Friday 29 November 2013

Book 15

I am proud of my new book, The Wilderness Within You, (linked here to US Amazon)  because it is the fifteenth book I have written.



I can remember going to the party of a friend who is a writer, to celebrate the publication of his tenth book – and thinking at the time what an impossible place to reach that seemed; I think I had maybe written one or two then.

I have not had many achievements in my life; I didn’t do well at school, after college I spent a decade either expecting or feeding babies, my years as a minister of religion were sabotaged spectacularly by an avalanche of profound and complex family problems which shipwrecked my life as dramatically as driving a speedboat full-tilt into a concrete harbour wall.  

As a person I am difficult – hard to get to know, socially inept and ridiculously introverted.

But I have written these books, and that feels like an achievement to me.

Number 15, The Wilderness Within You (linked here to UK Amazon) is a Lent book of conversations with Jesus, which may or may not be imaginary – I say that because I am not sure myself, seeing that I do meet with and talk with Jesus.  How can I tell which conversation are made up and which are real?  You’ll have to decide for yourself.

It has come out how I hoped and I am pleased with it, so you will have to take a peek and see for yourself what you think.  There’s a ‘Look Inside’ on Amazon.

It's got Bible readings and then a conversation with Jesus for each day of Lent - a good book to dip into, and handy for if you have to source readings for assemblies or women's meetings or retreats or church services etc.  And a nice book if you like to have something just short to read at the beginning or end of the day - thought-provoking I hope, without being too intellectual or hard to understand.  So, basically a book for people like me, which you probably are if you're reading here (unless you are the Thought Police or a spy from the government monitoring my opposition to the badger cull and my support for the Arctic 30…).


I hope you like it - er, the book, that is!  x

16 comments:

Deb D. said...

I had pre ordered and was delighted (!) when they arrived. I'm pleased to be able to give them as Christmas gifts and very much anticipating reading my copy, but am but finishing up The Breath of Peace. Deeply appreciate your writing.

C.F.Dunn said...

Achievement comes in many guises, doesn't it? It's possible despite the pebbles in our heads or our bodies, socially, emotionally - whatever. It doesn't need to climb mountains or lead countries - it speaks for itself in the little things of life. Fifteen books is a real achievement. You continue to be an inspiration to many of us. Thanks for writing. Don't stop.

Julie B. said...

I so look forward to reading the whole thing! The chapters I read were like nothing I've ever read and I know your friends will love it. God bless you and yours, dear Ember... xo

Pen Wilcock said...

Thank you, my friends - I am so grateful for your encouragement! xxx

Pilgrim said...

Congratulations on the book! I will put in on my list. I read the sample..

Some ideals in the Bible are easier for individuals than formal organizations to carry out, but we end up being taught them by people who owe their position to organizations. A community is an intermediate/ intermediary between the two.....

Pen Wilcock said...

Yes - institutions tend to become sclerotic, where the Gospel brings freedom. It is next to impossible for an organisation to observe a discipline of simplicity.

Unknown said...

Happy for you. I like things that stay put when they're done [one reason housework drives me insane! ☺] A book is a really nice way of saying, All done; finished; complete. Welldone! Pen.

Pen Wilcock said...

Thank you - in this house, that comment about housework is often made: just when you get everything all clean and tidy and the washing up done - it all starts again!
xx

Daffs Deliberations said...

How could we possibly think you were in favour of a "badger" cull!!!!

Pen Wilcock said...

Indeed. At a deep and visceral level I am opposed to people set upon culling other people's families...

Bean said...

Congratulations on the newest book.

Pen Wilcock said...

Thank you! It will be the last for at least a year or two. I have the next Hawk & Dove oe in mind, which I hope I will start writing in the spring, but no other projects of my own in hand at the mo. I'm editing other people's work, which is keeping me well busy this winter. xx

Anonymous said...

Dear Pen, I have to say that I wish with great wistfulness that I could number even one daughter (or son) and 15 books among my achievements ...

Yes, I know none of us get through unscathed. You clearly haven't. And I know that being a writer is not easy. And that the grass is always greener. Etc.

Anyway, more Hawk and Dove! Yay! I'd love more on Cormac and Francis ... and Tom? And Madeleine, who suffered a horrendous trauma in 'The Hour Before Dawn' ...

I love your monks so much it hurts me to think of their Abbey being eventually destroyed in the great upheavals of the Reformation. :( At least that's a very long way off in the Hawk and Dove timeframe ...

- Philippa

P.S. I thought you would like this group's music, I've just discovered them. Red Mountain Music, here is their beautiful version of Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJhyyG-8Ux4

Pen Wilcock said...

Hi Philippa - thank you! That's a hymn I love. x

BLD in MT said...

I am a little behind in my blog reading. BUT! I am so thrilled to hear this news. That most certainly is quite the accomplishment. Good for you. I know what a lot of work it must be. I have a chapter in an anthology awaiting publication at the moment and it took forever to get "just right" and then the publishing! And that was just one single chapter! So, good for you, dear Pen.

Also, can I say that you really remind me of one of my most favorite university professors (and now dear friend), Lisa. I think she would also describe herself with "As a person I am difficult – hard to get to know, socially inept and ridiculously introverted." And wonderful, too.

Pen Wilcock said...

:0) Hi Beth! Happy Christmas! xxx