Almost to First Base

Dr. Edna Ellison has written dozens of books and is a well-known speaker for Christian conferences and writers’ events. I remember sitting at Edna’s dining table several months ago while we were discussing some detail about our current writing project. I said, “Whatever is easiest. I like quick and easy.”

In her jovial repartee, she replied, “If you want ‘quick and easy’, then never write a book.”

I broke out in peals of laughter. Edna has certainly taught me to be patient and wait on the Lord’s timing for things to move forward on our project. So far she has had some family emergencies, a move of her household, and we’ve both had our computers to crash. We’ve both lost digital files, she’s had a printer die on her, and summer guests have come and gone for both of us.

But praise be to God, we are nearing first base in our Bible study project. This weekend we will be getting the proposal finalized. It’s only six weeks past our self-imposed deadline to submit it to publishers—but who’s counting? Tomorrow we meet again for one last look over the printed master copy and make final edits. The various cover letters are written and waiting signatures. The envelopes are addressed and awaiting postage. The rabbit has been killed and the test is positive—we are giving birth to a book!

I want to take this space to give great thanks to Edna for mentoring me through all things and giving me such great guidance. I thank God that He gave her the patience of Job, the cheerfulness of a bluebird in spring, and the wisdom of an Old Testament prophet. She has more experience than I ever hope to have in the writing world.

Several times she told me, “We make a good team.” When there was something she couldn’t do with technology I could. When there was something about technology I couldn’t do, she could. When I needed help, she gave from her own wisdom, and when she needed the right phrase, it sprouted like a weed out of my mouth. If it weren’t heretical, I would label us the Ying and Yang Writing Project Society.

Here’s a beautiful hat off to you, Edna!

From your favorite ogre,

Linda B. Greer