the time invested). I read the following books during the first quarter of 2025 (links to full reviews can be found in the side-bar, or after 2025, found through the search bar at the right):

💖The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston - When the deceased body of Bernard Greer falls into the river, Fred (an elderly, isolated homeless man), who bears an uncanny resemblance, is mistaken for Bernard and returned to Bernard's nursing home. While it certainly requires extensive "willful suspension of disbelief," this tender, redemptive story explores dementia, loneliness, found family, and kindness. Humorous Fiction. 320 pages, 📃📃📃📃📃

Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham - After loving Authentically, Izzy, I eagerly jumped into this second installment (possible stand-alone). What great spunk and enthusiasm! Hard not to fall in love with Penelope, her love interest, and the island of Skymar. Rom-com. 416 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 12-1/2 hours), 📃📃📃📃

💖The Wright Brothers by David McCullough - Wilbur and Orville Wright had a dream they pursued with confidence and abandon. Fascinating history. Inspiration to stick with whatever you feel God is calling you to accomplish. Biography/History. 336 pages (I listened in audio form, 8 CDs, 10 hours), 📃📃📃📃📃

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley - A group of senior citizens sets out to save a child-care facility and the young single dad relying on the facility. Humorous Fiction. 358 pages, 📃📃-1/2

This Must Be the Place: Following the Breadcrumbs of Your Past to Discover Your Purpose Today by Jami Nato - Every single thing that has happened to you, every place your heart aches or sings, every planned step and unplanned fall... all are breadcrumbs you can use to trace your place in this world and God's purpose for your life. Memoir/Christian Living. 192 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 4-3/4 hours), 📃📃📃📃-1/2

A Christmas Spark by Cindy Steel - Stuck in a cabin in a snow storm, love begins to blossom. Rom-com. 116 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 3-1/2 hours), 📃📃📃

Brightly Shining by Ingvild Rishoi - Depressing tale of two young girls struggling to survive their father's alcoholism and muster Christmas spirit where there is none. Maybe others found it, but I found little redemption in the tale. Christmas Fiction. 182 pages, 📃

The Intentional Year: Simple Rhythms for Finding Freedom, Peace, and Purpose by Glenn and Holly Packiam - Encouragement for intentionality in redeeming your time for God's glory, others' good, and your joy. Christian Nonfiction. 209 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 4-1/2 hours), 📃📃📃📃

The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly - A time-traveller interrupts life for a tween and teen in 1999, teaching them to appreciate "the first state of being," the present. Middle Grade Fiction. 272 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 5 hours), 📃📃📃

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney - An elderly woman walks across Manhattan. You'd think there would be no story. Alas, you'd think wrong! With spunk and vigor, Lillian weaves an entrancing tale. Historical Fiction. 284 pages, 📃📃📃-1/2

Lost on a Mountain in Maine by Joe Egan  & Donn Fendler - A middle grade book sharing the story of Donn's experience when he was lost for 9 days on Mount Kathadin as a twelve-year-old. Middle Grade Nonfiction. 128 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 2-1/4 hours), 📃📃📃

Holy Habits: 10 Small Decisions That Lead to a Big Life by Noah Herrin - This 28-year-old author offers 10 habits to deepen your walk with God. Fairly standard stuff. Christian Living. 176 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 3-1/2 hours), 📃📃-1/2

Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig - Haig opens up about his debilitating bout with anxiety and depression and reminds readers that there are multitudes of reasons to stay alive. Memoir/Novel. 264 pages, 📃📃📃

Happy & Sad & Everything True by Alex Thayer - Dee Diller is dealing with a lot: loss of a best friend, mortified by her mother, and unsure why her father abandoned them. Her sanctuary in the school bathroom opens doors to heal her own inner wounds and the wounds of others. Middle Grade Fiction. 288 pages (I listened in audio form, 5 CDs, 5-1/2 hours), 📃📃📃

💖Letters from the Mountain by Ben Palpant - Outstanding epistle from a Christian dad to his daughter on writing and working as a lantern for God's light to shine into the world. Wanted to buy it for myself after listening to the first hour of the audio book. So much to highlight and underline. Christian Writing Memoir. 201 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 5-1/4 hours), 📃📃📃📃📃 

You Are a Tree: And Other Metaphors to Nourish Life, Thought, and Prayer by Joy Clarkson - An excellent discussion on metaphors in the Bible. Christian Living. 208 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 5-1/2 hours), 📃📃📃📃-1/2

The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham - A blend of Romeo and Juliet with You've Got Mail. Laura and Isaac are kept apart by feuding families, but will a mysterious correspondence bring them together? Christian Fiction. 352 pages (I listened on Hoopla, 10-1/2 hours), 📃📃📃📃-1/2

Tips on Staying Alive: Build Powerful Hope from a 10-year Cancer Survivor by L. Neal Pearcy - Part illness-battle-plan/ part resilience memoir. A quick and easy read packed with insights and information. I would have loved twice as many pages and a more in-depth look for the memoir section (proof again, that everyone's story matters!). Medical/Memoir. 45 pages, 📃📃📃

Delightful Reading Comics

Please forgive this filler post of delightful reading comics. My own reading has somewhat stalled out. Indeed, most days I'd even rather work on my purging tasks than pick up a book. Sob! Thankfully, that will be remedied soon. For my youngest son's spring break, he begged to visit Florida with his friends (who go every year - we can't afford that). He and I head down soon for a few days (not the whole week, like others), and I'm certain he will spend all his time with his friends leaving me alone in our Vrbo accommodation. I can't really hang out on the beach because my fair skin would burn quickly. Still, I will have ample time and plenty of Kindle books on my phone.

Stay tuned for my quarterly reading compilation post. It will have an abundance of suggestions (including 3 I highly recommend), in case you, too, are leaving on a spring break trip.

Finally, an image of a coffee table I'd love to own and put in my book room. If you ever see one up for sale, let me know. This one was supposedly made and posted on Facebook by Nerd Forge, although I couldn't find an active website for them (probably some AI-inspired spoof to make one think this kind of thing is possible and whet all our book-loving appetites):

Book Review: Tips on Staying Alive

At the beginning of the month, I reviewed a book called Reasons to Stay Alive. Now, I'm highlighting a book called Tips on Staying Alive by L. Neal Pearcy. I met the author at an author fair and we enjoyed good conversation. Pearcy is a ten-year cancer survivor. His little book can be broken down into two sections. The medical half is insightful; the story half is inspiring.

Tips on Staying Alive is an articulate, well-organized book. It provides tons of leads on places to secure information if you are battling illness. In fact, if you purchase the eBook version you can more easily follow the many provided links. Pearcy hooked me in the first sentence:

"The average life expectancy in the United States is 76.1 years, according to 2022 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."

I began calculating how many more years I may have left if the CDC estimation is close. Since I'm facing a significant milestone year, it was unsettling. I read with interest the explanations of terms, outlines of treatments, and suggestions for staying alive longer. I fully intend to create some encouraging promises (or statements) to post around my computer and other areas in the house to encourage a positive outlook.

My favorite chapter, though, was the final one. What an interesting and unusual life Neal Pearcy has lived! He has triumphed over astonishing adversities. This makes his wisdom in the first half of the book credible and valid. He offers the heartfelt story of his challenging childhood. If someone can withstand and overcome parental death, abandonment, isolation, and low self-esteem, they can overcome illness with that same determined spirit. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read Pearcy's book.

Book Review: The Letter Tree

Titles in my recent reads have been aligning in strange ways. After listening to You Are a Tree, I ventured into an audio Christian novel called The Letter Tree by Rachel Fordham. This is a modern Romeo and Juliet tale, emphasizing family, forgiveness, and freedom. I'm a big fan of novels that explore relationships forged through correspondence. This one was a love story, but I'm also interested in ones that develop friendships.

After losing her mother in a car accident, Laura Bradshaw lives under the bitter and overbearing hand of her father, head of the Bradshaw Shoe Company. While Laura feels suffocated and unable to follow her dreams, Isaac Campbell suffers from the opposite plight. His father, former business associate of Bradshaw and owner of the rival Campbell Shoe Company, encourages Isaac to do whatever he likes, keeping him out of the responsibilities of the business. The two fractured families have maintained a bitter feud ever since Mrs. Bradshaw's mysterious death.

When Laura leaves a poem in the trunk of a tree at the zoo, she has no idea that a "pine-cone throwing boy" will respond and embark on a lengthy trail of correspondence and friendship. As each day goes by, Laura grows more attached to this mysterious friend. But her father wants to use her as a pawn for a business deal. Thus, she seeks to break off the "letter tree correspondence." Both Isaac and Laura are desperate to learn what really divided their families and if resolution could ever be possible.

I adored this novel. It gave plenty to think about (especially thoughts on forgiveness and how unforgiveness leaves wounds in its wake). The characters were endearing and believable. The pacing kept the story moving. As always, I'm a big fan of books full of redemption. I will look for more by Rachel Fordham.

Mid-month Mention: Bereavement Resources

My heart has been heavily burdened since the end of February. I have a good friend, L, who lost her son years ago when he was a child. She is such a compassionate and encouraging individual. At one point, when my young boys were getting to me, I ran away from home and drove to visit her overnight. We ate at a fine Mexican restaurant and chatted well into the night. Indeed, she talked me down from a ledge. I adore her!

The last Sunday in February, I received a text saying her 34-year-old daughter (and L's only remaining child) had died in a car accident. The daughter leaves behind 2 young sons. This is a catastrophic loss! I am speechless (not that any amount of words could help when the volume of pain is so great). Every prayer begins with L's name and a request for God to comfort where no comfort seems possible. This great loss, combined with the intensity in my personal situation with a wayward child, has brought discouragement and depression.

I was curious to see if there were any resources on-line for parents who have lost all their children. My friend is not in this camp alone. Indeed, several weeks back, there was a police chase nearby where a collision caused the deaths of two small children. I cannot fathom this dynamic of grief. One morning, this mother was dressing and kissing her two little ones and sending them off with their dad. The next, she was grieving the loss of both her children and worrying over their dad's injuries.

The best online options I could find with this specific dynamic was on a resource page offered by the University of Iowa. They provide a list of a dozen books on the loss of a child and a half dozen websites. They also mentioned the only resource I could find to reach and comfort parents who have experienced the loss of all their children. Alive Alone is a support page specifically for parents who have no remaining children.

Music can soothe my soul when I'm consumed with trouble. I found a brief list of songs for a grieving mother on The Teacher's Wife blog. Lately, I have been comforted by some songs by Leanna Crawford. I first encountered her song, "Still Waters," reflecting the comfort from the 23rd Psalm ("Write scripture on your heart for when you need it."). Last week, I discovered "Better Yet."  When I searched these links, I found her song, "Honest." It is my constant prayer, these days, that God will carry L and all who are in the throes of extreme loss. The Lord can give comfort that none of us can provide. 

Book Review: You Are a Tree

I always appreciate learning about books that my friends recommend on Good Reads. My friend, Sarah Ilsters, posted about this book. I'm grateful I found an audio copy available on Hoopla. The book contained so much to glean that I also accessed the eBook version and took notes.

In You Are a Tree, Clarkson explores various metaphors we use for things like wisdom, depression, love, and faith. One reviewer found it too heady, but for this English major graduate, it was a pure delight to delve into the words we use to explain and understand our lives and our faith. Metaphors help us express profound concepts. In this book, the author explores seven metaphors, many of which feel very familiar (people as trees, wisdom as light, life as a journey). But her words, expounding on these ideas, are ripe with meaning. She discusses our drive to be productive, as we so often see ourselves as machines. The Bible is chock-full of metaphors to help us understand God and His ways.

I was eager to access the eBook besides listening to the audio. At the end of each metaphor chapter, Clarkson offers resources to explore in connection with the ideas she has presented. These sections provide a prayer, an activity, a list of paintings, films, poems, podcasts, etc. to consider, and an explanation of why she recommends them. They were rich and provided a great jumping-off place. Excellent books move you to incorporate and personalize what you've read.

What a joy to take apart words and examine how we use them to elaborate on what we experience! I loved how she used scripture to flesh out ideas of wisdom and light. Her words on journeys and sadness moved me. This is a book I would love to own to highlight passages and explore the suggestions for further consideration. At the end, Clarkson provides further reading to accompany each chapter. I could spend hours thinking about the metaphors discussed in this articulate and engaging book!

Book Review: Letters from the Mountain - Highly Recommend

Bob Hostetler is not only the author of one of my favorite devotionals, The Shakespeare Devotional, but he also lures me into other books through his twenty-word book review blog. Some recommendations sit in my "Books to Read" file for a while. Bob recommended Ben Palpant's Letters from the Mountain three years ago. Books often meet us right where we need them. That is true of this book. It was like a salve on my wounded soul.

In these letters, Palpant writes to his daughter about the generative act of writing. The very nature of this gift blows me away! The letters are full of wisdom and encouragement. They express his deep love for writing, for God, and for his daughter. Since he is a poet, his words dance and sing. As I listened from my library Hoopla app, I grew desperate to hold the book in hand and underline and highlight. I heard so many nuggets of truth; I want to own this book.

Writers should aim for the soul with patient urgency and keen attentiveness, seeing what others cannot see. He calls the writer to cultivate the soil of the imagination. Foremost, a writer must serve the reader and let it go out into the world. He writes, "Work! Leave the prosperity to God!" We should remember our writing brings God's light. The light is important, not the lantern.

I loved his illustration about God's timing. He tells a story of their visit to Oxford, where he hoped to find C. S. Lewis' cottage and gravestone. The day was fraught with complications and obstacles. His wife was ill. They needed to find an elusive clinic. He even prayed for rain to help him gain his desired ends. Instead, the sun beat down, stoking his frustration. In the end, God revealed perfect timing.

I loved his insight about valuing the "day job," because it provides a wealth of soil for cultivation in the imagination. It "equips you to serve." Also, I needed his words about gratitude. It adjusts your vision to focus on abundance rather than scarcity. Instead of keeping your eyes riveted on your empty left hand, recognize your right hand is overflowing with God's blessings. Oh, how my eyes linger on scarcity! He writes, "Worry reigns when we try to fix what only God can fix and know what only He can know."

The book is full of beautiful images of what it means to write for the Lord. He shares architectural principles that can apply to writing. He gives numbered lists of actions to employ. (As usual, walking makes the list!) He says that, as Christian writers, we are viaducts bringing living water and lanterns shining His light in a dark world. Our words can be life-giving if we will give them and leave the results to God. Those words, so often, come from places of deep pain.

Palpant points out, we should not fear suffering. It is often the soil that grows beautiful and true writing. His words remind me how important it is to nurture our gifts. This book has beckoned me back into the arena to pick up my weapons again. I have shared before that I have been in a spell of relative inactivity. Finding my son mid-overdose and walking through the subsequent descent into deeper addiction has somehow numbed my pen. I can pour out personal writing and have kept my book review blog going, but projects require more than I can give. For quite some time, I have been in a liminal space. That is okay. If God so desires, I will catch the spark again. Certainly, this book is full of embers waiting to re-ignite my dampened calling.

Book Review: Happy & Sad & Everything True

Sometimes I settle for a middle grade book out of sheer frustration over the content in women's fiction. I have recently read and tossed aside 3 or 4 books. In two different books, I waded through 4 or 5 CDs (1/2 the book) before coming upon content I just couldn't tolerate. So discouraging! Indeed, for our December book club meeting, we had a book exchange. I received a psychological thriller from a popular author. In seeking an audio book for my car trips, I selected one of her other books as an introductory sample. With that one, I overlooked smut until half-way through, when I just couldn't take it anymore. 

Thus, on the next trip to the library, I selected Happy & Sad & Everything True by Alex Thayer. Slated for readers 10 and up, it straddles the age brackets of children's and tween. The main character is in the 6th grade, but includes characters who are in 2nd. I appreciated a clean book for a change.

Dee is sure her mother doesn't understand. She expresses her devastation at being placed in a class apart from her best friend Juniper. Her mother says it will give her the opportunity to make new friends. But watching a best friend detach from you is never easy. As she hides out in the school bathroom, she discovers she is not the only one with problems. As she helps others, she heals her own wounds simultaneously.

Thayer has presented, as the title describes, a range of emotions that children face, and presented them with honesty. The reader cannot help but feel for Dee as she endures mortification, confusion, frustration, and hope. She is an empathetic character who draws empathy from the reader. This would make a good read-aloud, but I would steer it toward 4th or 5th graders.

As for the gifted book, I cannot decide if I will wade through possible cautionary content or not (easier when it is a physical book and you can skip a page). I'm not against psychological thrillers, and this author has quite a following. I just prefer not to get bogged down in sexual promiscuity with graphic details. So sad! It has become harder and harder to find clean women's fiction. Perhaps I will have to stick with Christian fiction and miss out on reading skilled writers who cannot write without bludgeoning the reader with language, filth, and smut.

Book Review: Reasons to Stay Alive

Matt Haig, author of The Midnight Library and How to Stop Time, has written an intimate book about his experience with anxiety and depression. I'm confused because it is billed as both a novel and a memoir. What parts are true? What parts fabricated? Regardless, I wanted to read this book. 

How I wish this subject didn't interest me! How I wish it was something completely foreign! I have battled clinical depression ever since my miscarriage, prior to my oldest son's birth. When we discovered Bryce's unexpected pregnancy, I had to stop taking the depression meds. It wasn't long before I was on them again, though, due to postpartum blues. For some reason, I didn't sink low after Trevor's birth. But, I suffered the worst bout of depression after my final childbirth. 

I'm familiar with the depths Haig is outlining and dissecting in Reasons to Stay Alive. I know the suicidal thoughts, the panic attacks, and the encompassing emptiness. Going off the medicine never works for me. I cannot battle this monster without it, much to my dismay. Those who have struggled with true depression (not just a blue day or two) will relate to Haig's descriptive analysis. His honesty and vulnerability are refreshing. Too often, we shy away from sharing our struggles. He has bared his soul (or created a soul similar to his own) and readers will benefit and find hope and solace in his words. There are, indeed, many reasons to stay alive.

February 2025 Purging Progress

In order to really stick to any resolution, it helps to be intentional and accountable for progress. When I undertook my 2023 Facebook Prayer Project, I held to particular structure and documentation. This was a tremendous help in keeping me going. This year, my documentation is meant to keep me plugging away at my two-part goals of fasting and purging. Thus, I try to keep a daily tab on these efforts. Plus, purging is hard for me. When I find something my heart longs to keep, I can make note of it and move on with more ease.

I struggled with the record-keeping, however. At first, I was writing down what was eliminated. This was simple when I was dealing with Christmas items, shoes, books, magazines, and even writing utensils. Those were easily calculated. However, then I began sorting through old teaching files and correspondence. Tossing piles of papers is a bit harder to quantify. In looking back over my daily notes, I purged 537 items. Since some of these were merely pencils or pens, I kept track of bags filled for Goodwill (5). Speaking of pencils, how is this even possible???

I decided to offer the better school supplies (certainly not this pencil nub), teaching materials, and games to my local elementary school (once I've cleared the whole section of the basement that I am tackling). Thus, I have two bags heading there (if they respond with interest). By January 22nd, I began tracking how much time I spent in purging activities. Of those 37 days, I worked 30 hours (approximately 3/4 hour a day). Mainly, I am keeping track of things in order to keep up the momentum and to be able to prove to my husband that I CAN, indeed, tackle my clutter.

What amazes me is how much fun I'm having. I have always dreaded tackling my clutter. But, I'm knee-deep in things of the past and loving every minute of it. There is still a tendency to keep more than I should (how do I get rid of all the correspondence from my beloved Mitchell family in England?), but I can take photos of what I don't keep. Or I can write of them here.

Some funnies I found but wanted to toss:

hipatitus = being perpetually cool

intaxication = the feeling of elation one gets when receiving a tax refund, lasting until you realize the money was yours to begin with

bozone = the layer around some people which inhibits wisdom from penetrating

- Energizer Bunny arrested - charged with battery

- A pessimist's blood type is always B-negative

- Shotgun wedding - a case of wife or death

- I used to work in a blanket factory, but it folded

- Marriage is the mourning after the knot before

- A hangover is the wrath of grapes

- Banning the bra was a big flop

- Sea captains don't like crew cuts

When I discovered my sons' 4th grade journals, I actually sent a thank you note to their teacher (still teaching at their elementary school). It was so funny to read their entries. In one, Sean was bemoaning the fact that his older brother would not be returning home for the summer because he was going to live in an apartment near an internship. He wrote, "They grow up so fast." Ha!

Next, I tackled the files from my minimal years of teaching. My experiences with teaching were not entirely pleasant. In my first year, I was the sole English teacher for a small rural Illinois high school. I had 6 preps: Fresh. Eng., Soph. Eng., Jr. Eng., Sr. Eng., Creative Writing, and Drama. Not only was I stretched to the breaking point, but I had such high expectations and ideals. I felt it was all on me to prepare them for future college expectations. Perhaps I confused the two. In any case, while purging, I found a letter from a mother requesting extra work to help her daughter save an abysmal grade. I shuddered as I read my response, touting the importance of fairness and accountability. I was mortified! I actually sought this mother's old email (she had worked at the local university) and sent her a much-belated apology letter (it is out in the ether, even if she never receives it). Now that I have longed for a second chance for a child, I can sympathize. Back then, not so much!

Thankfully, I also found files from my favorite class, summer school speech. What a blast I had with those students. Not only had I softened, but I gave so many hands-on, interactive activities. When I taught non-verbal communication, I brought in a television and showed 5 minutes of "Bernice Bobs Her Hair," with the sound off. Then, I turned the tv around and showed 5 minutes with just the sound, and finally 5 minutes with both visual and audio clues. Each time, I asked the students to make predictions about what was going on. Then, for sheer fun, we watched the whole movie. To teach personal space, I moved all the desks into one clump in the center of the room and required students to sit in their chairs there for 5 minutes. They were so relieved to move back to the original desk arrangement.

I found 2 copies of my college commencement program (seeing all those old names sent me searching on FB). When I found Bryce's baby book, I discovered the newspaper announcement which had his (later) best friend's announcement just above his. I sobbed when I found an unused, now defunct, $20 Borders gift card that had been a parting gift when we moved to Indiana. I actually tossed all but the few written on pages from my own baby book. In happening upon this photo from when I was five, I'm wondering why I didn't get the memo to wear white like everyone else?

Sorting through my college folders brought back great memories. In my Theology of Culture class, I had to keep a current events journal. Isn't this entry a kicker?

I had always remembered my Bible Geography class for the creative way the instructor tested our knowledge. Thus, I was thrilled to find and capture this quiz from his class:

Finally, it was such fun to re-read old correspondence. I found a letter my dad had sent when I was in the Philippines on a mission trip. In it, he explained the events of one evening when he woke at 4 a.m. realizing he had forgotten to have his evening devotions. He was praying and heard a tapping sound outside, coming from the Pizza Hut next door. He watched a burglar enter and called the police. Eleven squad cars surrounded the place and they came begging a hanger, so they could break into the back door. They returned again to ask if he was positive that the burglar was still in there. He assured them he had been watching faithfully. A few days later, he learned that the man had shut himself into the large cooler and passed out. Lucky for the burglar (an ex-employee who had already broken in once before), they found him and saved his life. My dad ended that paragraph with, "No, we haven't gotten a free pizza yet." Ha!

Here's a flyer I found for one of our Salvation Army outreach events, showcasing a photo of my baby brother, Tim, playing an Alto horn:

I had to text Tim a photo of a letter he sent to me with highlights from his vacation when he was around ten. He detailed every state they went through, even including multiple ones "where nothing happened," and every item he purchased. He finally explained that he had saved up $51 from his paper route job and spent all but 13 cents of it. He ended by saying, "Well, I guess I should get to bed. I started at 3 and now it's 10:27." He texted back, "What's going on? This letter took me 7.5 hours to write!! I'm so glad I gave such a detailed account. Even of the states where nothing happened! Hilarious!"

See what I mean? Great fun poring over items hoarded from the past. This is the reason I'm a pack-rat. I cannot bear to part with the detritus that makes me smile. Still, after 2 months purging work, I'm making some progress!

Book Review: Holy Habits

I love to start the new year reading books about values and living out those values, about habits and improving one's habits. I can't remember how I stumbled upon Noah Herrin's Holy Habits: 10 Small Decisions That Lead to a Big Life. Perhaps it was suggested to me from Hoopla (I listened on my library's Hoopla account). I'm not a fan of the subtitle. I guess I'm not really looking for a "big life." Instead, I'm interested in nurturing holiness and deepening my walk with God. Quibbles over the subtitle aside, I think the book holds some value. It provides a sufficient pep talk to set sights on habits of holiness and consider our impact in the world. The insights are fairly standard and delivered with some humor.

Do others see Jesus living inside of us? That's the key question. Is our life different because of Him? So what are the 10 "holy habits" Herrin wishes to nurture in the reader?

1. Seek and obey the Bible
2. Don't run from God when you mess up (repent and return to God)
3. Pray often - Herrin suggests praying in 1-minute increments throughout your day
4. Observe a Sabbath
5. Be content
6. Seek a coach for discipleship
7. Seek to disciple someone else
8. Get comfortable with silence so God can speak
9. Be a team player in a local church
10. Feel and express gratitude

Herrin hopes the reader will practice these habits to develop deeper intimacy with God. I want to seek purposeful habits that embrace God. Thankfully, I already incorporate much of this. My prayer life goes beyond 1-minute increments. (I am not disparaging this encouragement. In our current world, any increase in prayer will deepen one's relationship with God and spur change where it is desperately needed.) Could I spend more time in silence, listening for God? Certainly. Is it a struggle to remain content when I watch my son stray or when things don't go as I believe God wants? Yes, indeed. Plus, I'm sure my outlook would improve if I embraced gratitude more intentionally during my day.

There are two habits I struggle with and could pursue more: local church involvement and discipleship. The church we attend is my husband's choice. I long for a church focused on drawing unbelievers with greater variety than a hymn-only stance, and with words that inspire a deeper relationship with God, more than accentuating the deep chasm between God and man. I think of where my son is at and know he would feel like an outsider. Indeed, I often feel I don't belong, with my enjoyment of modern worship and Christian writers to supplement my Bible reading. Perhaps my struggle comes from growing up in The Salvation Army with a founder who believed we should "Go for sinners and go for the worst!" I thoroughly appreciate their commitment to seek and obey God's Word. Too many churches water down God's Word in their effort to reach the lost. Yet, I continue to struggle. While I wish to support my husband's leadership, I long for a church that pursues attraction more than condemnation, and freedom more than rigidity. The God I love and serve is not limited to a fixed avenue of communication. "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake." [1 Corinthians 9:22-23]

I also could pursue discipleship more. While I believe I touch the lives of others through my involvement in Bible Study Fellowship (my weekly Bible study group), is that really enough? Would I benefit from finding someone to mentor and disciple me? I'm sure. Yet, I seek friends rather than spiritual/life advisors. Perhaps not everyone is in a place of discipling or being discipled. Does the lack of discipleship mean an individual is not following hard after God? I don't think so. Still, I will consider these suggestions and strive for holy habits that deepen my walk with the Lord. I want to become so like Him, that others see Him, instead of me!

Book Review: Lost on a Mountain in Maine

After seeing an enticing trailer for this Angel Studios movie, I wanted to read the book. Although written for kids, it holds interest for adults as well. Lost on a Mountain in Maine tells the true story of Donn Fendler, who, at age 12, got lost for 9 days on Mount Katahdin. I'm sure my love of Gary D. Schmidt's outstanding book, Trouble, which also involves a tween on that mountain, heightened my interest. 

What a harrowing tale! And how heart-wrenching those days must have been for his parents. I listened to the audio book on Hoopla. The primary narrator is a boy who presents the story from Donn's perspective. An adult narrator then provides tiny asides with deeper information and details about the story. Although I would love to see the movie, I'm not interested in getting the Angel app. I'm hoping my library will somehow secure a copy one day.

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Just discovered: My library has this movie available now on Hoopla! Hoping to find time to watch it soon!

2/23/25 - We watched the movie on Hoopla last night. READ the BOOK! Or watch the trailer. They must have taken every action moment and combined it into the trailer. It was heartbreaking, yes! But, oh so slow. As usual, the book is better than the movie. I was also surprised that an Angel Studios film would begin with so much casual cursing. At the outset, they are interviewing an old man about the occurrence and his language is not something you'd want your young children (who may be interested after reading the book) to absorb. Moreover, the book emphasizes Donn's reliance on prayer during his challenging days in the wilderness.

Book Review: Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk

Appropriately enough, this is an ambling tale. Lillian takes a walk in New York City on New Year's Eve of 1984. We, as readers, come alongside her and listen in on her ruminations as she recalls her life over the years. It was also appropriate that I read this book between New Year's Eve and January 3rd. I'm a fan of walking and of authors who seek inspiration through walking (Dickens, among others). At one time, I walked city streets myself. I lived in Chicago during my teen years. During one college summer break, I lived in New Jersey and walked the streets of New York City. Indeed, one Saturday morning, unwilling to pay the subway fare, I walked across Harlem to get to the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage. Thus, I appreciated this tale of an elderly woman's walk on the edge of a new year. It was full of interesting tid-bits of historical facts.

Lillian Boxfish is an 85-year-old woman who will not let others spook her out of her favorite activity, walking the streets of New York City. Despite recent criminal accounts, Lillian is feisty and unafraid. The story develops in a stream-of-consciousness manner as Lillian walks or ambles through the city with several destinations in mind. She is heading for a small party but makes many stops along the way (walking 10.4 miles in total). For the reader, it feels as if you are walking with her and reliving her past through her witty banter and sharp eyes. She has spunk, verve, and stories galore. By the final pages, I felt quite sad for her, but pleased she triumphs in the end.

I rarely encounter unfamiliar words. Although I have seen some of these words before, my exposure didn't explain the words. So, I looked them up to learn how to use the words myself. Here were the nine I learned: inchoate, pulchritudinous, oleaginous, poniard, idee fixe, aldehydic, mulligan, Stendahl syndrome, and anhedonia. Of course, when I mentioned them to my husband, he rattled off the dictionary definitions.

I adored the author's note at the end of the book. Kathleen Rooney explained her research into the life of Margaret Fishback, the inspiration for Lillian's character. Fishback was a poet and advertising copywriter with great acclaim. Since I once worked in an archive, I was thrilled to read the author's notes about acquiring Fishback's papers and handling the facts of Fishback's life and works. Rooney clarifies that this is a work of historical fiction and not biography. Basically, she merged her own love of city-walking with Fishback's story and enhanced her character with an entertainingly acidic voice. Lillian is a character you will never forget. I loved Harold Fry's walking tale. It made me want to follow his steps through England. I could see myself trekking through New York following Lillian Boxfish's trail. Who knows, maybe they've already created just such a walking tour!

Mid-month Mention: Overdose Lifeline

Last month, someone in the West Indy women's friendship group from Facebook invited me to volunteer with Overdose Lifeline. Volunteers gather every other Tuesday night to pack NARCAN Nasal Spray kits for distribution throughout Indiana. I took part on the first Tuesday of February. I appreciated this amazing and meaningful opportunity. My son survived an overdose in 2023, thanks to NARCAN.

What an impactful non-profit organization to support! They provide youth prevention programs, educational training, grief support, and prevention supplies. Overdose Lifeline offers these statistics on why overdose prevention matters:

• "1 in 4 noncancer opioid users struggle with addiction"
• "100,000+ overdose deaths in the US were estimated to have occurred in 2021"
• "90 % of addictions have been proven to originate during the teenage years" 

Our simple volunteer work allowed us to talk with others while we slapped instruction labels on the fentanyl test strips. We felt we might not get through the quantity of strips, but many hands working cleared it in no time. After that, we packed NARCAN Nasal Spray kits. I hope to go again with my son, Sean. On this particular Tuesday, I knew a few of the other women, but also met new individuals from the friendship group. 

After the 5-7 volunteer event, we drove to a nearby pub, Chatham Tap Butler. What a tasty dinner! Their menu offered so many appealing options, but I settled on the fish and chips (hoping for another nostalgic British experience). Though not served in newspaper (a British thing), and very hard to eat (falling apart before I could dip it into the tartar sauce), it was delicious. 

Sadly, I struggled with the night driving and parking on the Butler campus. I parked in the visitor lot down the street. When I attempted to leave, I pushed in my ticket, swiped my credit card, and a receipt churned out. Only problem, the gate didn't lift. Instead, the machine indicated I had taken too long and needed to take another ticket and pay again. Frustrated, I tried to move to the other machine with my new ticket. Alas, the same thing transpired. I was worried I'd be stuck in the parking garage all night. Thankfully, some kind-hearted student noticed my dilemma. He ran over and swiped his card to let me out of the garage.

When I returned home, I looked more carefully at the credit card receipts. Apparently, it had denied my card. That is why the darn gate didn't lift. In my flustered state, I don't think I even thanked the lovely student who saved me from the parking garage purgatory. It was a much later night than I'm used to (early bed, early rise gal I am), but I was grateful for the invitation.

If you are in the Indianapolis area and are interested in helping this cause, visit Overdose Lifeline to sign up for a volunteer slot some Tuesday evening. At the end of our volunteering shift, a young girl rose to thank the volunteers and to share the opportunity to take supplies home with you to keep in your car or home. She also mentioned that they pack and distribute 24,000 of these in Indiana each month. Wow! Feel free to contact Overdose Lifeline to secure some NARCAN Nasal Spray kits and fentanyl test strips you can keep in your car or home, in case you come upon someone who is struggling with opioid addiction. You can also offer financial support to enable this fine organization to continue their fight against this pervasive social dilemma.

Book Review: The First State of Being

I adored Erin Entrada Kelly's Newbery Honor Book, We Dream of Space. As usual, I feel I must apologize when I don't relish a book. I'm guessing I might have had a different response to this Newbery winning Kelly book, The First State of Being, if I had read it years ago. Maybe, I'm just in too deep a funk to rally. The story held my interest, but didn't wow like the other one.

Set at the turn of the century, the story follows Michael Rosario as he prepares for the uncertainties of Y2K in 1999. His encounter with a boy named Ridge, from the future, leaves him hoping for answers to ease his fears. Alas, Ridge cannot offer any consolation. The only real tid-bit Michael gleans is a prediction of an earthquake across the world. He has plenty of challenges apart from his Y2K woes and Ridge's appearance may bring even more.

The title focuses on Ridge's advice to focus on "the first state of being," or the present. It is easy to allow fears over the future to overwhelm and capsize our equilibrium (I'm guilty). Through the story of Ridge's intersection into Michael's world, young people gain a powerful message of strength and resilience in the face of the uncertainties of life. Kelly writes well, and the story is worthwhile. For readers aged 8-12, it appeals to those interested in time travel or science fiction. 

Book Review: The Intentional Year

This book, The Intentional Year, by Glenn and Holly Packiam, argues that fruitfulness comes from intentionality. The Packiams take retreats to plan how they want to live in the various spheres of their lives (prayer, rest, renewal, relationships, and work) in the coming days. They take time away to connect and process, to reflect and plan, to inventory what they’ve been given and what they feel called to do, and to shape a vision together. 

This idea appeals to me. However, my husband doesn’t share my enthusiasm. I proposed it and could tell it wasn’t something he desired. Sad. Of course, I can be intentional myself. This is what I do when I plan a project each year.

In the reflection section (unintentional rhyme - ha), they speak of St. Ignatius’ Prayer of Examen. It begins by sitting in silence for 3 minutes, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak. Next, reflect on the past year (mountains, valleys, joys, issues). They recommend finding something to express gratitude for in each month of the previous year. This is like setting up memorial stones for how God has carried you. Another part of the process of reflection is repentance. I’m sure I would benefit from reflecting on what God may have been trying to teach me through the struggles of our past year and in what areas God wishes me to grow.

In a section on praying, they suggest an acronym I had not heard before: PRAY, pause, rejoice, ask, yield. They also recommended the Lectio 365 app, something other friends have suggested to me. In a section on rest, they remind that “if you want the land to be fruitful, you have to let it rest.” In the section on work, they offer an insight that reminded me of a Frederick Buechner quote about finding your purpose. Your mission lies at the intersection of God’s glory, the world’s good, and your joy.

As they challenge readers to live intentionally, they offer these questions to ask the Lord: “Who are you calling me to be? What season am I in?” and “What rhythms do you want for me?” Another question to ask at the end of each day is, “Lord, where did I fail to engage with you today?” Each question aids in creating a big-picture vision for your life. I read this book in December, a prime time for approaching a new year, new season, and new opportunity to carve out space for God’s plans for my life with intentionality.

Book Review: Brightly Shining

Isn't the cover of this book a beautiful thing? And if the shimmering gold stars and snowy tree don't entice you, the accolades will. Indeed, the many glowing comments lured me in: "a magical modern classic," "dazzling contemporary fable of hardship and grit," and "absolute best that has been written in Nordic literature." Somehow, sadly, my experience didn't match these reviews. I don't know where these reviewers found "instant hygge and a warming of the heart" or "a song of unbearable beauty."

Brightly Shining tells the story of two young girls, and their alcoholic father, facing another challenging Christmas. Perhaps I'm simply too raw to read about addiction when it resides within my experience. The narration is well-done; the author nails the childish perspective in this scenario. Yet, I couldn't agree that this story inspires hope. It scoffs at faith; nihilistic perspectives pervade. It labels Jesus as a "great medicine man... that is all."

For me, this perspective was depressing and hope-dispelling. When you tear down the surest path to hope, what is left? Empty despair. This is exactly what these girls face and experience. Alcoholism and addiction are ever-present realities in this world. But, for me, faith brings the hope that invades the darkness. In this tale, the "brightly shining" star hides under a bushel. I ended this book in a real funk. I'd love to get back the handful of hours I invested. 

Author Spotlight: Mindy McGinnis

Writing is hard work! For years, I aspired to become a writer. I graduated from The Institute of Children's Literature. Yet, I always seemed to taper off in the middle of a novel. Then in 2009, I discovered the National Novel Writing Month challenge. Every November, participants attempt to write 50,000 words. When you target word count, it silences the inner critic. Finally, with NaNoWriMo, I completed 9 manuscripts. The organization only started keeping statistics in 2011. My NaNoWriMo account says I wrote 426,131 words during my final 7 attempts. 

In the beginning, I wrote 5 young adult novels. Despite requests from several agents and publishers, I could not find a home for my Christian YA. Unless your name is Melody Carlson, it can be a hard sell. Thus, I appreciate how challenging it is to write and publish young adult fiction. In my quest to become a better writer, I read a variety of books. Now, I hope to reach out to several talented writers to learn from them. Last fall, I contacted Mindy McGinnis to talk about her books.  

(Photo property of Mindy McGinnis author website)

Mindy McGinnis writes a wide range of young adult fiction (post-apocalyptic, historical, thriller, mystery, fantasy, and contemporary). I love that she is down-to-earth and approachable. In 2016, she won an Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Novel with her book, A Madness So Discreet. Although I have only read two of her novels at this point, I believe her work taps into universal truths. She tackles tough issues and brings them to the forefront for teen awareness and discussion. 

Because her book, Heroine, portrays drug abuse with raw honesty, she has battled censorship. This book hit close to home for me (discover more about this book and read my review here). Despite being a tough read, I'm so glad she is shining a light on this problem. I pray her efforts might save other impressionable young people from venturing down that slippery slope.

Next, I read Be Not Far From Me. I'm always up for a survival read. I appreciate McGinnis' ability to suck you in and draw you into the world of the character. She also excels at nailing a genuine and unique teen voice. (Find my review, with story details, by clicking here.) I'm grateful for her willingness to answer my questions about the novels and about writing.

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Heroine

Q1: This book struck a chord with me, as my son’s prescription for a sport-related injury was a stepping stone on his journey into deeper drug use. In your opinion, why is this an important book for teens to read?

Mindy: It's important because it illustrates how addiction actually works. When you're writing for teens, many people want any type of risky behavior to have immediate negative consequences. A character that does drugs needs to wake up the next morning in some sort of horrible physical condition, or have a terrifying experience. That's not how it works. People do drugs because they make you feel good. It's that simple. The lessons come later, and they're hard.

Q2: Tough issues are hard to write about. In my review of What a Wave Must Be, I complained that the graphic urgent reality of the topic of cluster suicides led me to feel like a test-dummy. Did you struggle to balance making the story believable, accurate, and true without overkilling the subject for the reader?

Mindy: Nope. I don't struggle with anything. I write what needs to be written in order to accurately convey the material. That being said, I am careful - especially with this book - not to be writing a manual or a how-to. You never actually see Mickey shoot up, and the method she uses to crush her oxy earlier in the book would no longer work, as Purdue Pharma changed the formula of OxyContin when they realized people were crushing it to snort.

Q3: In responding to my letter thanking you for writing Heroine, you wrote: “Addiction is truly heinous and can happen to anyone; none of us are immune, and falling prey to it does not make a person weak or evil. That is the message I hope to convey with Heroine, and I believe it is making an impact... although not always in the ways I had hoped. Heroine is, and continues to be, my most banned book. Many schools have been forced to remove it from their libraries, which is where it needs to be in order for the message to be available to those who need it most.” Do you look back with a desire to change anything?

Mindy: Nope. Wouldn't change a thing. This book isn't hurting anyone, but I know it's helped many.

Q4: In my limited experience with launching a book into the world, I have struggled with disappointment at not being able to get my book into the hands that would most appreciate and benefit from my words. How does banning your book make you feel as an author who believes in your message and the story you want to convey? How do you fight discouragement over this?

Mindy: I don't really have emotions about it, to be honest. A lot of people ask me how I feel, and that's not really applicable. The real question is - what do I think and what am I going to do about it? I think that there are plenty of teachers, librarians, and advocacy groups out there doing good work to make sure kids have the books they need, and I support them. What I'm going to do about it is keep writing what I write, how I write it.

Q5: Many banned books are ones I'm grateful to have experienced, despite content I might not enjoy or agree with. For example, I adored Mark Haddon’s skill at voice in his book, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. While I didn’t appreciate the excessive use of expletives, I overlooked it because there were redeeming qualities within the book. Indeed, as a parent, I want to know what books my kids are reading, so I can discuss with them any difficult topics where I want my perspectives on the table. I skimmed the Heroine discussion questions you provide for educators (or parents who wish to read this important book and discuss it with their teen before this ugly issue rears its head). I appreciate how you attempt to lead the reader to see preconceived notions they might have already formed about drugs and addicts who are hooked on them. What is the foremost thing you hope young people gain from the process of reading and discussing Heroine?

Mindy: Addiction can happen to anyone. It cuts across all demographics. A person can feel like they've got their situation under control, but in reality, they are spiraling. A greater awareness of how addiction begins, and how quickly risky behaviors can turn into bad habits is what I hope readers take away, along with empathy for addicts. We all have someone in our lives that is either living the experience, or has come out on the other side. Starting from a point of knowing that they are not weak or evil is key.

Be Not Far From Me

Q1: One thing I appreciate (from the two books of yours I have read and from others I’ve read blurbs for) is your ability to branch out into different subjects and styles. You are not a formulaic writer. That’s fantastic. What would you say helps you attack different subjects and styles? Or, to what do you attribute your skill at approaching different content with each book?

Mindy: I'm a really terrible person to answer craft questions, because I don't know the answers. I have no formal training in writing, and I have no specific process or method for any book. I just sit down and write the story as it comes to me. No plotting. No planning. Just go.

Q2: The main character in Be Not Far From Me, Ashley Hawkins, is a tough, self-reliant, hardened individual. How do you, as a writer, get inside the heads of your characters to pull off a distinct and effective voice, as you’ve done for Ashley?

Mindy: I don't really know how to answer that one either. I just hear them.

Q3: One of my favorite parts of the book is where Ashley does an about-face (for her) and simply says, “I need help.” The character has progressed through her trial and become a better person for it. Do you outline as you write, in order to polish the story arc, or are you more of a pantser, plowing through and then going back into the manuscript to hone and clarify that arc of development?

Mindy: I'm completely organic. I don't typically know what's going to happen in a story, or even who is going to live until the end, or who the "bad guy" is if it's a mystery. I just write. It's a simple approach, but it works for me. Again, any type of craft question like character development or arc, is just not something I even think about.

Q4: Toward the middle of the story, we catch glimpses of Ashley’s exposure to religious beliefs at the camp she attended. Indeed, it surprised me when I learned the title for the book comes from Ashley’s interaction with (no, memorization of) Psalm 22. While Davey Beet's instruction at the camp teaches her survival skills, she also learns survival skills through biblical instruction. On page 156, as Ashley recites Psalm 22 to herself, she muses, “I don’t know if I’m saying it because I think there might actually be a God to listen or if I’m just distracting myself, but… I keep going.” What would you say is your perspective? Do you believe God is listening or do you believe Ashley merely took strength from reciting the comforting words of scripture?

Mindy: What I think doesn't matter - what Ashley thinks matters. And I can't really say that I have access to all of her interiority. I think the camp was a good experience for her, and she drew comfort from it.

Q5: As much as I’ve read about prizing a good beginning, I believe a satisfying end leaves you with completion and a jumping off point for taking the story further. You accomplish this in both books. At the end of Heroine, the reader must decide what Mickey picked up to use later (allowing the reader to determine the course of the rest of the story). The end of Be Not Far From Me is beautiful: “I’m going to find Davey Beet. I’m going to bring home the boy who showed me how to survive. Then I’m going to live every day remembering that’s what we’re all doing, each in our own way. But nobody wants to do it alone. I hike up my pack and square my shoulders. And I go back into the woods.” Some writers say they write the ending before even starting the beginning. Is that true for you? Did these endings come to you prior to the beginnings? How much work did you do to hone your beginning and ending passages?

Mindy: Again, no. I have no idea how the books are going to end. I just write them. I really don't do a ton of work or honing. I'm fortunate that good beginnings and good endings organically happen for me. I'm not really doing the work, I'm just writing down what's being channeled to me.

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I wish to express a giant thank you to Mindy for taking her time to answer my questions. If you are seeking gritty and real young adult literature, Mindy's books offer honesty and authenticity, great world-building and character development. If you are a writer, seeking instruction, Mindy offers expert advice on her blog, Writer, Writer, Pants on Fire. Subscribers receive a free synopsis writing guide. Mindy also offers editorial services and query critiques.