John C. Wright's Journal

Jagi, here.

I have a friend in Ghana, a young man I met because he is a fan of my writing. We e-chat often and encourage each other in our pursuit of Christianity and our walk with God.

Last fall, during a particularly torrential storm, the church he is a member of, Kpalun Church of Christ, collapsed.

Since then, their congregation has suffered constant mockery from the surrounding Muslims, who are the dominant religion in the area, for the fact that God has not yet provided them with a new church. On top of the hardship of a national recession, which means they all often go without meals, this is a great deal for the congregation to bear. He reports, heartbroken, that members are losing their faith and leaving.

This is so painful for my friend, but he and his pastor refuses to be daunted.

I convinced them to start a GiveSendGo, so that people can help in a clear and simple way.

If any of you can give even a small amount, I will be very grateful!

If not, if you could share this link on your own social media, that would be a great help, too!

Much gratitude!!

Jagi

GiveSendGo for Kpalun Church of Christ, Ghana

Jagi here.

Five years ago, back in 2018, I wrote a series of articles on Defending the Wood Perilous. Or rather, I wrote four articles and then declared that I would write one called The Secret of the Perilous Wood.

I never got to it.

Ever since, John has been asking me to write it. He wanted to read the rest of it.

Well, I finally finished it, and I am glad I waited. I would not have been able to write this article in 2018–or if I had, it would not have meant as much.

As it turns out, this is not the end of the series. There will be more. But, for now, finally, here it is:: The Secret of the Perilous Wood!

(For those who want to read the series from the beginning, here is Part One. )

Here is an excerpt:

Now, finally, what is the Wood’s secret? To answer that question, I must tell you a story.

This is a true story. It happened long enough ago that travel from America to India was by ship, but it happened. If you wish to hear it yourself, I’ll put a link at the end, though it isn’t told by the person it happened to. Still, the person who tells of the experience also includes some related experiences of his own. It’s worth listening to.

A man wished to understand mesmerism better and how to fight it. He was so interested in this that he traveled to India to study with an Indian mystic and learn about their methods.

As he settled onto the ship, he met another traveler, a Hindu, and asked him if he believed in mesmerism.

The two of them were standing overlooking the front of the ship. It was a lovely day. Stevedores were loading baggage. The docks were busy.

Suddenly, a huge tidal wave struck the ship. The stevedores were swept away. Baggage was washed everywhere. The man had to hang on for dear life. It was a huge disaster.

Then, just as suddenly, it was over.

There was no tidal wave. The stevedores still worked on the deck. The baggage was still there.

The man’s fellow traveler smiled and asked, “Is that what you meant?”

Read more

Jagi, here.

Hello, everyone. Happy April Fools’ Day and Happy Easter Season!

Today is the birthday of Sigfried Smith, the fictional character from my Books of Unexpected Enlightenment who was created by John. In Siggy’s honor, I will put a link below to the opening of “The Unexpected Rescue of Sigfried Smith,” a short story appearing in Fantastic Schools Hols (Brit slang for Holidays.)

New Substacks

The Wright Family has new substacks. Most of them are mine, but one is primarily for John’s work. I will list them below. Please share them around if you know anyone who might be interested, especially in The Art and Craft of Writing videos, which have not previously been made available. (The titles below are links.)

Wright’s Writing Report

A simple newsletter that shares news about John’s latest projects–book releases, appearances, etc. and occasionally my projects. (Same newsletter that currently exists, just moving to Substack.)

Defending the Wood Perilous

My new substack with articles about writing, life, Evangelizing Fandom, the Superversive Literary Movement, and more.

The Roanoke Glass

The student-run newspaper of Roanoke Academy for the Sorcerous Arts. This includes news about The Books of Unexpected Enlightenment, but also news of the World of the Wise, life at Roanoke, excerpts from upcoming books, and other behind the scene featuers and fun.

The Art and Craft of Writing

Supports The Art and Craft of Writing book and writing classes. I will be making the videos that go with the classes–the ones made by the Indeigogo campaign a few years back–available here a few at a time for paid subscribers.

A Light in the Darkness

A newsletter about John and my books. This is basically a repeat of Wright’s Writing Corner but less informal. (Same newsletter that currently exists, just moving to Substack.)

Excerpt from “The Unexpected Rescue of Sigfried Smith.” Page below the illustrations to see it.

Illustration by John C. Wright
Arrangement by myself
Coloration by Codex of Vegfolk Fables

An Article by my Lovely and Talented Wife:

Never Give Up:

The Battle Is Not Yours…

There are times when we feel as if nothing we attempt will ever succeed.

Read the remainder of this entry »

Jagi, here.

Come by Superversive SF and suggest a name for our new column. Also, you can read an amusing anecdote about our eldest when he was four.

http://www.superversivesf.com/?p=1331

Thanks all!

Jagi