Ask the Author: Sherri Gragg
Answered Questions (6)
Sherri Gragg
God's truth inspires me every day, not just to write but to live. That about says it all.
Sherri Gragg
I am busy this summer co-teaching a 12 week Bible study through the cultural lens of the Bible. I am also attempting to get the word out about Arms Open Wide, and keep up with five kids and two dogs.
I do have the concept for book two though and am eagerly awaiting the start of the school year and a quieter home to dive into it. I am not ready to give specifics yet, but the second book will be similar in format Arms Open Wide but will be drawn from the Old Testament.
I do have the concept for book two though and am eagerly awaiting the start of the school year and a quieter home to dive into it. I am not ready to give specifics yet, but the second book will be similar in format Arms Open Wide but will be drawn from the Old Testament.
Sherri Gragg
Practice your craft. Period. I spent years and years writing, reading about writing technique, and reading really good writing.
Which is my second piece of advice- refuse to read bad writing. It is like poison. Several years ago, I picked up a novel by a popular author while on vacation that I have no doubt has sold a gazillion copies.
The characters were one dimensional. The plot was contrived. It was cheesy. Just bad. I determined on the spot that from that point on I would feed my writing career with great writing.
Which is my second piece of advice- refuse to read bad writing. It is like poison. Several years ago, I picked up a novel by a popular author while on vacation that I have no doubt has sold a gazillion copies.
The characters were one dimensional. The plot was contrived. It was cheesy. Just bad. I determined on the spot that from that point on I would feed my writing career with great writing.
Sherri Gragg
Just getting to do what I love! I love writing, reading, words... It is a great gift to get to do what I love. I have to add that since I have five children, I also love the flexibility my work provides. I have learned to study while they play in the pool, or attend soccer or swim practice. I am very blessed to be able to be mom and work at the same time.
Sherri Gragg
I read something completely different from my research and take a walk. I have found long walks are great for unlocking my creativity. I always make sure to have my phone with me (but on silent) so that I can use the voice memos to record any good ideas that come my way.
Sherri Gragg
Arms Open Wide grew out of my own faith journey. I, like a lot a Christians, struggled to really see God as loving. What I found out was that if I took the time and effort to look at the Bible through what N.T. Wright calls "the old eyes", the culture and historical setting against which Scripture was written, God was more loving than I ever knew. Part of this process included a wonderful trip to Israel where I studied the Bible on site for two weeks. It was so exciting that I wanted to share it with others!
However...I understand that not everyone enjoys research as much as I do so, I ultimately came up with the idea of marrying my love of story with the wealth of theology, history, archeology, and cultural research that had brought the Bible to life for me. Arms Open Wide was the result of this concept.
However...I understand that not everyone enjoys research as much as I do so, I ultimately came up with the idea of marrying my love of story with the wealth of theology, history, archeology, and cultural research that had brought the Bible to life for me. Arms Open Wide was the result of this concept.
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