On Writing, Writing Well, and Writing for Money

A Conversation

Last night, I had a wonderful time talking with so many of you about writing. I managed to make it through almost all of the questions in an hour and 15 minutes, and felt great about the conversation. Then, I ended the meeting…and realized I forgot to record it.

I felt sick. I cried. I had lots of not nice things to say about myself. I thought about hosting another conversation at another time. But I had promised to send the recording out and make it available for free for the rest of this week, and I don’t like breaking promises. So, this morning, I got up, went for a walk, showered, and did it all over again, only this time by myself.

Here is the recording: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/7n879q9A-N9Uwe0r66R1ZG_QDIMKFPnbAqqjeg4sqdbuuX0g8ieX4tCXwVPZgQU.N_d5xjOYZwmdE0CS

Passcode: vn5.$yWm

Is it as good as last night? I hope so! In some ways, I think it’s better. I had the chance to think a bit more about some of the questions, so a few different answers came out. I also wasn’t as worried about people getting dinner on the table or their kids to bed, so I was able to take a little more time answering questions, and sharing some final thoughts at the end. I think writing is a business, and faith writing is a serious business, with eternal consequences, so being able to talk a little bit more about that was a gift. I am trying to see this whole redo as a gift. Trying. Trying.

As promised, here is a link to a Google document of the book proposal I did for The Catholic Table, back in 2015. Those of you who have read the book, will notice that the proposed outline is different from the final book. That is normal and to be expected when proposing a book that has yet to be written. Books change and develop as you write them. But the heart of the book, as proposed, is the same as the heart of the book, as written, and that’s what matters.

This video will remain unlocked and free for all through Friday, June 30. On July 1, it will go behind a paywall and be available in perpetuity for full subscribers. If you are one already, thank you so much. You made me taking the time to do this not once, but twice, possible. If you are not a full subscriber, I would love it if you could join us. Full subscribers get the best I have to give in writing every month, and the more people who subscribe, the more I can give (and the more easily I can pay my family’s bills!)

Either way, I hope something here is helpful for you. If so, maybe we can do this again sometime. Next time, I promise I won’t forget to hit record.

Blessings,

Emily

P.S. One of the very first subscribers to this newsletter, Rachael Stowe, is nearing the end of her days here. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colon Cancer three years ago, shortly after the birth of her fourth child. Through the years, Rachael has become a friend, and I was blessed to have her family visit mine last year. She has many gifts, but especially the gift of encouragement. I hold most people’s opinions of me and my writing pretty loosely, but Rachael’s good opinion was something I valued more than I can say. She gave me so much encouragement, as a mother and a writer, and I am praying so hard right now that God does the same for her in these last days, just pouring out His grace on her and her family, so that she can go home to Him with joy. Please join me in praying for her. If I know Rachael at all, I know she will become one of your best encouragers, too.