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Hello, !

Today we are talking once more with Dr. Charisse Gillett, president of Lexington Theological Seminary and author of That Little Girl. Our topic today is writing a memoir. We are also going to explore four kinds of writing communities that can support you. I asked our guest several questions about how she wrote her own memoir.

When we hear one another’s stories about how we do our creative work, we can be inspired. And when we hear how an author makes choices about her writing, it’s not about imitating her process. We can learn from it, seeing what we would do in our own circumstances. Essentially, there’s no substitution for a story of how someone else engages their creative process to inspire us with our own.

Many ingredients and perspectives go into writing a memoir. Currently a very popular genre, many well known actors, singer-songwriters, journalists, comedians and politicians published their personal stories in recent years.

Spiritual, religious, and specifically Christian authors are no exception. Several popular memoirs appeared in recent years, such as Dana Trent’s Between Two Trailers. And of course we are featuring Charisse Gillett’s memoir this month: That Little Girl.  So much contemporary writing, although not solely memoir, includes firsthand accounts of one’s life. Even academic articles and books increasingly take a first person point of view.

Charisse's book honors both her own young life and also speaks to the lives of young people who aspire to grow into their full potential. She wrote it with her children and grandchild in mind. That Little Girl: Memories, Challenges, and Reflections on Black Girl Dreams will inspire many people, and already has. What books are inspiring you these days? 

Writing Communities to Support Our Creative Work

Lately I’ve had a message on repeat. When I talk to writers, which is every weekday at the Writing Table, I’m yammering on about various writing communities. I believe we need (at least) four kinds of communities to support our work. No single group, bestest writing buddy, or even your favorite writing coach can give you all the support needed. Becoming a writer, means adopting a complex multifaceted process and practice. You’ll need various kinds of communities to help you find your way.

I'm grateful for you, , and I hope you find the inspiration and information you need to do your creative work this week. 

🌲November Giveaway!🌲

This month, we are giving away a book stack!

Three books and a cool tote bag for carrying them.

You can be in on the drawing when you make 

any Writing Table purchase 

in our shop.

New State of Clergy Report

As you are opening this email, I'm home after a great time of writing, prayer, and connection with many people in Collegeville and other parts of Minnesota. 

Late this week I'm heading to the American Academy of Religion in Boston. If you want to connect there, let me know. We'll see if we can work something out! I'll be hosting the Writing Table in person if you want to join, let me know!

I presented about the "narratives and numbers" that are part of the State of Clergy Report during the seminar for all the residents in Collegeville. It was fun and I really enjoyed it. 

Here is a question I asked during my presentation. Maybe it will give you something to consider this week: 

What choices, institutions, questions, or vocations in my

life have shaped my practice(s) of writing and/or ministry?

All of you reading this are welcome to tell me about: 

• information
• stories
• data
• books
• articles
• blogs
• news reports 
• elections of bishops or other church leaders
• conferences and events
• people we should interview
• questions you must have answered! 

All contributions will be independently verified before including them in the report. 

My questions for you this Monday morning: 

What communities are most 

helpful and life-giving to you?  

Remember, , what you do and who you are matters! I believe in you, and I hope you will let me know how I can support you!

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