Before we get into the newsletter, please take this survey to improve Gritty Faith. It will help me know whether I’m giving you what you want and need, and thank you!
Interview with Doug Worgul!
The Bookshelf
Give to Gritty Faith
This is a special edition, because I’m announcing an upcoming interview with friend and author Doug Worgul. He’s a barbecue and baseball fan, but most importantly, he’s done something I’ve been wanting him to do for 20 years: write the sequel to his novel “Thin Blue Smoke.”
He has. It’s called “The Night Office” and will be published soon. I’ll ask Doug all about my favorite characters — Episcopal priest Ferguson Glen, his encouraging and no-nonsense wife Periwinkle Brown — along with some new and old friends who come back to join the fun.
Yes, there is barbecue and baseball, but so much more. Doug writes fascinating character studies and insightful takes on Kansas City, where his books take place. When I first read “Thin Blue Smoke,” the last page came way too soon. I just knew the sequel was around the corner. It wasn’t.
Doug explained why:
“After I finished Thin Blue Smoke, I felt satisfied, at the time, that I had completed that story. My career also took a major direction and I didn’t actually write much for a time. When I eventually sat down to write again, I was eager to pursue a couple of new stories that had been I had been mulling, but after a few false starts I realized those stories were not getting any traction.
I took a year off to think, play guitar, and let my mind empty. A period of discernment. It was after that time that I began to understand that I had, in fact, not finished the ‘Thin Blue Smoke’ story and that there was more to tell.”
Doug and I will talk next week, so stay tuned. Your homework assignment is to read a copy of “Thin Blue Smoke” and be ready for Doug’s brilliance and humor.
Your creative sister,
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, consider listening to and following the Positively Joy podcast.
Need a speaker or emcee? Book me here.
If you liked receiving this, like and comment!
Searching for your next favorite story? There’s romance and drama along with inspirational and instructional books here.
Audiobooks that uplift: Perfect for listeners who crave inspiring tales, heartwarming romance, and faith-filled journeys.
Yvette Walker is a journalist, educator, and the founder of Positively Joy Ministries. Her ministry supports this publication, a podcast, publishing her many books and opportunities to share the message of joy as a speaker.
Consider giving to support her work here on Substack or on Patreon. For as little as $5 a month, receive extras, like the video podcasts of my guests, early copies of my books and other video interviews exclusive to paying supporters of this newsletter.
Your support helps continue this work and you get exclusive content, like free copies of my books. Thanks!
No posts
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.