Most writers need routines. But we also need inspiration. And those two items couldn’t appear more antithetical. Being “routinely inspired” or “inspired by routine” seems about as logical as being “programmed for spontaneity.” The two don’t mesh. So how does a writer craft a routine that cultivates inspiration? Some would say you can’t. Henry Van [...]
The Incarnation is more than just a theological proposition, it is a relational model. When the apostle John wrote, “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14), he was not simply enunciating the divinity of Christ. He was describing the heartbeat of Christ’s mission — to “flesh out” God. But for the [...]
The early stages of a writing career are about learning the craft. After that, it’s about crafting a routine. Good writers are ones who master the craft. Productive writers are those who master a routine. When I signed with my first agent she asked me, “How long does it take you to write a novel?” [...]
My publisher suggested the title for my book “What Faith Awakes” sounded too much like romance and requested some alternate titles. It’s been my going title since day one. Yet as soon as the folks at Realms mentioned it, I had to laugh. Yup. That could sure sound like romance. Which is the last thing [...]
There are good reasons to be concerned about contemporary Christianity. But must the answer always be “a fresh alternative — a third way” (pg. xiii)? In the case of Jesus Manifesto, authors Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola construct a “third way” that bears little resemblance to the “narrow road” (Matt. 7:13-14) which Jesus Himself preached. [...]
The worst kind of talent is the unteachable kind. Of course, being unteachable is not an artistic death sentence. Plenty of talented folks have excelled while remaining stubbornly resistant to critique or rejection. In fact, in some ways stubbornness is a virtue for someone seeking publication. The problem is when an aspiring author or artist [...]
su·per·nat·u·ral —1: of or relating to an order of existence beyond the visible observable universe; 2: departing from what is usual or normal especially so as to appear to transcend the laws of nature The Bible is a supernatural book, not only because of how we got it, but because of the universe it frames. [...]
Later this year, our church will be hosting a seminar on Parenting. Lisa and I have been asked to host a workshop on Parenting Teenagers. I can’t think of two words more volatile when placed together than parents and teenagers. Somehow, we have managed to survive four teenagers, all of whom are now believing, reasonably [...]
Is it just me, or are Christian publishers producing better cover art? Here’s ten of my recent favorites from just released or to soon-to-be released novels. Any you would add to the list?
Thanks for all the great comments on my previous post What’s Your “Brand”. Clearly, this issue of “branding” is something authors wrestle with. While we can blame it on the current state of publishing, I think there may be a big upside to the process of defining your “authorial signature.” That aside, perhaps the biggest [...]
