Episode 264: Susanna Spencer on Children's Literature, Writing for a Popular Audience, and Lady Philosophy (July 26, 2023)

In this episode of The Open Door (July 26th), panelists Jim Hanink and Mario Ramos-Reyes talk about children’s literature, writing for a popular audience, and Lady Philosophy. Our guest is Susanna Spencer. She has a Masters in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Spencer is both a writer and the content and theological editor for Blessed is She. In addition, she co-authored the children's book, Rise Up: Shining in Virtue. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her philosophy professor husband and four children. You’ll find her online at her National Catholic Register author page.

The following are among the questions we’ll be asking.

1. What led you to study theology at Franciscan University? And how did you find the experience?
2. Could you introduce us to Blessed is She? How does being both a writer and editor work?
3. You’ve just published, with Blessed is She, your first book, Seek His Kingdom: A Meditation on Matthew. How did it come about?
4. Have you used your co-authored children’s book, Rise Up: Shining in Virtue, with your own children? How does St. Thomas Aquinas inspire this book?
5. Let’s go from the particular to the general! What is your favorite literature for children? And how do you form your children in the Western tradition through literature?
6. As a frequent book reviewer, what are some of your favorite books and who are your favorite authors?
7. What’s it like to live with Lady Philosophy”? Just who is she? And can Athens have anything to do with Jerusalem?
8. You are hard at work on a book about virtue ethics. What are the key themes that you are exploring?
9. You’ve noted that you write for a popular audience. Might we say that Scripture is written for a popular audience? And did Shakespeare write for a popular audience?
10. Let’s close with a bonus question. Are there way more mosquitoes in Minnesota than out-of-staters suppose?