Identity

What My Son Wants to be When He Grows Up

by Shawn November 21, 2011
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Each child at the Thanksgiving program stood from their seat and said what they wanted to be when they grew up. My children happened to go first. Cade rose, a smile on his face, and proudly proclaimed: “Writer!” Then Lucy, always a little bashful, always looking for that thin ray of acceptance: “Librarian.” For the [...]

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The Bible: Notes of Love, or Charges Made By a Disappointed Father?

by Shawn November 17, 2011

A teenage girl walks into the bathroom and vomits quietly into the sink, tiny flecks of her barely existent lunch sticking to the mirror. When she looks into the glass, she sees a stranger. She sits on the toilet and puts her face in her hands. Then she sees it – on the floor, written [...]

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Six Questions With Author Janet Oberholtzer

by Shawn November 10, 2011

I feel privileged to know Janet and am thrilled that her story, Because I Can, is finally available in print. Join me in welcoming her to the blog, and if you have any questions for Janet feel free to ask in the comments section below.

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When Perseverance is a Weakness

by Shawn November 3, 2011

Barry Eisler submitted his completed manuscript to 50 agents.* 50. And he received as many rejections. Throughout the process he continued revising, continued submitting, and continued receiving those rejection notices. He persevered, but it wasn’t getting him anywhere.

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An Envelope I Couldn’t Wait to Open

by Shawn November 2, 2011

About a week ago I received a real, live package in the mail from someone besides a book seller. There is a particular kind of elation that one experiences while trying (unsuccessfully) to disembowel a large envelope sealed tight with indestructible tape. I gave up trying to open it at the end of the lane, [...]

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God Never Promised You Fame

by Shawn October 31, 2011

If you tell someone you’re a writer, what’s one of the first questions they ask? Have you published any books?

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Memories of a Man Who Died 20 Years Ago

by Shawn October 28, 2011

My Grandpa Beiler had a personality impossible to forget. I never witnessed his anger, though stories of it were legendary. What I remember of him is that he never let anyone stop him from doing what he wanted to do. I also remember that he always wore the premonition of a smile somewhere around the [...]

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