Eric A. Clayton

Award-Winning Writer

All Things Star Wars

Or, a quick way to find Eric’s Star Wars-related writing, interviews and podcast guest appearances

If you know me or my writing, then you know I love Star Wars. It’s more than a bunch of space wizards and laser swords; for me, it’s a story I turn to in order to interpret my own world. It’s a saga laden with spiritual insight and challenge. And it reminds me of and connects me to my family and my friends. (There’s me and my brother at Galaxy’s Edge in Disney World below!)

My Star Wars Journey

My Star Wars story begins when my dad pulled out some old VHS tapes and said, “I think you’ll like this,” and continues through today as I try to introduce my own kids to that same galaxy far, far away. What does Star Wars mean to me, then? Read the reflections below!

My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars

And then I wrote a book. People ask me, “Eric, why did you write this book? What inspired you? What did you hope to accomplish?” And I say, “Great questions!” Below are several personal reflections and essays (plus an excerpt) I’ve written as a way to ferret out answers.

Book Launch Webinar

Book Reviews & Conversations

But now you’re saying, “Sure, we know you like the book, Eric. But what do, like, real people think?” Again, excellent question. Here are a bunch of reviews of the book!

  • Meg Dowell over at “Now This Is Lit,” a podcast dedicated to Star Wars books, wrote a lovely review and even recorded it in audio form. Read it here, or listen to it below!
  • Jennifer Vosters reviewed “My Life with the Jedi” for National Catholic Reporter. Read her review.
  • Nick at “Read Star Wars With Me” reviewed the book on his Instagram page. Read his review.
  • John Tuttle interviewed me about the book for Grotto Network. Read the interview.
  • Alexander Pyles reviewed “My Life with the Jedi” for US Catholic. Read his review.
  • Thomas J. Salerno reviewed the book for Word on Fire. Read his review.
  • Aaron Lambert reviewed the book for National Catholic Register. Read his review.
  • Tony Rossi of “The Christophers” wrote up an interview and review of the book. Read (and listen!) here.
  • Maria Morera Johnson reviewed the book for CatholicMom.com. Read her review.
  • Christopher Gunty of Baltimore’s “Catholic Review” interviewed me for a Books and Authors Day on Catholic Review Radio. Listen here.
  • And more…

First Steps Into a Larger World by Stephen Kent

Eric A. Clayton interview about Ignatian spirituality & Star Wars

Read on Substack

Star Wars Podcasts

I’ve gotten the chance to join a bunch of great Star Wars podcasts not just to talk about my book, but to talk about Star Wars in general. Here are a few of my favorite conversations!

Or, watch Eric’s conversation with “Tales of the Force” host Jessica McNair here.

Presentations

I don’t just write about Star Wars; I talk about it, too! I’ve had the chance to present papers at two Star Wars-themed academic conferences. Below are some shots from DePaul University’s 2024 Pop Culture Conference.

More Writing

Want to get a taste of how I write about Star Wars and spirituality? Check out one of my reviews of live-action Star Wars television; I’ve written them for numerous Catholic publications.

You’ve taken your first steps…

I love writing and talking about Star Wars, storytelling and spirituality. If any or all of those things sound cool to you, too, let’s be in touch!. And stay up-to-date on my Star Wars writing. You can find all of my Star Wars ramblings at Dorkside of the Force, and even more Star Wars ramblings on my Substack. (Example below!)

A Canadian Jesuit Walks Into A Space Opera by Eric A. Clayton

Or, how the new Star Wars show points to “graced history”

Read on Substack

And hey, don’t forget to buy my book, “My Life with the Jedi, the Spirituality of Star Wars!”

Get in Touch!

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