Did she say AUDIO?? That’s right folks. Today’s live discussion of the book Lying Awake by Mark Salzman is going to be in audio form. There will text as well. Sister Maxine and I are experimenting with audio formats (podcasts) and thought we’d try it out for this live discussion. We also recognize that the forum format for live discussion is a bit wonky which can prevent some folks from joining in.

Time: 1 p.m. EST — for about 45 minutes

Location: Right here on at anunslife.org

Topic: Deciding to Become a Nun – We’re going to look at Sister John’s decision to become a nun, how she was influenced by her family, mentor, and God. To see relevant pages and questions click on the link which will take you to the original discussion from Sunday. We’ll start with this topic and see where it leads!

In terms of logistics, you can participate in several different ways.

At 1 p.m. EST, come back to ANunsLife.org. On the right side of the blog under the photo you’ll see a blue box displaying a green button that says “LIVE NOW” (if you don’t see it click on the A Nun’s Life header at the top of the screen to refresh the page).

1. Streaming Audio – Listen Only. Click the button to start the audio. It will take a minute or two for the audio to start streaming. If you have trouble with streaming audio, then try #2.
2. Audio via Phone Line – Listen Only. Call into the show by phone to listen. Dial 724-444-7444 and enter Call ID number 60385 and then enter the # sign.

You can also participate in the conversation. Click the link that says “Join Now To Participate”. A new window will open on your screen that says “TalkShoe Web Client” at the top. This screen allows you to see a chat box and also to see a list of other participants.

1. Text Chat.  You can ask questions or make comments in the chat box. These may or may not be picked up on air.
2. Phone Chat. You’ll see a box with instructions to call into the show (if you are not already connected by phone). Dial 724-444-7444 and enter Call ID number 60385 and then enter the # sign. Sister Maxine or I can “unmute” you so that you can be heard by all when you have a question or comment.

It’s actually quite easy to use. Try it out. Once you familiarize yourself with the basics, you are ready to go. Since we’ve not done this before, we’re not sure how smoothly we’ll be able to handle phone questions/comments/responses, but we’re counting on you to bear with us and offer helpful feedback!

Thanks for being part of this live discussion and new format! We think that this will have great possibility and allow for more fruitful, adventurous discussion!

P.S. The discussion forum will be open for any ongoing conversations on the book.

Question from Michelle …

I am a 23 year old college grad, a writer and actress, but I have always felt very called to God in some way. I feel as if I should write about spirituality… but I’m unsure what to write! Anyway… this “calling” (I hesitate to call it that because I’m really not sure)– has gotten stronger lately, but the problem is that I dont have anyone to talk to about it. I live in New York City with a lot of actor/artist friends, and generally when you talk to them about religion, they get uncomfortable. I have lost some friends this way. I also work at a church, and every time I attempt to talk to a priest about it, they seem as if they dont really have time for me.

Dear Michelle, Thanks for writing — sorry for the delay in responding. Very cool combination of talents you have! Spirituality is a great topic to write about — especially because it is in everything we are and do! It’s about seeking something deeper, something “more than” … it’s about being aware and present to the moment, to where you are and to how God is calling you. I encourage you to tend to your feeling of wanting to write about spirituality.

One of the best authors on this subject is my friend Vinita Hampton Wright. Vinita is one of the reasons I got back into writing. Back in 2004 I did a retreat with her called “The Soul Tells a Story”. It rocked my world!

Seriously the retreat changed how I thought about myself as a writer and Vinita gave me wonderful skills and encouragement to persevere, to delight in, to reverence the art of writing. Vinita still does these retreats and she has a book on the same topic — The Soul Tells A Story: Engaging Creativity With Spirituality In The Writing Life. (Hmmmm … maybe we can get Vinita to visit us on A Nun’s Life for a live discussion!??)

I encourage you to pursue this calling, Michelle, and to think on those elements of the spiritual life that attract you, that intrigue you, and maybe that even scare you! Those are good places to start. Also, read good literature and spiritually-minded authors like Joyce Carol Oates and Virginia Woolf (especially Mrs. Dalloway). Mark Salzman is another excellent writer who deals with spiritual themes. In terms of non-fiction type stuff, start with some of the classics by the saints and holy people of various religious traditions. And you can always check in with me. I’ve always wanted to be part of a spiritual writers club!

Now in terms of having folks to talk with, let me put it out to the A Nun’s Life community here — Any suggestions for Michelle to connect with writing groups online or in NYC that deal with writing spirituality? Any nuns in the area who would enjoy hooking up for spiritual conversation with Michelle?