Writing a Book During a Pandemic and Protests
I submitted the manuscript for my first book a week ago, a kind of capstone project of my doctoral work on white, southern evangelicals responses to the Civil Rights Movement. After floating it for publication in 2013 and getting a couple of rejections, I decided to sit on the work, because frankly, I just had so much more to learn. I’m glad that I did, because in addition to figuring out just how far I was from having it all figured out, our little corner of the world changed significantly over the past seven years.
What I do know is that I have felt every bit of the weight that comes with writing a book on race in 2020, and corny as it sounds, I just hope it helps someone understand our times. Willie James Jennings says that, “The act of translating is the unrelenting submission to another people’s voices for the sake of speaking with them.” I’ve tried to do that in my work, so that more and more people can enter into these crucial conversations on race and racism. As the editorial process progresses I’ll offer updates here: cover art, chapter titles, and the final title. (The working title is pretty killer, I must say).
The global protests and COVID-19 has been the backdrop for nearly six months of writing, and rather than add my voice to the public chorus, I’ve been listening, reflecting, and offering counsel privately when asked.
I’m returning to the blog, offering short posts and book reviews, so consider subscribing or connecting with me on social media. I would love your help in spreading the word.
Speaking of spreading the word, here are a few of my favorite works that have provided a respite during these miserable days:
Caroline Randall Williams, “My Body is a Confederate Monument”
Caroline Randall Williams is the writer-in-residence at Vanderbilt University and offers here a searing short essay on rethinking precisely what (or who) is a Confederate Monument.
Tressie McMillan Cottom, PhD “A Final Word on Karen”
UNC sociologist Tressie McMillan Cottom has fast become one of my favorite writers. Her work THICK is a great collection of essays (which I’ll likely review soon), and here she gives what is, in her words, the final word on “Karen.”
Dave Chappelle, 8:46 (earmuffs if you have kids around)
Dave Chappelle, the GOAT, speaks the rage that should not be missed in our times. If you’re sensitive to cursing—and lots of it—then this will be, uh, a challenge. Don’t miss the point, though.
JJ Redick, When he learned being white was different than being black
One of my favorite athletes, JJ Redick, talks about growing up in the South, playing with Black athletes, and wrestling with his racial identity.
Rev. Dr. Esau McCauley, “What the Bible has to say about Black Anger”
A new favorite, Wheaton New Testament professor, Anglican priest, and now-regular NYT contributor, Esau McCauley on biblical rage.
Cleve Tinsley, Assistant Professor of Religion and Africana Studies, another new voice (for me), on a way forward in these times.
David Kline, PhD, “Of Spirit, Flesh, and Imagination”
A beautiful reflection by UT Knoxville instructor, featured in The Other Journal (which you should follow, too!).
Everyone stay healthy, safe, and sane.
JP
(© 2020, Justin Phillips)
Photo credit: Chandan Khanna / AFP via Getty Images