Author

Jana Riess

Writer and blogger

Jana Riess is an editor in the publishing industry and a writer at the Flunking Sainthood blog for Religion News Service. Prior to that, she blogged for Beliefnet.

From 1999 to 2008, she was the Religion Book Review Editor for Publishers Weekly, and continues to write freelance articles and reviews for PW as well as other publications.

She is the author, co-author, or editor of books including "The Twible: All the Chapters of the Bible in 140 Characters or Less . . . Now with 68% More Humor!"; "Flunking Sainthood: A Year of Breaking the Sabbath, Forgetting to Pray, and Still Loving My Neighbor"; "What Would Buffy Do? The Vampire Slayer as a Spiritual Guide"; "Mormonism for Dummies"; and "The Writer’s Market Guide to Getting Published."

Riess holds degrees in religion from Wellesley College and Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in American religious history from Columbia University.

Tim Soerens

Applications now open for Reflective Leadership Grants

“This was a game-changer for us. The chance to climb up from the ‘dance floor’ of our everyday activity and discern a clarified organization future from the ‘balcony’ was the gift we needed even more than we understood at the time.

If possible, please pursue this extraordinary opportunity.”

— Tim Soerens, Parish Collective

Christian leaders from a variety of roles are welcome to apply. The grants provide “balcony time” to reflect on accomplishments, broaden perspectives and discern next steps. The application deadline is May 2, 2025.

Learn more