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Meet the Author: Philip Gulley
Philip Gulley, a Quaker pastor, was born in Camby, Indiana. At the age of 19, he left home to see what the world had to offer. During his time away, he attended Marian College in Indianapolis, where he studied theology and sociology. He then attended Christian Theological Seminary where he graduated with honors. While serving as pastor at Irvington Friends Meeting, Paul Harvey, Jr. and Dina Kinnan discovered Gulley’s writing when they attended a worship meeting. They passed on his newsletters to a publisher, and the rest is history. Gulley’s first book, Front Porch Tales, is a collection of essays from these newsletters. After about eighteen years away, Gulley returned to Camby with his family. He currently serves as pastor at Fairfield Friends Meeting, and he continues to write on a daily basis. Gulley’s writing is not limited to just books; check out his blog to learn more about him.
Q&A with Philip Gulley
Q: The books in your Harmony series are very entertaining and the reader feels at home with the characters. Where do you get your ideas?
A: I’ve been a Quaker pastor for 23 years, and I talk with other pastors on a regular basis. Many of the things in my books are inspired by events I’ve experienced or heard about. There’s nothing like ministry to provide a writer with insights into the human condition.
Q: Did you find it difficult to go from writing church newsletters to novels?
A: I didn’t find it as difficult to switch from non-fiction to fiction as my editor said I would. I’d been telling stories in my sermons for so long it seemed natural to extend the stories into novels.
Q: Do you have plans to write any stories outside the world of Harmony?
A: I’m toying with the idea of starting a new fictional series based on the woman minister, Krista, in my last book. I enjoyed writing her character and have been developing several plot lines that fit her personality. I’m working on a memoir now, which will occupy me for the next year or so.
Q: How has being a successful writer changed your life?
A: I’ve had to become much more adept at managing my time and learning to say No to some things I wish I could say Yes to. As a Quaker pastor who believes in simplicity, I’ve tried not to live beyond my needs. I’ve been able to give a lot of money away, which has been fun. When I earned my living as a pastor, there was never any extra money for anything. I’ve also had to get used to public scrutiny, particularly when I wrote my theology books, If Grace Is True, and If God Is Love. People pay attention to my statements in a way they didn’t before. That seems odd to me.
Q: Do you have a favorite book or author? What kinds of books do you read for enjoyment?
A: My favorite writer is E.B. White. Particularly his essays. I read widely—mysteries, thrillers, biographies, histories, etc. If something is well written, I enjoy it, no matter the subject or genre.
Q: Can you share with us something about yourself that is not commonly known?
A: I was just awarded an Emmy for my work on the PBS program, Across Indiana. If you wish to see my PBS commentaries, you can visit my website, PhilipGulleybooks.com, scroll down to the TV image and view them. Hope you enjoy them.
Interview Date: May 2008
Profile and questions compiled by Mark B., Main Library
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