Emilie Griffin

"I'm working on a short anthology of Evelyn Underhill, British spiritual writer. Other works in progress include a memoir of my friendship with John Kennedy Toole, a translation of Cicero's essay on friendship, which I hope to publish along with my husband's translation of Aelred of Rievaulx on spiritual friendship; continuing work on my second novel (untitled) which is a coming-of-age, coming-to-faith story, and a new work on the spiritual life.
For some reason I feel drawn to write stories. Perhaps there are certain things that can only be expressed by story. Also I am contantly assaulted by memories that seem to lead into storytelling."

Biography

Emilie Griffin has written seven books on spiritual life, including Turning (about conversion), Clinging (about prayer) Chasing the Kingdom: A Parable of Faith, The Reflective Executive (about spirituality in the workplace), Homeward Voyage: Reflections on Life-Changes, and Wilderness Time: The Experience of Retreat. With Richard J. Foster she compiled and edited an anthology of readings for individuals and groups, entitled: Spiritual Classics in the Light of Twelve Spiritual Disciplines (HarperCollins US, Winter 2000 and UK, October 1999). Her latest book is Doors Into Prayer: An Invitation, which will appear in fall 2001.

Emilie is a professional writer, editor, and marketing consultant who has won fifty awards for creativity. A native of New Orleans and a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Newcomb College, she went to New York City as a Mademoiselle guest editor, and worked there in three major advertising agencies. Her work on the Alcoa "Qualities of Aluminum" campaign won awards in the U.S. and Venice Film Festival and was cited by Advertising Age as one of the all-time best corporate advertising campaigns. After her return to New Orleans she was named Advertising Copywriter of the Year by the Advertising Club of New Orleans.

During her years in New York City she also studied playwriting with Edward Albee at the Circle in the Square Theatre. Her first full- length play, The Only Begotten Son, won the First Playscript Prize from the Louisiana Council of Music and Performing Arts in 1971.

Emilie Griffin has worked extensively as a retreat and workshop leader. She is a member of the board of Renovaré, an infra-church movement committed to Christian renewal. She has also been a columnist for Praying Magazine. She has contributed to Image, America, Weavings, and Sacred Journey.

Emilie is married to William Griffin, a writer, editor, and publishing veteran who is an authority on C.S.Lewis, and recently authored a modern rendering of Thomas A Kempis's The Imitation of Christ. Both Griffins were founding members of the Chrysostom Society, a writers group formed in the 1980s. The Griffins, after living in New Orleans eighteen years, have moved to Alexandria, Louisiana.

Emilie Griffin has recently completed a history of a women's religious community entitled, These Sisters Are My Friends and her first novel, Buying Back Athens.