We have another author interview this week with Douglas Sean O’Donnell. He is the author of 3 P&R titles.

  

• Question #1 – Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you’re from, family, job, etc.

I was born and raised in Chicago. I’m married to Emily. We have five children—Sean, Lily, Evelyn, Simeon, and Charlotte. We moved to Brisbane, Australia two years ago. I’m the “Friends of QTC” Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Practical Theology at Queensland Theological College. For the biblical studies part of my job, I teach the wisdom literature and Gospels; and for the practical theology I lecture on worship and lead preaching workshops.

 

• Question #2 – If you have a favorite book of the Bible, what is it and why?

It’s a toss-up between Job and Matthew, both for their literary and theological artistry and depth.

 

• Question #3 – What books have your written?

I have written or edited nearly a dozen books, three with P&R: God’s Lyrics: Rediscovering Worship through Old Testament Songs, along with Ecclesiastes and 1—3 John in the Reformed Expository Commentary series.

 

• Question #4 – Which writers inspire you?

Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Donne, Herbert, Spurgeon, Chesterton, along with some living authors, including Kent Hughes and Dale Bruner. I also gain inspiration from American poets like Billy Collins and Mary Oliver.

 

• Question #5 – Which books are you reading now?

Dan Block’s For the Glory of God, Michael Holmes’s translation of the Apostolic Fathers, and lots of books on the Gospel of Matthew.

 

• Question #6 – What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

To be a writer you need sitzfleisch, that is, you need the ability “to sit” (sitzen) on your “flesh” (fleisch). Pray for it! If God doesn’t grant it, don’t stress. “Of making many books there is no end” (Eccles. 12:12). Plus, there are already enough authors out there. People can always spend a lifetime plowing through Aquinas, Calvin, and Barth (and if there is any time left, all the puritans).

 

• Question #7 – Any advice on overcoming writer’s block?

Time, place, movement, and rest. First, I recommend writing at your best times of day. For me that is morning and right after dinner. Second, find a place that is your writing “desk.” Third, if nothing is coming to mind or flowing from your pen, take a walk. Walking helps me think. Fourth, it is okay to take a day off. Move to Australia. Go to the beach. Then write.

 

• Question #8 – Do you have an interesting writing quirk?

Four thoughts come to mind. First, I wrote all my books with my left hand. Second, I listen to Thriller whenever I write on Sundays. Third, I have four trained monkeys who translate the Hebrew for me. Fourth, I always lie when asked about interesting writing quirks.

 

• Question #9 – Favorite sport to watch? Why? Favorite sport’s team?

I like college football (Notre Dame) and basketball (Big Ten, especially the Illinois teams), along with the NBA (Da Bulls, and this year’s Warriors team—I had Steve Kerr as a camp counselor and Curry and Clay are the best shooters [forgive me Larry Bird] I have ever seen).

 

• Question #10 – Living in Australia, what American food to you miss/crave?

Portillo’s hot dogs. Mustard. Pickle. Tomato. Celery salt.

 

• Question #11 – Favorite animal? Why?

I’m allergic to both dogs and cats. So not them! I love Geckos! They are everywhere in Brisbane. They don’t bother people. They make strange noises. And they eat live bugs, which is fun to watch.