The Habit

Joyce McPherson, a dedicated biographer and author of children's literature, shares how she balanced writing ten biographies, including a recent one on Jane Austen, while raising nine kids. She reveals her unique approach of writing in 45-minute increments to fit her busy life. The conversation delves into the art of biography as both a narrative tool and a way to inspire young minds spiritually. Joyce also discusses the flexibility of self-publishing versus traditional routes, and her love for capturing the complex lives of historical figures.

Winfield Bevins, an author, visual artist, and director of Creo Arts, discusses the profound impact of beauty in faith and culture. He believes that engaging with beauty can lead to truth and goodness, advocating for a modern Renaissance in the arts. Winfield shares personal stories of how art transformed his life and emphasizes the importance of Sabbath rest for creativity. They also explore the interplay of imagination and faith, suggesting that leading with beauty invites wonder and evangelism, ultimately enriching the Christian life.

Daniel Nayeri’s latest novel—The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story—recently received the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. In this episode Daniel speaks with Jonathan Rogers about Iran’s role in World War II, food writing, fathers, providence, the wisdom of children, and incompetent spies. This episode is sponsored by The Habit Writer Development Cohorts, a six-week small-group intensive starting January 12. The Habit Writer Development Cohorts provide practical tools, insights, and encouragement that writers at all experience levels. Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this conversation, Sally Lloyd-Jones, beloved children's author behind the Jesus Storybook Bible, shares her insights on creativity, joy, and storytelling. She discusses how Jesus' ministry is rooted in joy and explores themes of perfectionism through Martha and Mary. Sally emphasizes the importance of choice in stories for children, avoiding shallow morals while inviting wonder. Reflecting on her childhood, she reveals how her early influences shaped her passion for delighting young readers. This delightful exchange inspires a love for storytelling and a connection to God's message.

Join esteemed poet Malcolm Guite, known for his captivating retellings of Arthurian legends, and scholar Junius Johnson, who specializes in medieval history. They dive into their early encounters with the tales of King Arthur, revealing how these stories shaped their lives. Malcolm shares the emotional impact of his mother's storytelling, while Junius reflects on the transformative power of tales like The Chronicles and The Sword in the Stone. Together, they explore the enduring significance of these legends in British identity and the art of passing down stories through generations.

Joel Miller, author and creator of the Substack 'Miller's Book Review', discusses his enlightening new book, The Idea Machine. He explores how books serve not only as vessels of ideas but as vital technology that shapes culture and institutions. Miller emphasizes the importance of active reading and argues that writing is a key tool for refining complex thoughts. He also compares ancient libraries to modern-day search engines, showcasing the evolution of information management. Despite declining reading trends, he champions the passion of dedicated readers.

Mischa Willett is a poet and writing professor. He is the Director of the Whitworth Writers' Workshop MFA in Creative Writing at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. In this episode, Mischa Willett and Jonathan Rogers talk about MFA programs, failure as a means of getting work done, and apology letters written by robots. This episode is sponsored by The Habit Writer Development Cohorts. Join "Cohort Week Zero" a free mini-class, TheHabit.co/Development.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In her role as poet, Rachel Donahue has a track record of gathering other poets, encouraging them in their work, and giving them space to shine. In her role as publisher and editor at Bandersnatch Books, she has done all those things for poets by envisioning, then bringing to life I’ve Got a Bad Case of Poetry, an anthology of poems for children by dozens of poets, gorgeously illustrated by Emily J. Person. In this episode, Jonathan Rogers speaks with both Rachel and Emily about the origins of A Bad Case of Poetry, the joys of creating in community, and the role of delight in the making of art—especially art for children. To get I've Got a Bad Case of Poetry by Christmas, preorder at Kickstarter before December 5.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Palpant, an insightful author and interviewer, shares the conversation with celebrated poet Scott Cairns. They delve into Kafka's metaphor about poetry awakening the silent within us. Cairns reveals his humorous approach to poetry, emphasizing the importance of irony. The duo explores how life's particularities lead to spiritual depth through poetic discovery. They discuss managing humility, the perils of self-promotion for young writers, and reminisce about defining childhood moments that anchor joy amidst life's uncertainties.

Katherine Ladny Mitchell is a mystery-writer. Not To Be is the first in her Pen and Paintbrush mystery series, in which a writer and a painter, two sisters, work together as amateur sleuths. In this episode, Katherine and Jonathan Rogers talk about the rules of mystery stories, and how they apply to other kinds of storytelling. And they discuss the ways that the habit of art could make artists of all kinds good crime solvers.Support the show: https://therabbitroom.givingfuel.com/memberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.