Writing into the Sacred
Spiritual Life Writing is a diverse genre. It may include memoir, poetry, narrative journalism, and children's books. Spiritual Life Writing transcends culture, gender, religion and ritual. Spiritual Life Writing is an invitation to ponder stories of doubt, faith, taboo, and the sacred – to hold the dynamic tension between what a writer feels compelled to voice, and the limitations of language to do so.
"We writers tend to hold our most passionate beliefs close to our hearts in fear of risking offense. It is a sort of lyrical shyness that often accompanies the writer who respectfully summons the courage to pen and make public their rich interior life."
Spiritual Life Writing does not attempt to convert, cajole, persuade or convince. The genre hosts writers who share eternal truths that invite universal consideration. Spiritual Life Writing is compassion-based seeking, aligned with storytelling, that transcends nations and forms and welcomes every voice.
You might be a Spiritual Life Writer if you feel nervous about self-identifying as one. You may feel afraid of being misunderstood, afraid to share the wonder and wisdom that reside in your core. You may not yet recognize your beautiful writing soul or notice how reverence and craft may join together to illuminate the sacred.
On this site, you will discover writers and writing resources that aid in discerning and voicing spiritual encounters. You will find unabashed encouragement for putting pens to paper (or fingers to keys) to write stories that unravel doubt and champion faith, be it in a deity, humanity, or nature – stories that linger, provoke curiosity, and offer strength. This site brings together kindred writers, readers, editors and publishers who dare to discern where language, community and the sacred intersect.
NOTE: The linked article, "When words like spiritual make you flinch..." is a fantastic piece that gets to the heart of telling Spiritual Life Writing stories. I invite you to read it.
Watch Lana's spotlight interview clip on Spiritual Life Writing