As a true extrovert with a very solitary occupation as a writer, I truly enjoy social media. Sometimes I tell people I’m not sure I could have survived my 24-year writing career without it! (Of course, there was no such thing as social media the first ten years I was writing, but I did connect with several wonderful groups of writers via e-mail loops and writers organizations.) Now, being able to … [Read more...]
Exploring Italy
My family and I returned last week from a stint in Rome. We were there so I could lead a study abroad. This wasn't our first time, but it was our first time to live in Rome for two weeks. It was a delightful trip for many reasons -- but it's also why I missed my last post. You see, I left my computer at home, which means I didn't have my account passwords. [Tweet "How does a writer rest? Not … [Read more...]
Another day in the writing life
This summer I'm writing two books, maybe three. That means I have to make every moment count now that the semester is over, and I don't teach again until the middle of June. Yesterday I spent about four hours in my office at Purdue, but instead of grading or prepping for classes, I was writing. I wish I could pretend it was a pretty process. All you have to do is look at these photos to see … [Read more...]
Writing as Worship
Yesterday a friend emailed me a beautiful prayer she has for her writing. It resonated so strongly that I made the graphic and printed it off. Have you ever thought of that book you're reading from a favorite author as part of that author's worship to God? I often tell people that much like Eric Liddell felt God's smile when he ran, I feel God's smile when I write. [Tweet "Is writing one form of … [Read more...]
Writing Chaos Putman Style
When I started writing a little more than ten years ago, I had a 4 year old and a 1 year old. It was relatively easy for me to write around their schedules. Then I had a third child. Then we added a 4th. All that time the older two thought they should be growing up. I might have thought it was a challenge to find time to write while the kids napped or after bedtime, but I've since learned those … [Read more...]