Books published
Early in 2022, I published my first novel, John Z, about the life of a Lutheran minister. I couldn’t be more pleased with the reception it received—so far, all 5-star ratings.
Buoyed by that, in the fall I published my second novel, Making Paul Schneider, a coming-of-age story about a man from my generation. Paul has gotten off to a slower start, but the reactions so far have been gratifying, and each rating is 5-star.
The sequel to John Z is in the editing process, with a goal of publishing it late winter. In the mean time, I just finished the first draft of Kit & Cassie, which was inspired by the true story of how my Julie and I came to know each other.
Rewriting the record book
In my 43rd year of jogging, I set new personal bests in several categories:
Total miles: 1,418.79. This tops my previous best in 2020 by 59 miles.
Total events: 283. That’s 53 more than last’s year’s previous high.
Average per week: 5.4.
Longest run: 10.11 miles.
My previous longest run was 10 miles flat, in 2000. Last March, when I pondered turning 65 in April, I decided to celebrate that I am healthy by setting a new standard. I didn’t pass it by much—and I was out of gas the final stretch—but I did it.
I have new goals for 2023. I’ll keep increasing them as long as I’m healthy and able.
The book of life
Julie and I padded our grandchild count by two, bringing us to nine—five girls and four boys.
We have two daughters and two sons. Each has one daughter and one son, and one of our daughters has a second daughter. Pretty nifty distribution!
Yearbook reunion
In August, I attended my pandemic-delayed 45th class reunion. I’d not been to one since 2005. In the people I saw, the conversations I had, and some blessed reconnections, the event surpassed my hopes.
Books used for teaching
In May, I spent two days in a Christian high school, teaching from my transgender experience as detailed in my two books on the topic, A Roller Coaster Through a Hurricane and Ministering to Transgender Christians.
It has been my goal to talk with groups. When the man from this high school contacted me, informing me he’s used my blog to teach in his ethics class, and that his students hoped to meet me, we turned it into a full-school event. The first morning, I talked with teachers and staff, and left copies of my books with them. Then, I spent two days with the students—fully 98% of the student body.
Both days, I had seven sessions of forty minutes each. The first day, I explained about gender dysphoria and living as a transgender person, beginning from my experience, to my interactions with trans persons, to the research I’ve done. The second day, I answered the questions they’d submitted ahead of time.
Throughout, the students were attentive and respectful. Lots of teachers and staff sat in on student sessions. After the event, their feedback and kind words were gratifying.
I’m available any time, and I’ll travel. If I might be of service, contact me.
Onto 2023! Let’s see, what do I have booked for myself?
Eilers Pizza 