Our Takeaways from the Festival of Faith and Writing, 2026

Writing the Story that Chose You

In this episode, David and I talked about the difference between writing books that seem important or interesting, and writing the stories that you didn't choose, but must be told. That's a massive difference, and it's not often talked about enough. So we talked about it.  I shared two quotes: one from Jeff Foster about being less prepared and more vulnerable, and another from Brené Brown on owning your story. Both fit nicely into what we're really trying to do in these conversations: to take time for a more honest response to the big disruptions in our lives, and to consider what we want to do about them. Relating, sharing, writing, and living, all ultimately working toward better integration. Jeff Foster's book is You Were Never Broken [https://bookshop.org/p/books/you-were-never-broken-poems-to-save-your-life-jeff-foster/211c16d0199fcbbb?ean=9781683645597&next=t].  Brené Brown's is The Gifts of Imperfection [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-gifts-of-imperfection-10th-anniversary-edition-features-a-new-foreword-and-brand-new-tools-bren-brown/3cc73b83520c3aa0?ean=9781616499600&next=t]. Publishing Disrupted is at PublishingDisrupted.substack.com [http://publishingdisrupted.substack.com] Mick Silva is at MickSilvaEditing.substack.com [http://micksilvaediting.substack.com] David Morris is at dvdmorris.substack.com [https://dvdmorris.substack.com/], LakeDriveBooks.com [http://lakedrivebooks.com], and Hyponymous.com [https://hyponymous.com].

Our Takeaways from the Festival of Faith and Writing, 2026

David and I discussed our impressions of the FFW writers conference this year where we had many conversations at the Lake Drive Books table about some of our favorite topics--and books. For some reason, none of the big 5 Christian publishers were there. Which is pretty interesting when you realize this is one of the bigger and better-known book conferences that included many well-known Christian authors.  Come listen in as we bat around some theories and try to determine whether there's a similar reason the most popular faith-based publishers and mass culture are so monolithic and risk-averse. Publishing Disrupted is at PublishingDisrupted.substack.com [http://publishingdisrupted.substack.com] Mick Silva is at MickSilvaEditing.substack.com [http://micksilvaediting.substack.com] David Morris is at dvdmorris.substack.com [https://dvdmorris.substack.com/], LakeDriveBooks.com [http://lakedrivebooks.com], and Hyponymous.com [https://hyponymous.com].

The Art of the Almost Said: Talking with Writer, Editor, & Poet Bob Hudson

We're joined in the library studio by our friend and publishing colleague Robert Hudson to talk about his boutique chapbook publishing and the soul of the indie press.  Much has been made (and is still being made) about mainstream publishing, their dominance and supposed clout, and the validation of authors they offer. But listening to Bob, an insider who has always cultivated his little garden outside of it, it's clear there's much to be said for the thriving indie press and its indominable spirit.  He shares some advice for writers, and we all discussed how we see the deconstruction movement feeding a resurgence in more authentic, and autonomous publishing. Come along. Publishing Disrupted is at PublishingDisrupted.substack.com [http://publishingdisrupted.substack.com] Mick Silva is at MickSilvaEditing.substack.com [http://micksilvaediting.substack.com] David Morris is at dvdmorris.substack.com [https://dvdmorris.substack.com/], LakeDriveBooks.com [http://lakedrivebooks.com], and Hyponymous.com [https://hyponymous.com].

Can We Forget Platform, Please? Calling All Pathfinders and Waymakers, with Ivy Zeller

David and Mick are joined by fellow book editor and Hyponymous literary agent Ivy Zeller to discuss her refreshing response to the disrupted publishing landscape.  What can we learn from zine culture? How specific can we get with audiences? How do representation and advocacy inform our publishing path? There was so much to discuss in this vibrant conversation! Please let us know how you responded to the topics and themes we covered. Publishing Disrupted is at PublishingDisrupted.substack.com [http://publishingdisrupted.substack.com] Mick Silva is at MickSilvaEditing.substack.com [http://micksilvaediting.substack.com] David Morris is at dvdmorris.substack.com [https://dvdmorris.substack.com/], LakeDriveBooks.com [http://lakedrivebooks.com], and Hyponymous.com [https://hyponymous.com].

Embracing New Cultures, New Languages, & the New Ember Conference

Extending our theme of how to find new gatherings and community (when the old ones are no longer serving), Publisher David shares his recent experiences with a local German club, and at the progressive-Christian Ember Conference in Oakland, CA.  If you're looking to connect with more diverse people, learn new things you never knew, or just seeking new ways to experience a wider world, this is a great conversation. Books and book people are, of course, fascinating and full of exciting, deep ideas. And we want to highlight the opportunities in local communities--especially at the new recent Ember Conference in Oakland, California--to invest in more welcoming and authentic relationships.  If you're a reader, a writer, or just interested in a more "egalitarian" way to produce books, we hope you'll come along. Publishing Disrupted is at PublishingDisrupted.substack.com [http://publishingdisrupted.substack.com] Mick Silva is at MickSilvaEditing.substack.com [http://micksilvaediting.substack.com] David Morris is at dvdmorris.substack.com [https://dvdmorris.substack.com/], LakeDriveBooks.com [http://lakedrivebooks.com], and Hyponymous.com [https://hyponymous.com].