“Donlon’s Spiritual Direction for Writers is wise and compassionate—an essential guidebook for anyone working at the intersection of the ordinary and the sacred.”
—Jamie Quatro, author of Two-Step Devil and Fire Sermon
“In Spiritual Direction for Writers, Charlotte Donlon guides writers back to the deeper ‘why’ beneath the work. Drawing on both lived experience and the wisdom of other writers, she offers a compassionate framework that helps us write not just to produce but to belong, to become, to behold, and to bestow. This is a book I would place directly into the hands of the writers I work with, especially those navigating doubt, isolation, and creative fatigue, as a reminder that their voice is worthy of care, attention, and meaning.”
—Emely Rumble, author of Bibliotherapy in the Bronx
“An inspiring, insightful offering of both practical and spiritual guidance on our writing journeys to help us navigate and nurture the gift of writing practice as art, expression, breath. This brilliant book recommends useful methods and tools to help unleash fruitful writing with purpose and vision; it helps us channel abstract philosophy about writing into tangible routine, communication, realization.”
—Jose Hernandez Diaz, author of Bad Mexican, Bad American
“At The Porch, we believe that writing is for everyone. Within that expansive definition, we recognize that the journey of the writing life requires faith, however you define it and by whatever means you nurture it. I have personally picked up this book at one of the most challenging times of my life and one of the most exciting times in my writing life, and I feel so grateful for its guidance. Drawing from the words and wisdom of authors such as Toni Morrison, Simone Weil, Hanif Abdurraqib, Kaveh Akbar, and many more, Donlon’s work will help light any writer’s way.”
—Susannah Felts, codirector of The Porch and author of This Will Go Down on Your Permanent Record
“Spiritual Direction for Writers is a wise guide and sacred companion for anyone engaged in the writing life. What Charlotte Donlon has given us in these pages is not simply a book on craft but an invitation to become more fully alive. This book manages to be both deeply practical and a portal into mystery. It should be a constant presence on the desk of every writer.”
—Drew Jackson, author of God Speaks Through Wombs and Touch the Earth
“How might the insights, rhythms, and rituals of spiritual practice be helpful to complicated creatives who sometimes get stuck or lose heart when facing an empty page? Drawing on her own rich experience, Charlotte Donlon shows that writing, when embraced with our whole spiritual selves, can deepen our belonging and becoming as writers and as humans. Writers will find in Donlon a gentle and encouraging guide to craft and daily life.”
—Dorothy C. Bass, author of Receiving the Day: Christian Practices for Opening the Gift of Time and Stepmother: Redeeming a Disdained Vocation
“Gosh, I needed this book. Not just as a writer (though certainly as that!) but as a human. In Spiritual Direction for Writers, Charlotte Donlon has done some inspired ‘bestowing’ of her own, and I feel immensely blessed to be on the receiving end of its abundant practical wisdom and pastoral depth. It’s so easy to get bogged down; this book carries freedom in its wings, creative as well as spiritual—highly recommended.”
—David Zahl, author of Seculosity and The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World
“In this book, Charlotte Donlon calls us to write not only to become fuller versions of ourselves but also to belong, feel less alone, and bestow that sense of belonging on others. She invites us to find the sacredness in the mundane and to let go of the pursuit of perfection. In these pages, you will find both a holy call to action and a divine permission slip you didn’t know you needed.”
—Javacia Harris Bowser, founder of See Jane Write and author of Find Your Way Back: How to Write Your Way Through Anything
