Writing the Sacred Journey: The Art and Practice of Spiritual Memoir - Softcover

Andrew, Elizabeth Jarrett

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1558964703 ISBN 13: 9781558964709

Publisher: Skinner House Books, 2005

Synopsis

"This is a courageous work, full of practical exercises and examples of techniques... The author's use of the term "spiritual" is broad enough to include pretty much any illuminating experience of life." --Sumangali Morhall

Readers will discover how to construct a well-crafted spiritual memoir--one that honors the author's interior, sacred story and is at the same time accessible to others. Writing the Sacred Journey provides practical advice on how to overcome writing obstacles as well as guidance for transforming the writing process into a spiritual practice. A writing instructor and spiritual director, Andrew teaches spiritual memoir at Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality in St. Paul, MN.

About this title

About the Author

Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew is the author of the spiritual memoir, Swinging on the Garden Gate; a collection of personal essays called On the Threshold: Home, Hardwood, and Holiness; the novel, Hannah, Delivered; and two books on writing:  Writing the Sacred Journey: The Art and Practice of Spiritual Memoir and Living Revision: A Writer's Craft as Spiritual Practice. She teaches spiritual memoir writing at Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality in St. Paul, MN.

Review

As one who regularly teaches courses in spiritual autobiography, Writing the Sacred Journey is the most useful writing manual--of any kind--I have read. Andrew has thought with exceptional depth and nuance about the inner processes of daily writing, what's at stake in revision and what's beyond the block. Andrew is astute not only on profound matters--like the psychology of integrating mystical experience--but also on the most practical, like how to cut a draft that's too long or flesh out a brief, timorous account. I know I will assign this book with confidence to my students. I also look forward to rereading and living with this book as with a wise and trusted mentor.
--Mary Rose O'Reilley, The Barn at the End of the World

Andrew is a subtle and courageous spiritual memoirist.  Her candid and compelling ability to share the hard-won secrets of her artistry with fellow writers is borne out in this fine book.
--Lawrence Sutin, A Postcard Memoir

In a time when books on spirituality abound, Andrew writes with uncommon wisdom and generosity. To anyone skeptical that spiritual memoir may be too sentimental or self-centered, Andrew demonstrates that 'the real subject of memoir is not self so much as the human condition' and she urges us to write for the sake of the story itself.  This is a book you will return to again and again.
--Julie Neraas, Apprenticed to Hope

Writing the Sacred Journey is one of the best books on writing I've ever read.  --Robert Anderson

Reading Writing the Sacred Journey made me feel like I was hanging out with someone I love hanging out with. It's helpful, it's affirming--it's just an irreplaceable, incredible gift.  --Nancy King Bernstein

Edition details

• Publisher: Skinner House Books
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1558964703
• ISBN 13: 9781558964709
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 244