When I sit down to write, I usually begin by writing out a prayer. Nothing too formal. Just talking to God about whatever's on my mind for a few minutes before I move on to fiction.

Occasionally my mind drifts, though (sorry, God), and takes a lead-off toward fiction. I guess that's what happened about a year ago, when the thought occured to me that a prayer is really just a dramatic monologue, addressed to God.

And what a dramatic monologue. I mean, when is anyone more naked and yearning than when they're praying?

Or, on the flip side, when is anyone rationalizing harder or fooling himself more completely than during prayer?

And then I thought: let's find out.

Along with Matthew Simmons, my friend and fellow Warren Wilson grad, I commissioned a series of stories in this mode, of characters talking to God. The project, called On Earth As it Is, is a cycle of prayer narratives from writers of different faiths. Each week, the site will showcase a new prayer narrative. Contributing writers include Melanie Rae Thon, Erin McGraw, Michael Kimball, Melissa Pritchard, Leni Zumas, Pasha Malla, Michael Martone, and others.

And now, it brings me a ton of happiness and two tons of relief to announce that the site is live. Melanie's piece is up first. Check it out, check back next week for the next installment, and please, please, please, help spread the word.