by Chris Manion | Sep 25, 2021 | Blog, Writing
Writers and gardeners have much in common. I know because I am both. I love growing things from seeds, both as a writer and as a gardener. My husband and I experimented with a patch of mostly green weeds that pretended to be grass in 2020. I decided to plant a...
by Chris Manion | Jul 24, 2021 | Blog, Writing
Writers need a book launch team because quite frankly, we’d rather hide. In the middle ages, trumpeters would precede a King’s entrance. Kings hate to be unnoticed, although a few shy kings have graced our world over the centuries. Writers are like medieval...
by Chris Manion | Jun 28, 2021 | Blog, Social Justice, Writing
When we testify, our voice—what we write, draw, create, and say—carries power. This essay reflects on the power of that voice and my decisions to convey love. For almost a decade, I’ve followed the trend of choosing a focus word for the year. In 2013, when I...
by Chris Manion | May 20, 2021 | Blog, Social Justice, Writing
It happened the summer Howard Cooper turned fifteen. The year was 1885. Sweat beaded on foreheads and the high-pitched hum of cicadas buzzed in trees. Southern belle Katie Gray walked home from the railroad station and said something to Howard as she passed him....
by Chris Manion | Feb 28, 2021 | Blog, Writing
You never know when you’ll need to surrender to love. Chances are, it’ll be a test. Genesis 22 involves a test of surrender for Abraham and Isaac. An image of my grandson setting a tea party got me thinking about God the Father as well as Abraham in that...
by Chris Manion | Nov 29, 2020 | Blog, Spirituality, Writing
Before Thanksgiving, his wife asked him nicely. Several times. Then his stepdaughter mentioned it would be a good idea. Despite many warnings, someone didn’t heed them. Sometimes we receive only one task to do. We’d like to think we’re on top of it,...
