Meet the Word-Weaver

Hey, y'all. Glad you could stop by.

I'm John Shivers, and I'm a weaver of stories and fabrics. I've been weaving - stories, that is - since I was just 11 years old. Man, if you could've seen those first manuscripts - crude doesn't begin to describe 'em.

But they kindled a fire in me that's still burning. And somewhere along the way, someone called me a "word-weaver," and it stuck.

It’s hard to believe it’s been more than 40 years since I set out to prove that I was a writer. That’s why 2005 was such an exciting time, when my first book, Hear My Cry, was published. Broken Spirit followed in 2006 and book three, Paths of Judgment, was released in late 2008. Merry Heart, the book that will continue the story begun in Broken Spirit was released in October 2009. Lift Up Mine Eyes, the conclusion of the story begun in Hear My Cry, is now available in bookstores. I’m also writing a novel for middle-grade students about the Cherokee Indian editor Elias Boudinot.

Just like those fabrics I make on my loom, John Shivers the Word-Weaver is a colorful combination of yarns and patterns. But there's not room here to tell you everything. Just click on any of those buttons on the left … right over there… and I'll show you what I mean.

I'd love to hear from you, so please e-mail me. If you want, I'll be glad to notify you when my books are released. I'm also available for storytelling and speaking engagements at your school or library, your church or civic group.

Remembering...

In fond remembrance… the late Dorothy Hamilton, my first writing coach, who gave so much of herself… The late Gary Provost, a teacher of professionalism (see photo at right) … The late Jean Conder Soule, teacher, mentor, friend, who revived a faltering confidence… And in honor of Catherine Ritch Guess, “sister,” friend and mentor, who allowed God to use her so graciously on my behalf.

A 1990 writing retreat led by the late Gary Provost, M.D. (Manuscript Doctor) was a turning point in how I viewed myself and my abilities. (Gary's on the right.)

John Shivers
(pronounced just like when you get cold - Shivers)

Excerpt from my new book: Lift Up Mine Eyes (Chapter One):

Margaret Haywood glanced up from her work at the dining room table littered with cards and envelopes and well-marked, dog-eared lists. Will I ever get these thank you notes finished? Shoved to one side were a wilted yuletide centerpiece and a disorganized stack of opened Christmas greetings. “Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer” was playing softly in the background.”

Got to retire those holiday CD’s. It’s almost mid-January for gosh sakes! Not that the music did very much to make it joyous around here. But for the kids’ sake, I tried.

She wiped the back of her hand across her forehead, too weary right at that moment to act on her resolution and shut down the background noise the out-of-season music provided. I feel like I’ve been digging ditches. These last few weeks have been anything but “peace on earth, good will to men.”