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 scheduled to release in early 2010. 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: Merry Heart (Chapter One):

The trees, lush with their mid-summer greenery, hung low like a protective canopy over the narrow, two-lane asphalt strip that stretched ahead, over the hill then sharply down and around the curve.

Saralynn Reilly lifted her foot from the accelerator, as much for safety, as to slow her passage through a magical area that was unlike anything she remembered. Right at that moment, it was almost as if she was the only person on earth.

“We almost there?” The voice came from the front passenger seat…