August 2008
Volume 35 Number 6

Triumph of the Cross

From Inside ML: People often ask me about my work as editor of ML, about the process of constructing each issue as well as planning each volume year. Some people think that articles just fly in from the ether, I pick the ones I want for each issue, look them over for typos and doctrinal errors, and send them on to be published. That’s an interesting scenario, but it couldn’t be further from the truth.

Each year, in early summer, we conceptualize the overall focus that ML will take for the following year. From that general focus, I draw thematic concepts that I feel are a good match for each of the 10 issues. From those concepts I consider what types of articles our readers might benefit from or enjoy, and then I begin the long process of finding writers with the skill and background to address those areas. I propose titles to them, and they generally tweak them a little to fit their own style. A similar process exists for recruiting our column writers. They are challenged to write in a general subject area but are also asked to focus their attention on the theme of each issue. This whole process is guided and informed by prayer and reflection by all involved.(More)