Christianity, writingLeave a comment

Liturgy on a Train Platform: The Pure Fluke of Inspiration

Michael McFarland Campbell

Writers often have a grand, cozy notion about how creativity is supposed to work. We picture the perfect tidy desk, a quiet room to ourselves, and a lovely, untouched notebook. But inspiration, much like grace, usually prefers to show up completely unannounced on the back of whatever scrap of paper you happen to have rattling around in your pocket. Have a look at this photo here: Following a pilgrimage down to Clonmacnoise on St Columba’s Day, I found myself waiting for a train in Portlaoise. The words just started coming, rushing, and I had to grab an old service sheet … Continue reading Liturgy on a Train Platform: The Pure Fluke of Inspiration

Christianity, FictionLeave a comment

The Church Is Open: Lent — Now Available

Michael McFarland Campbell

I’m glad to share that my new book, The Church Is Open: Lent, is now available to buy from Lulu. This volume follows on from The Church Is Open: Advent and The Church Is Open: Christmas & Epiphany, continuing a series shaped by the seasons of the church year as they are actually lived—slowly, imperfectly, and in community. This book grew slowly, out of parish life and the quiet texture of the wilderness weeks. It’s shaped by six Sundays, two feast days, and all the in-between moments that rarely make it into guides or manuals: mismatched vestments, folded notes, minor-key … Continue reading The Church Is Open: Lent — Now Available