Remembering Each Other

Writing can be a lonely passion without a community.

I was so blessed this last year to meet up with men and women who share thie passion of writing and I gained a whole tribe of encouragers.

SO much happens behind the blogs and Facebook feeds between kindred writers. Private messages and closed Facebook groups and texts are places where real life leaks.  We find ways to lift and encourage and listen and cheer loudly when a fellow-writer publishes or creates or feels stumped.  There’s  a whole bunch of grace out there. And it’s encouraged me in a world where words can become weapons.

So, I’d like to take the chance every once in awhile to introduce you to some sojourners.  Today I’d like you to meet Sheila Lagrand.  She and I shared a weekend at Laity Lodge at the High Calling Retreat. We bounced along  in the back seat of a Suburban on the ride back to the San Antonio airport.  We glanced at photos of each other’s children.  Since that time, Sheila has publised a couple of e-books~ weaving her passion and shining light on a cause as well.  Love that. And love her heart.

A quick interview with Sheila:

Sheila Seiler Lagrand, Ph.D., earned her doctorate in anthropology at the University of California, Los Angeles. As an undergraduate at the University of California, San Diego, she studied anthropology and literature with an emphasis in writing. Sheila has contributed to several edited volumes. Her Christmas story, Yankee Doodle Christmas, released in December and Remembering Ruth released in February. She contributes occasionally at BibleDude.net. Sheila is a member of the The High Calling.

When did you begin writing?:
“Despite a lifetime spent writing, it took me until 2009 to realize that if I’d been given a gift for writing and that I should be using it to glorify the Giver. I’d had this sense of calling, and I was afraid I was being called off to seminary (I’ve spent enough time in school, thank you!) When it finally realized I was being led to write, that was a big relief. The blog came very soon after that–just a few months later as I figured out how to begin.”

Tell us a little about your current writing project:
“My friend Kathi Macias, who has served as mentor and encourager to so many writers, announced a Christmas project that she needed 11 authors to participate in. I said I would like to, and that was that. The project was “Kathi Macias’ Twelve Days of Christmas” from Helping Hands Press. Each author wrote a story that took place completely within the confines of a single day, one of the 12 days leading up to Christmas. My story, “Yankee Doodle Christmas,” was set five days before Christmas. I’ve been focused on nonfiction since 2009, so it was a fun stretch to play with a story. I ended up writing in a character whose Alzheimer’s Disease was the basis for the story.
The publisher, Helping Hands Press, invited me to write a whole series of stories using the same cast of characters, with the purpose of fictionalizing the experience of families living with dementia. I was thrilled to be offered the chance to do more with this topic, so I agreed right away. It’s personal, you know? I don’t know any family that hasn’t been touched by dementia, including my own. I feel really honored to have an opportunity to (hopefully) illuminate that experience a bit.”

What is your biggest writing challenge?  “Finding quiet time to work. Last year I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which affects focus as well as stamina. I have a challenging full time job, so I have to be more intentional, and more protective, of writing time. Fortunately my husband, Rich, is a huge supporter of my efforts and he’s willing to do just about anything to support my writing. I am so blessed that way.”

Sheila’s e-book can be found here:
“Paul Loves Snickerdoodles promises to be a fun, enjoyable read. And there’s even a Snickerdoodle recipe (among others) at the end of the installment.
I still can’t say “snickerdoodle” without smiling.”
~Glynn Young

{Glynn Young does a little sneek peek to characters here.}

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This is the piece that Sheila read at Laity.  It’s my favorite of hers.  Because anything that is a metaphor for God’s grace and includes coffee?  COUNT ME IN.

“Wait!” I cried. “I want brewed coffee. I want coffee that is hot and liquid and soothing, in a big steaming  mug that I can hold to warm my hands. They’ve turned cold and stiff in this weather.”

“This is what I have for you tonight,” he said gently, leveling those compelling eyes on me. “Come back in the spring. There will be more, then.” He picked up the teacup full of coffee beans.

{Read the entire piece here…}

Purchase Sheila’s e-book here.  Or visit her blog here…

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