Writing in Obedience: a must-read for Christian fiction writers

This three-part manual on writing and publishing  is a must-read for the aspiring writer of Christian fiction. Throughout the book, the special task of writing as a Christian is carefully examined, but never with a heavy hand. There is no preachiness here.

Part One addresses the initial urge to write, explaining how, and why, a writer should determine whether he has a calling to write or if his writing is to be an offering to God. The distinctions between and implications of each possibility are covered, first by Terry Burns (who writes as one called) and then by Linda Yezak (who writes as one offering her best to her Lord). This section also defines “Christian fiction” as a genre and addresses the crucial skill of identifying one’s audience and tailoring one’s writing to its needs.

Part Two is addressed specifically to the new or aspiring writer and includes a wealth of solid information on writing, structure, and developing voice, as well as crucial advice regarding where to find help—both with the actual writing and with the painstaking craft-work that must come after the ideas are all down on paper. Terry’s words are especially significant: “Great writing is not as much about writing as it is about good revision and editing….” And Linda follows this important thought with the equally salient acknowledgment “There is nothing easy about having the work you’ve slaved over and poured your heart into critiqued by people you don’t know.” Clearly, both authors are writing from the trenches, and neither is afraid to admit that the journey from first draft to printed book can be painful, humbling, and sometimes scary.

Part Three covers the intimidating, and often discouraging, process of getting a completed work published, with thoughtful analysis of whether an author needs an agent, whether or not one should self-publish, and the benefits and drawbacks of traditional publishing. Terry’s unique perspective on the rejection letter as a “negative market report” rather than as an authoritative criticism of the work in question should be an encouragement to all frustrated recipients of the dreaded “no thank you” note.

In his final words, Terry says that he and Linda “have tried not to tell anybody what to do” but have, instead, “tried to focus on … helping the reader decide what they need or want to do.” If this was their goal, then they have succeeded.

(I received a review copy of this book from the author.)