Writing
I love to write. And I have a passion to help others to excel at writing. But that passion can keep me from actually writing and mentoring my students. That’s why I’m providing free writing resources here for you. I desire to help writers find a broader audience for their work in the world of publishing. I see doing so as a form of discipleship. If I can help others connect with audiences I could never reach, I expand my own influence. Doing so allows us together to reach into places via the written word that we might never even be allowed in person, making resources available to those in need. I hope you will find lots of help to guide you on your way.
Writing How-To's
Write the Journal Article
Read three issues of the journal for which you wish to write so you become familiar with the style. Also, verify that your subject has not recently been covered. Reading back issues will also help you familiarize yourself with the “hot” topics and “comments to avoid” that might detract from your main point. Read the Post →
Keep Food on the Table: Write a Critical Review
Perhaps you’ve seen the Erasmus quote on a T-shirt: “When I get a little money I buy books; if any is left, I buy food and clothes.” One way to assure you’re well fed and clothed is to get publishers to send you new books (and other products) so you’ll write critical reviews. Read the Post →
Ten Commandments for Writing Op-Eds
In her national bestseller, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, Anne Lamott notes, “You don’t always have to chop with the sword of truth. You can point with it, too.” One way to do so is by writing an op-ed. “Op-ed” means “opposite the editorial page,” which is generally where these commentaries on current events run. Read the Post →
Write Devotionals
Looking to write devotionals? Check out these markets. Read the Post →
Write a Letter to the Editor
Just starting out as a writer? A good place to start is by writing letters to the editor. Here’s a quick course on how. Read the Post →
Notes on Writing Poetry
Some magazines automatically reject a rhymed poem, even if it’s good. (They call it a jingle.) Many classic poets didn’t rhyme. 14th–16th-century English mostly rhymed. Read the Post →
Breaking into Publishing
”I am interested in writing a book. How do I go about contacting a publisher?” Great question. I suggest you begin by going down to your local Half Price Books (or the equivalent) and see if you can find an old copy of one of the annual Writer’s Market books. Read the Post →
Punctuation, Grammar, and Other Cures for Insomnia
Try to limit yourself to a maximum of two commas per sentence. After that, it gets confusing. Limiting the number of commas keeps you from saying too many things at one time. It also prevents overuse of adjectives. (Editors loathe overuse of adjectives and adverbs.) Read the Post →
Magazine Writing 101
Resources for Writers
Writers Write: The Internet Writing Journal
Sample Book Proposals
Write a Winning Fiction Proposal by Mary DeMuth
Write a Winning Nonfiction Proposal by Mary DeMuth
Fiction: Randy Ingermanson’s Oxygen
Subscriptions I Recommend for Writers
Publishers Weekly daily (PW Daily), especially Religion Bookline. It’s free.
William Zinsser’s Friday column on writing
Lectures & Notes on Writing
From the Editor’s Desk
Often people ask me to speak about writing for publication. In this PDF you’ll find my best tips. Download the PDF →
Write to Expand Your Influence
Writing is like laying bricks—masonry. It’s not magic. One is not born with “the gift.” It takes hard work. Most of writing is rewriting. Download the PDF →
Increase Your Net Worth
English is the most-used language in the world for people with access to the Internet. That’s great news for us, because you know this language. Download the PDF →
Using Fiction Techniques
Why tell stories instead of simply giving detailed explanations? I’ll tell you. Download the PDF →
Writing Seminar – DTS Brownbag
Unlike poetry, prose and fiction, academic writing has its own set of parameters and challenges. In this lecture delivered at DTS, I share tips and techniques.
Magazine Editing 101
No matter where writers live, this workshop covers what writers need to get started. Download the PDF →
Writing for the Periodicals Market
Some years back, I delivered some lectures about writing for a research class at Dallas Theological Seminary. The first is about writing for publication; the second is about writing specifically for the Christian periodicals market.