That’s such a great question, LoriMarie! Actually, since I’m ghost-writing, all 26 of the hymns were chosen for me. Which is really good, because picking one might be like choosing just one favorite food: it really depends on what I’m hungry for. That said, I’m a fan of “Day by Day” (which didn’t appear in the book) and “Be Still, My Soul” (which did).

Coming out of the project, I’m most impressed by the way adversity so often triggered the writing process (blindness, a broken back, chronic illness, cabin fever, injustice, conflict at work, even suicidal depression or loss of loved ones).

PS My blog is here.

Thanks, all!

Joe, I’m in Jerusalem…and I’m so glad you had that experience! I definitely read your post about ghost writing, and found it very interesting and informative. It’s similar to what I have done as a research assistant for my college professor, in helping him plan (yet-to-be-written) books, and actually, it gives me food for thought about what the work flow should look like, and might even result in a helpful conversation with him.

The book project I just finished is for a different client, and I don’t know what else to call it but ghost-writing, though the experience is different than you described. He assigned the material, word-count, and general style, I researched and wrote, and he will edit and rearrange to his heart’s content.

I SO agree with the perspective that this is the client’s book, and not mine. Perhaps, like doctors, our motto as ghost-writers (and editors) should be “first, do no harm.” It’s fun to hear and transmit things in another person’s voice, and I am really passionate about helping others birth stories they might otherwise be unable to get into print.

Your ghost-writing experiences plus my love of non-fiction stories makes me think this genre might be a really great fit for me, so thanks for sharing!