I heard Anne Lamott say once that everything she knows about writing also applies to faith, and everything she knows about faith also applies to writing. She wasn't the first writer to make that connection and she certainly won't be the last. Cyzewski explores the interweaving of writing and faith, and specifically prayer in this thought-provoking and genuinely useful little book. The book is written from a Christian perspective (albeit a generously inclusive one), and as the author himself says, "if you're already inclined to both write and pray, you may as well figure out how they can help each other." Indeed.

Writers of faith will appreciate this straight-talking guide to the ins and outs of the industry, as well as how to save your soul (and your sanity) from the unusual demands of the writing life.

This little manifesto on creativity is worth a read. I can't describe it better than the author: "Whether you doodle, sing in the shower, knit scarves, or scribble poems, Creating Space will encourage you to make space in your life in order to fulfill your creative calling, using your gifts to their fullest extent."

I love Ed's work. He says this guide "helps Christians writers tap into their rich contemplative prayer tradition that includes meditation on scripture, spirituality practices, centering prayer, and fixed hour prayer (such as morning prayer and evening prayer)."

I love Ed's work, and am really excited about his new one. From the publisher: "The Christian prayer tradition known as contemplation, primarily preserved in monasteries through practices such as centering prayer... Cyzewski learned that the unstoppable love of God forms the foundation of all Christian spirituality, and that daily contemplative prayer helps us rest in God's loving presence. Using Henrí Nouwen's The Way of the Heart to highlight the three movements into contemplation with the words flee, be silent, pray, Cyzewski found what it means to quiet his religious anxiety by resting in the love of God."

I love Ed's work. Writers of faith will appreciate this straight-talking guide to the ins and outs of the industry. Sarah Bessey says "Every time someone asks me for direction with a book proposal or even publishing as a whole, I always send them to Ed." From the publisher: "This book empowers new and published authors to better understand their publishing options, what to expect from a commercial publisher, and how they can benefit from independent publishing. Taking authors beyond the one-time approach of self-publishing, independent publishing encourages Christian authors to pursue their ministry or creative calling as authors apart from commercial publishing, while empowering them to make better choices when comparing commercial vs. independent publishing."

From the publisher: "Although there’s a creative longing in every person, it's often drowned out by distractions like social media or the never-ending 24-hour news headlines. Author Ed Cyzewski shares how he dramatically improved his mental health and well-being by prioritizing creative pursuits like woodworking projects, oil pastel painting, drawing, and writing. Creative Renewal guides aspiring creators past the barriers of doubt and failure so they can discover the renewal and restoration that comes through regular creative practices and projects. Cyzewski shares creative ideas for beginners and artistic projects that provide ideal starting points. There’s no digital substitute for the restoration and renewal gained by making a time each week for the joy of creative exploration or the peaceful flow of an engaging artistic project."