How the Light Gets In: Writing as a Spiritual Practice - Softcover

"How the Light Gets In is among the most inspiring personal stories I have ever read. Not only is this book beautifully written, but I felt the authenticity of the author's poignant spiritual journey in every word. Take time to read this book." --Caroline Myss, author of Sacred Contracts: Awakening Your Divine Potential "Pat Schneider is one of America's premier writing instructors. Her genius lies as much in her tenacity as in her talent, and in a wild incredible belief that there is a force in the universe, a 'light' if you will, that we--'cracked' though we may be--can emit if we work hard enough. How the Light Gets In effortlessly shows us how to do that often difficult work. If there is one book on writing or writers you can read this year, I emphatically recommend this one." --Sapphire, author of Push and The Kid "How the Light Gets In is a moving blend of memoir and reflections on creative writing through the lens of spiritual practice that leaves the reader comforted and challenged. This is an instructive, marvelous read." --Emilie M. Townes, Andrew W. Mellon Professor of African American Religion and Theology, Yale Divinity School "Will have wide appeal to both amateur and seasoned writers and spiritual seekers whether or not tied to any tradition. The book is also useful as a tool for growth through reflection and writing. Highly recommended." --Library Journal "Will captivate writers who are looking for an alternative to the typical "how-to" book--who are looking for a book both practical and reverential." --Image

Many writing instructors teach writing through autobiography. By considering the lives of others and then contemplating their own lives, aspiring writers discover a wellspring of material that can be used in their prose. While not explicitly for courses, this book follows a similar pedagogical line, focusing specifically on the philosophical and spiritual questions that every person faces in the course of meeting life's challenges. How the Light Gets In encourages readers to contemplate their lives through spiritual observation and exploratory writing. It guides readers through the process in 17 concise thematic chapters that include meditations on fear, freedom, silence, secrets, joy, prayer, tradition, forgiveness, service, social justice, aging, and death. Short poems by Schneider begin each chapter.
Schneider's book is distinct from the many other books in the popular spirituality and creative writing genre by virtue of its approach, using one's lived experience, including the experience of writing, as a springboard for writing about beliefs and faith. As her many followers would attest, Schneider writes with particular clarity and immediacy about the writing process. Her belief that writing about one's life leads to greater consciousness, satisfaction, and wisdom energizes the book and carries the reader gracefully difficult topics.