Author Description

Award-winning Finalist in the Fiction: Inspirational and Fiction: Novella categories of the 2020 International Book Awards.How might celebrated spiritual texts differ if they had delved deeper into women’s lives, or had even been authored by women? If sacred writings had illuminated and celebrated women’s knowledge and experiences, in what diverse and creative ways might they have inspired others?Ann Greenseth’s novella, According to Lu, is a fictional example of such a gospel. Through its parables, letters, and narratives, the reader comes to know each storyteller, and witnesses how each works within their social and familial roles, or challenges them and questions expectations. These accounts testify to their spiritual and emotional lives—to their dreams, desires, actions, lessons, and trials.The characters’ sacred experiences and spiritual truths touch on varied themes including allegiance, passion, equity, power, rebirth, and more. Each theme and story recognizes the Sacred in the storyteller even as the characters themselves come to recognize and appreciate the Sacred in the women around them.Lu, the collector of these narratives and “editor” of this anthology, sends the treasured compilation of testaments to Thea, her friend, kinswoman, and colleague. In doing so, Lu intends to share them not only with Thea, but with a much larger audience. It is their hope these accounts can serve to encourage women to share their stories and, in turn, comfort and inspire their friends, sisters, mothers, and daughters.