Two years ago at this time, I was frantic to wrap up revisions on Auralia’s Colors. Last year, I was frantic to wrap up revisions on Cyndere’s Midnight. In the next three weeks, I’m wrapping up revisions on Raven’s Ladder… if my laptop doesn’t catch fire first.

So it’s very encouraging, in the long long hours of trimming, re-writing, and re-imagining, to get a letter like this one:

Dear Jeffrey Overstreet,

Greetings from Canada.

I’ve just finished reading Auralia’s Colors and in my opinion it was a work of art. I can hardly express how much I enjoyed it – what a rich experience it was. I think I hugged it when I finished. I have something called synesthesia (and something tells me you might know what that is) and I think that made it even richer for me. I actually felt the beauty of your prose in my chest as I read. I can’t remember the last time I read a book that made me want to read it again the moment I set it down. I borrowed the book from a local library and then promptly ordered my own copy to read again and also purchased Cyndere’s Midnight (which I am reading right now) and I’m very much looking forward to Raven’s Ladder. I’m recommending your work to everyone.

I also wanted to thank you for introducing me to resources on the Kindlings website. I didn’t know that such thoughtful, intelligent, and insightful dialogue existed in Christian circles – it’s refreshing. I work long hours on the road it helps me make productive use of my time. I’m amazed how something as simple as finding an exciting new book can open up a whole new experince beyond the work itself.

Many Blessings!

Michael McClure

This isn’t the first time I’ve heard from someone with synesthesia. Wow, I had no idea that I was writing anything that would provoke that kind of reaction. I’ve written things that have caused people to cringe in discomfort before, but this is new. Thanks, Michael! One letter like this can make the whole endeavor worthwhile!

I’m thrilled that Michael has discovered The Kindlings Muse. Have you? Dick Staub hosts podcasts on all kinds of subjects, but once a month I join him, Greg Wright, and Jennifer Spohr for a conversation about recent movies, and we send it out so all of you can enjoy it. The most recent is right here. Staub also recently hosted a Kindlings Muse live event, in which Jeff Keuss discussed the new U2 album, No Line on the Horizon, with him. You can find THAT here.

By the way, I’ve seen an early version of the cover for Raven’s Ladder, and it’s gorgeous. I can’t wait to share it with you. Kristopher Orr has done it again.