H ISTORY
Janet Cummings, Luke Osteen and Marjorie Christiansen
Luke’s Turn to Take
L
the Bow
After 20 years of ser vice, our shy editor is dragged into the spotlight for a round of hear tfelt accolades.
uke Osteen is a national treasure. By magic, fate, or fast-talking, The Laurel managed to snag him almost two decades ago and hasn’t turned loose since.
He’s our editor-in-chief, but mostly he’s the super glue that holds us writers together. Let’s read some of his fan mail: • You can’t help but love Luke, he’s the kindest man I know! Janet Cummings • Luke is our constant – every month playing composer, wrangler, and editor to our indispensable band of contributors and writers – and he makes it all a melody. He is kind, generous, thoughtful – and it’s never an act, it’s not transaction based. It’s his soul, and he offers it freely. We appreciate his words beyond words. And we love him beyond measure. Marjorie Christiansen • It was only by happenstance that I started writing for the Laurel. Three years ago, my life was at a crossroads – my husband had just died; my job no longer rewarding. My discontent must have been evident because at lunch one day with Marjorie Christensen and Amanda Sullivan, they asked me what I wanted to do. I was as surprised as they must have been when I blurted out “I want to write.” It was a wish I had never before articulated. A few days later Marjorie emailed, 182 J U LY 2 0 2 2 | T H E L A U R E L M A G A Z I N E . C O M
asking if I was serious. And so it began, my tenure under the inimitable editor Luke Osteen. I have been guided by his wisdom and counsel from my first assignment. When I struggled to find my voice and sought his advice on how to tell a story, he told me, “By listening, really listening, to the rhythm of conversations, you come to grasp the intricacies of how we talk to one another about the things that are important to us, and that can’t help but make your writing more immediate, more passionate. You’re going to become someone that the readers can trust and they’re going to feel your passion and wit in whatever appears on the page.” A few weeks later after reviewing one of my first submissions he wrote back: “Marlene, your copy is wonderful! You clearly get it, you understand the Laurel style! If you’re reading this, stand up and take a bow! Imagine that Marjorie and I are on our feet in front of you, applauding wildly!” His applause has kept me going for three years – ever compassionate when life gets in the way, always there when I am most in need of a pat on the back. So, here’s to you Luke Osteen. It’s your turn to take a bow! Marlene Osteen • Luke is the most encouraging, enthusiastic, and complimentary editor I have ever experienced – and I’ve been a professional
