Writing the Sacred Journey

Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew teaches creative writing at Wisdom Ways Center for Spirituality in St. Paul, Minnesota. She is the author of the novel, Hannah, Delivered; the essay collection On the Threshold: Home, Hardwood, and Holiness, and two books for writers: Writing the Sacred Journey: The Art and Practice of Spiritual Memoir and Living Revision: A Writer’s Craft as Spiritual Practice, which received a Nautilus Award in 2018. She is also a recipient of two Minneapolis State Arts Board artist’s fellowships, the Loft Career Initiative Grant, and a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award. She delights in her partner, daughter, and garden.

“In a time when books on spirituality abound, Andrew writes with uncommon wisdom and generosity. To anyone skeptical that spiritual memoir may be too sentimental or self-centered, Andrew demonstrates that 'the real subject of memoir is not self so much as the human condition' and she urges us to write for the sake of the story itself. This is a book you will return to again and again.” —Julie Neraas, author of Apprenticed to Hope“As one who regularly teaches courses in spiritual autobiography, Writing the Sacred Journey is the most useful writing manual–of any kind–I have read. Andrew has thought with exceptional depth and nuance about the inner processes of daily writing, what's at stake in revision and what's beyond the block. Andrew is astute not only on profound matters–like the psychology of integrating mystical experience–but also on the most practical, like how to cut a draft that's too long or flesh out a brief, timorous account. I know I will assign this book with confidence to my students. I also look forward to rereading and living with this book as with a wise and trusted mentor.” —Mary Rose O'Reilley, author of The Barn at the End of the World“Andrew is a subtle and courageous spiritual memoirist. Her candid and compelling ability to share the hard-won secrets of her artistry with fellow writers is borne out in this fine book.” —Lawrence Sutin, author of A Postcard Memoir

• IntroductionThe Spiritual MemoirWhy We WriteThe Attributes of Spiritual MemoirGetting StartedInevitable ResistanceDeveloping the Writing HabitThe Dilemma of MemoryOrganizing Your MemoriesYour Spiritual Life as Subject MatterDescribing the IndescribableThe Power of EpiphanySymbols and MetaphorsThe Vividness of ChildhoodBeing in the BodyHonoring TeachersJourneysThe Significance of SettingSharing SufferingThe NuminousThe Craft of WritingThe Power of Showing, The Power of TellingFinding a Structure for Your StoryRevision as Seeing AnewLearning to Read as a WriterPutting It Out ThereWriting Practice, Spiritual Practice