Thursday, October 6, 2011

Thursday Review—Writers on Writing

Writers on Writing
Writers on Writing
 a book review by Lynn Huggins Blackburn


Don't you love it when you read a book and it's so good you just can't put it down?

I do, too. I love that feeling of anticipation that builds with each turned page until there are no more pages and I'm left with a sense of satisfaction—and a sink full of dishes, overflowing laundry hampers, and a family that would appreciate it if I found my way to the kitchen.

Fortunately for my always hungry children, this is not one of those books.

And for once, that's a good thing.

Writers on Writing is a compilation of brief articles from some of the heaviest of the heavy hitters in the Christian writing world. (Can you say Cecil Murphey? Jerry B. Jenkins?)  And they are written specifically with the Christian writer in mind.

The articles are divided into three categories. We start with The Writer and cover what it means to be a Christian writer and how to survive in the Christian publishing world. Then we transition to The Craft and cover everything from basic grammar to writing screenplays, from ghostwriting to editing fiction and non-fiction. Then we wrap up with articles on The Business and hit professionalism, talking to editors and building platforms.

Writers on Writing would make a great addition to any writer's bookshelf. Feeling discouraged? Check out Chapter 2. Worried about running out of ideas? See Chapter 5. Trying to edit that devotion down to 250 words? You'll find Chapter 19 useful.

You could sit down and read it all the way through, but I think it's best enjoyed slowly.

Pick it up. Read a chapter.

Put it down. Process what you've read—maybe while dusting or picking up toys.

Repeat.

Your writing—and your family—will thank you.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Lynn

Lynn Huggins Blackburn has been telling herself stories since she was five and finally started writing them down. On her blog Out of the Boat she writes about faith and family while her blog Perpetual Motion documents the joys and challenges of loving and rearing a child with special needs. A graduate of Clemson University, Lynn lives in South Carolina where she writes, reads, knits, takes care of three amazing children, one fabulous man and one spoiled rotten Boston Terrier.
Follow Lynn on Twitter @lynnhblackburn

5 comments:

  1. I know what I'll be picking up soon! Thanks for the insightful review, Lynn.

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  2. Barnes and Noble, here I come! Or does Lifeway have it?
    Thank you, Lynn and thanks to Edie for posting this.

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  3. Oh, that sounds like a great book! I have plenty of books about the craft of writing. Now I need to get a few that talk about the business end of publishing. Thanks for the review.

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  4. I like the suggestion to read it, process it and then pick it up again.

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  5. Cathy & Bren - I ordered my copy from Amazon. B&N has it, but I couldn't find it on Lifeway's site.
    Lisa - Thanks for stopping by. I'd love to know what writing books you turn to for inspiration! Books on the business are in short supply on my shelf...but that gives me a great idea for future reviews! Thanks!
    Stacy - This is a hard learned lesson for me. I tend to race through and not give ideas time to soak in. Glad the idea resonated with you!

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