What is Wrestling the Angel?

Are you a writer who feels alone or discouraged?

Is your writing causing you more pain than pleasure?

Confused about how to make writing a joyful, healthy part of life?

Since I started writing fiction fourteen years ago, I've been frustrated and depressed more often than I've been happy and productive. And that way of living does a disservice to my vocation and the people I want to reach, as well as to myself and my family and friends.

I want a better writing life. Do you?

Wrestling the Angel is a place where you can hear from other writers as they balance writing, career, and family, and strive to get their writing done with ease and passion.

The site was conceived for emerging writers in the early stages of their apprenticeship, who are looking for models of how to make a meaningful writing life. But established writers, readers, and other artists may also be interested and inspired by the stories told here.

You'll find blog posts and articles that offer encouragement and ideas, identify with your fears and roadblocks, and challenge you to move past them. Many voices will be represented through guest columns, book reviews, and interviews.

The name Wrestling the Angel was inspired by a Hebrew Bible story:

Jacob was left alone; and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he struck him on the hip socket; and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him.

Then he said, "Let me go, for the day is breaking." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go, unless you bless me." So he said to him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob." Then the man said, "You shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with humans, and have prevailed." Then Jacob asked him, "Please tell me your name." But he said, "Why is it that you ask my name?" And there he blessed him.

So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved." The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. --Genesis 32:24-32

Just like Jacob, I can't let go of this wonderful and terrible calling to write. I've been wounded in the conflict of desire and fear. But I'm hanging on until I get the blessing: a writing life of peace and productivity.

I hope you'll join me in Wrestling the Angel.