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
