ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Every book has a backstory. This one is different from my other books. It all started with a movie. Well, a video series: Your Story for His Glory, filmed by RightNow Media. Those good folks said yes to this crazy idea to come to Alaska to film the Harvester Island Wilderness Workshop, a writing workshop. Ann Voskamp was going to be there, alongside twenty-two writers. I knew the time would be especially rich —and it was. Thanks to their terrific efforts, we had a “movie,” but where was the book? I hadn’t thought that far ahead —but then, yes, of course there must be a book.

Since teaching my first writing class in 1984 at the University of Oregon, I have never stopped being astonished at the magic and wonder of the writing process. The only thing better than loving words, writing stories, discovering and passing on truths from this one life to another —is teaching others to do the same. Over these decades, it has been a deep honor and thrill to guide others in articulating their own life passages and then to witness the personal transformations that happened through it. But I know so many who cannot get to the workshops and classes, who ask, “How do I write my story?” So —this.

I do have an agenda beyond all this writing. Technology is isolating us, making us depressed and lonely. The process in this book is one answer, and this is my hope: to see people gathering around this book and video, discovering and sharing the extraordinary texts of their lives with one another. No communion is deeper and more healing.

This project all happened rather suddenly, so special thanks are in order. First, to Ann Voskamp, who took the first step of saying yes. Thank you for lending your inimitable voice and beautiful presence to this project. (And thank you for all you’re doing in God’s great world!) Warm thanks to RightNow Media (and Courtney and Caleb), who are so passionate about capturing and sharing words that bring life to the world. Shout-out to my agent, Greg Johnson, who’s always cheering me on. And to all the good people at NavPress and Tyndale, especially publisher Don Pape, my editor Caitlyn Carlson, and marketing manager Robin Bermel. You’re all so committed and wise, and you make me feel like family. Thank you!

Last, I want to thank everyone who has been in my classes, officially or otherwise, over the last thirty-some years. I remember many of you, thanks to the power of words and stories that turn students into lifelong friends. Keep finding, writing, and living the truth of your lives!