Preserved by Purpose: Spiritually Speaking and Listening

By Shewanda Riley “So, when are you going to start writing for me.?   I had no idea that this one simple question posed to me in early 2000 by Jim Washington, at that time publisher and owner of the Dallas Weekly, would have a two-decade long impact on my professional and personal life.  At the time of the question, I was working full time in radio and had not shared my desire to write with anyone.   I wondered, “How dd he knows to ask me that question at that time?” It took me a few minutes to respond as I was amazed that he asked me about writing at the same time I’d been praying about opportunities to write.     His question ironically answered my question of where I would I publish my writings.  Unsure of what to write, I asked him what kind of writing he was looking for. Washington patiently explained the kinds of stories the newspaper published but encouraged me to write from the heart. Following his advice, I published columns that eventually became my first book, an Essence magazine best seller. That book then lead to writing workshops, writing conferences, singles conferences, and then a second book....