Subscribe to this Podcast:
Author Bret Lott once held five majors in college; but he quit halfway through and learned the discipline of writing by pounding pavement as an RC Cola salesman. It is, perhaps, this salt of the earth quality that makes his writing so captivating and inspires others to the craft as well.
This week on The Slow Work, host Sandra McCracken talks with Lott about the way you become a writer -- from the ethic required for the daily grind to the value of being around people and paying attention. Lott shares the hardest thing about being a creative and the role of memory and detail in creating a compelling narrative. If you’ve dreamed of becoming a writer or simply want to see behind the curtain of a creative life, you’ll find inspiration and practical wisdom in this episode.
Special Guest:
Bret Lott is the bestselling author of twelve books, including the novels Ancient Highway, The Hunt Club, A Song I Knew by Heart, and Jewel (an Oprah’s Book Club selection). Formerly editor of The Southern Review, Lott was appointed to the National Council on the Arts in 2006. He lives with his wife, Melanie, in Hanahan, South Carolina, and teaches at the College of Charleston.
Resources Referenced:
Jewel
The Hunt Club
A Song I Knew By Heart
Burning Down the House: Essays on Fiction
Meet Me at the Lighthouse: Poems
The Slow Work is a production of Christianity Today
Executive Producer: Mike Cosper
Host: Sandra McCracken
Producer: Azurae Phelps
Editor and Mix Engineer: Dan Phelps
Music: Tyler Chester
Graphic Design: Chris Bennett
Social Media: Kate Lucky
Annual & Monthly subscriptions available.
- Print & Digital Issues of CT magazine
- Complete access to every article on ChristianityToday.com
- Unlimited access to 65+ years of CT’s online archives
- Member-only special issues
- Learn more
Read These Next
- TrendingAmerican Christians Should Stand with Israel under AttackWhile we pray for peace, we need moral clarity about this war.
- From the MagazineI Stumbled in the Steps of the Good SamaritanWhen we picture ourselves as heroes, we often forget our humanity.
- Editor's PickAs Philippines’ Drug War Rolls On, Christians Continue Their WorkDuterte tried a hardline policy. Marcos is prioritizing rehab. Christians point to Jesus.