Dear friends & fellow readers,

If it isn’t clear from my silence for the past three months, I’ve been a wee bit busy lately. The Arthurs welcomed Samuel (Sam) Lewis on July 5–two and a half weeks early, just like his big brother. And for some reason I thought it would be a GREAT idea to schedule a manuscript deadline for shortly after maternity leave. Um…? So here’s the scoop on everything:

Baby: Sam is awesome. He’s short and stocky and full of smiles, a happy hobbit of a baby. Feel free to call him Samwise (we do). Micah is adjusting and now gives his brother spontaneous hugs–a harrowing but sweet experience for everyone.

Book: In a previous post I kept you in the dark (no pun intended) about the working title of my current manuscript, but now here it is: Light Upon Light: A Literary Guide to Prayer for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany (Paraclete Press, fall 2014). Like its predecessor, At the Still Point, this will be a collection of readings from classic and contemporary poetry and fiction, organized by theme, for each of the weeks and key holy days of the season. I’m really excited about how it’s shaping up and awed by the humble generosity of so many poets who have granted me permission to use their work. More soon.

Other writings: The April release of my most recent book, Mommy Time: 90 Devotions for New Moms (Tyndale), led to some fun book-signings as well as guest appearances on such blogs as Christianity Today’s Her.meneutics and the Center for Youth Ministry Training. An excerpt from the book is featured in a recent print issue of Today’s Christian Woman. Good things!

At about this time 10 years ago I was writing Walking with Bilbo: A Devotional Adventure through The Hobbit–never dreaming it would be another decade before the movie(s) came out! As we anticipate the second movie Dec. 13, I appreciate your help in spreading the word to a new generation of Tolkien fans, their parents, church leaders, and teachers.

Fall Events: Maternity leave ended October 1, so of course I’ve booked myself this month. Here’s what’s happening:

Tuesday, October 8th (is that tomorrow? yikes!) – “On Becoming Published – With Sarah Arthur” at the Holt library in Holt, Michigan, 7 PM. I’ll be sharing thoughts and resources about writing and publishing, and my books will be available for sale and signing.
Oct 24-27 – Tom and I will be up north in Petoskey, MI for the annual C. S. Lewis Festival, this year featuring well-known author & speaker Philip Yancey. Tom also will be speaking, and I’ll be moderating a panel with Yancey, Tom, and others during the Saturday seminar. I think that means we’re almost famous. Hope to see some of you there!

Blessings, all.