Letters and Life: On Being a Writer, On Being a Christian

by Bret Lott

All serious writers know that each word they write reveals something significant about their beliefs, something about their reason for creating, something about the one for whom they write. After all, writing lays bare the soul. Yet the work of a Christian artist is often pressured to fit into a popular mold, oftentimes forgoing quality for the sake of convenience or acceptance, or even simply because of a lack of the bravery necessary to look the world square in the eye, and to do so with the unflinching eye of Christ. In this series of intimate reflections on life and writing, critically acclaimed and best-selling novelist Bret Lott calls authors to pursue excellence in their craft through five fascinating essays and an extended memoir that explore everything from the importance of literary fiction to the pain of personal loss.  Learn here what it means to be a writer who navigates the tension inherent to being a Christian in the public square―and to being an artist made in the image of God.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Memoir, Christianity, Christian, Theology, Literature

192 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2013

About the author

Bret Lott is the bestselling author of fourteen books, most recently the nonfiction collection Letters and Life: On Being a Writer, On Being a Christian (Crossway 2013) and the novel Dead Low Tide (Random House 2012). Other books include the story collection The Difference Between Women and Men, the nonfiction book Before We Get Started: A Practical Memoir of the Writer’s Life, and the novels Jewel, an Oprah Book Club pick, and A Song I Knew by Heart. His work has appeared in, among other places, The Yale Review, The New York Times, The Georgia Review and in dozens of anthologies.

Born in Los Angeles, he received his BA in English from Cal State Long Beach in 1981, and his MFA in fiction from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1984, where he studied under James Baldwin. From 1986 to 2004 he was writer-in-residence and professor of English at The College of Charleston, leaving to take the position of editor and director of the journal The Southern Review at Louisiana State University. Three years later, in the fall of 2007, he returned to The College of Charleston and the job he most loves: teaching.

His honors include being named Fulbright Senior American Scholar and writer-in-residence to Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv, speaking on Flannery O’Connor at The White House, and having served as a member of the National Council on the Arts from 2006 to 2012. Currently he is nonfiction editor of the journal Crazyhorse. He and his wife, Melanie, live in South Carolina.

Reviews

[Sophfronia Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would recommend this book for any writer, Christian or not, because of the bold but humble clarity and intelligence Bret Lott brings to the subject of writing. He invites us to think not only of technique (the chapter "On Precision" is a must read) but why it matters that we think so deeply about all this in the first place--we are hoping to create art. We hope to create art that lives beyond us, (see the chapter "Humble Flannery") that we hope says something more than we think it does simply because we found the right words and put them in the right places. This book is for writers who want to understand the big picture of what it is we do.

In the second part of the book Lott writes a long-form essay on the death of his father--well, actually his journey of processing the death of his father--and in this work he brings to bear all of what he's been discussing in the first part of the book. You get to witness Lott on the high wire, struggling to be precise (and knowing at times he is failing), seeking to be humble, recognizing he's speaking to an audience far beyond him. You're not just reading the essay--you're watching him write it. I found this book to be helpful, engaging, and absolutely worthwhile.

Full disclosure: Bret Lott has been my advisor in this, my final semester before graduating with my MFA, at Vermont College of Fine Arts. But I read this book (and also his "Before We Get Started: A Practical Memoir of the Writer's Life") because I wanted to, because I had the sense that, for all our conversations on my work, he had much, much more to say about writing than we could cover in a few months. I wanted to soak up more of his thoughts and was happy to be able to do that by reading these books.

[Paola Barrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a gem to read. As someone who is walking with much trepidation the craft of faith based writing, this provided invaluable and thought provoking insight. Also, I owe him and Jonathan Rogers a debt of gratitude for properly introducing me to Flannery O'Connor's work through their own writing.

I recommend this book to any writer who is wanting to navigate faith with their words.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughts on Being a Christian Writer

Brett Lott makes no bones about being a Christian writer. He begins the first essay by reciting the Apostles' Creed. However, the book is more than a presentation of his faith, it is also a treasure trove of thoughts on what it means to be a writer.

The first five essays cover topics ranging from a discussion of literary fiction to thoughts on precision in writing to an essay on Flannery O'Connor. My favorite was the discussion of precision in writing. As Lott points out, it's a difficult concept to articulate, but I found by the end I had a better grasp of what it means to write with precision. I particularly enjoyed his example of precise writing in the Bible, Judges 3:12-26, in which Ehud kills Eglon, king of Moab. I had read the passage before but completely missed the reference to Eglon's bowels letting loose after Ehud stuck his sword through his belly. The smell made the guards think that Eglon was relieving himself and therefore didn't disturb him and Ehud got away. It's a small detail, but it makes the picture of the assassination very real.

The essay on Flannery O'Connor is also a favorite. Using her life and words as an illustration, Lott discusses the importance of the story more than the prestige of the author. Too often, writers crave fame and their desire to tell a story becomes secondary.

The final section is about Lott's life. He begins to tell the story after the death of his father. Losing a father is never easy. It makes you reflect on life: what was and will never be again.

I recommend this book for Christian writers, but it also provides thought provoking concepts for anyone who hopes to write meaningful fiction.

I reviewed this book for Crossway.

[Kari]

I don't think I can give this book a certain number of stars, because although it sounds like something that would be right up my alley, I don't think I am the target audience. I enjoyed the discussion of art and Christianity, but Lott seemed a little bit aggressively conservative to me, especially in the first few essays. The essay at the end where he discussed his father's death was wonderful, and I wished he had made it even longer and turned it into a book like The Year of Magical Thinking. I know a lot of thoughtful Christians who are more conservative than I am who would enjoy this very much and I recommend it for them.

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. I read it without a notebook next to me and now I need to read it again so I can do that; there was so much wonderful insight for writers who are Christians, but not necessarily "Christian writers."

[Deborah Finnamore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will definitely read this book again. And maybe a third time after that. Much to be gleaned from this book for writers who aspire to be as good a writer as Lott is (he's a master) and for readers who appreciate good writing.

[April Trabucco · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a lot out of the first half of this book, but the second half felt disconnected.

[Joy E. Rancatore · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the subtitle of this book, you know what to expect. While not always explicit, especially in the mini-memoir, being a writer and a Christian are two titles that permeate everything a person does, says and is.

My favorite parts of this book were the essays, particularly the last several. I absorbed Bret Lott's words about Flannery O'Connor and found some of his candor about life as a Christian writer a balm to my soul.

I look forward to reading more essays by Lott and also plan to explore his fiction. I recommend this book specifically for Christian writers, though many readers would appreciate its contents.

[David West · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was on my wish list for a very long time. The first half was filled with practical and philosophical wisdom for writers. The second half was an essay on the passing of the author's father.

I expected more technical advice about writing and was a little disappointed at first as I worked through the second half of the book. But toward the end of the book, I realized I was learning about writing as I read. The essay was a moving piece which actually taught me a lot about writing. Not only did it teach me, but it was also in itself a great tribute to a father.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lott begins his first essay with the doxology. He is perfectly clear regarding his love for Christ, and his commitment to his craft—this is an inspiring and humble book, and along with Flannery O'Connor's Mystery and Manners, should be read by any serious Christian writer.

[Brittany J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

First part becoming a writer, second part a surprising relatable word derived image in experiencing grief.

I picked it up for the first reason, and it delivered.
I was taken back by the second, and I made a new friend, in Bret Lott.

“I prayed, because I knew, but could not believe…” p. 156

[Ashley Mink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. So happy I picked this up.

[Allie Fullerton (thelightfilledreader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any writer. I have been looking for this book for a long time. So thankful that God finally led me to it.

[Sarah Butterfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow-paced but lovely meditations on what what it means to live well and write well as a person of faith.

[Maria Hrickova · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,8

[Brian Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Precision is one of the best essays I've ever read.

[Derrick Jeter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 2012 movie "The Words" begins with a cliché: young novelist struggles to find representation for his first novel. Every writer, young or old, who’s ever tried to get their work published has experienced this frustration and disappointment; each of them can show you a stack of rejection letters received over the years. But in our movie (unlike real life), the young novelist discovers, by happenstance, an unpublished and unnamed manuscript from an unknown author. Better than his own writing, the young man wrestles with a moral dilemma: should he claim the manuscript as his own?

His moral resolve weaker than his literary ambition, he lies to his wife, his parents, and to the publishing house he works for as a mailroom clerk (cliché), and submits the manuscript to his employer for consideration. The publisher loves it and publishes it to great popular and critical acclaim! (more cliché) Now published and famous, our young novelist goes about his life on the New York literary cocktail party scene, content in knowing that he duped the publishing world and the reading public, but haunted in the knowledge that he will never match the literary power and emotion of the unknown author.

What makes "The Words" interesting, however, is the confrontation between the unknown and unnamed author of the manuscript and the young novelist. I’ll not spoil the movie for you—and this isn’t a movie review—but one line from the unknown author stuck in my mind as I was reading Bret Lott’s books on writing, Letters and Life: On Being a Writer, On Being a Christian." Here it is: “I loved the words more than the woman who inspired the words.”

Writers are prone to fall in love with their words—to see in their words their world, their existence, their life’s purpose. Lott, who teaches creative writing and is the author of numerous novels, including the Oprah Book Club selection "Jewel," is no different than most writers—he’s tempted to make his words his world. But in "Letters and Life," a collection of essays on writing and an extended memoir on the death of his father and the importance of writing, Lott strikes a cautionary note.

To read the rest of my review, please visit http://derrickjeter.com/2014/07/02/le...

[Austin Storm · Rating 3 out of 5]

A writing memoir. The first half is a collection of essays about writing, and the second an extended essay on his father's death. It feels more like a loose collection of essays than I thought it would; it's hard not to compare it to Stephen King's On Writing which is the gold standard for this sort of book.

Lott opens with the Apostle's Creed in a way reminiscent of Stephen Colbert's usage of the creeds as a long shorthand for establishing that he's a Christian, and encourages Christian authors to take a particularly Christian approach to writing fiction (relating this to openness to wonder).

He is also concerned with literary (character-driven) fiction. As such he risks alienating both the 'MFA program' world and the 'Christian fiction' world, which is admirable.

The Artist and the City
He talks about non-propagandist art and the 'discovery' element of the creative process, using de Lubac and Francis Schaeffer

On Precision
John Gardner and Raymond Carver, learning to see better.

Cloud of Witnesses
Reckoning himself to the value of the writer's workshop process.

Humble Flannery
An appreciation of Flannery O'Connor.

PS: The used copy I picked up was full of marginalia from a clearly very young, very earnest aspiring writer. Next to Flannery O'Connor's name? "Says what she means" Next to Kafka, appropo of nothing, "Write what you want to write!" Delightful. Found marginalia is such a gift, yes?

[Mathew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read the entire review at Grace for Sinners

Bret Lott writes a sprawling travel guide for the writing life. He shares anecdotes, struggles, and lessons learned; most of all, he writes well. Reading Letters & Life reminds me of reading a travel memoir--something akin to Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods for writers.

Lott neatly divides the book into five chapters on letters and one (long) chapter on life. The last section while long is broken up into shorter sections/headings. He weaves the story of his father’s death through this section. It’s very personal and it was my favorite chapters of the book. I enjoyed part one but sometimes the details dragged (although the ending chapter on Flannery was superb). The second section was paced quicker and was intensely personal. It resonated with me more deeply.

I love that Brett doesn’t write in the Christian market. He writes from a Christian worldview and strives to write with excellence. We need more Bret Lott’s. We need more writers working to do art well instead of trying to fit into a prefabricated Christian market. If you’re an aspiring writing, Lott will teach and delight; he will show and tell. Read and learn.

. . . .

[Chase Hairston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. The chapter "on precision" was likely the best. I felt that there were great principles in this book which could apply to Christians doing art of any medium (particularly, for instance, worship musicians) but as far as writing proper goes, I felt Lott suffered a little of writing advice only to [aspiring] authors of his own niche genre. Good principles, but hard to apply much of his advice to, say, fantasy/science fiction sorts of genres...specifically, any fiction where a world must be created. But that critique may be nitpicky?
Overall, the second (autobiographical narrative) part was good. My critique here was that Lott's colloquial, "conversational" style at times became both cumbersome and tiresome. It at times felt like an attempt at authenticity by constructing sentences exactly as they were spoken (a sort of dialogical non-dialogue?) that was unsuccessful.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brett Lott, a Christian who writes highly successful literary fiction, suggests in this book that Christians reclaim this category. Lott reflected on a keynote speech he gave to authors and publishers in an award ceremony for Christian novelists: “I’m afraid I may have made more enemies than anything else. . . . I don’t write what most Christians would call ‘Christian fiction.’ I felt myself the odd man out the whole evening long.”

Further in in his speech, he said, “. . .unless we make room inside the Christian writing industrial complex to create worthy work—art—that in its craftsmanship and vision challenges the heart and soul and mind of our readers—then we will be nothing more than happy clowns juggling for one another.”

The book was encouraging to me personally, as I, a Christian, attempt to write books that tend to be different from those written by a lot of other writers of my persuasion.

[Catherine Gillespie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both of Lott's writing books are also personal memoirs of Lott’s development as a writer and major events in his family relationships. I found those sections interesting as memoirs, but also instructive as narrative non-fiction and the roles that writing, words, and thinking about creativity and art play in a writer’s life.

What made the books stand out as exceptional to me was their mix of vision and practical application, as well as Lott’s perspective as a Christian who is a writer ( and not a writer for Christians). Lott’s insight on developing a viewpoint of your writing/art as more of a calling than a vehicle to get your thoughts out there and build fame are particularly helpful and thought-provoking.

{Read more on A Spirited Mind about this book and Lott's other book on writing/memoir}

[Cody Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm hopeful for the future of art produced by Christians. This book is one of the reasons for my hope. Lott does a good job of explaining the need for Christian fiction to address all of reality, including the sinfulness of man and its consequences. So much art created by followers of Jesus is garbage, not reflecting the beauty and complexity of our Creator nor this universe that has been so profoundly touched by sin and grace. Lott encourages would-be writers and artists to create works that are full of truth and Truth, not mere sentimentality.

For anyone desiring to think more deeply about what it means for a Christian to pursue the vocation of artistry, I would heartily commend this book to you.

[W. Whalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bestselling novelist Bret Lott makes it clear in the opening pages of LETTERS & LIFE that he is a Christian and active follower of Jesus Christ. The first chapter begins with the Apostle's Creed. In this nonfiction book, Lott has many insights for writers. For example in the chapter "On Precision," he writes, "One of my credos is a quote from the American photographer Walker Evans, a quote I think so highly of that I used it as the epigraph to my own book on writing, "Stare," Evans wrote. "It is the way to educate your eye, and more. Stare, pry, listen, eavesdrop. Die knowing something. You are not here long." (Page 51)

You will want to read and re-read these words for inspiration and insight in to the writing life as a Christian. I highly recommend LETTERS & LIFE.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first part of the book (the five essays on writing) quite a bit. The essays gave me things to think about. The second part, unfortunately, the story of the death of his dad, I actually did not enjoy very much. That is, it was somewhat of a chore to finish it, and I suppose that style might be along the lines of what his novels are like, based on some reviews I perused.

Lott's style doesn't jive with me very much... but... he seems like a good guy. I'd recommend this book, at least the first part, to friends who enjoy writing. The essays aren't too long and I think they're worth a read, especially if they are Christians.

[Chips O'Toole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both parts of this short but powerful work are wonderful, but for different reasons. "Letters," the first half, is a collection of short pieces about the writing life that have absolutely brilliant moments of insight about the craft of writing. It's an especially powerful read for Christians who want to write and to do it well. The second half, "Life," is an interestingly arranged story of the passing of Mr. Lott's father. Poignant, honest, and touching. I highly enjoyable and thought provoking work.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review appeared in Christianity & Literature . Bret and I attended the same church when I lived in Charleston, SC.

I received a free review copy at the Southwestern Conference on Christianity and Literature (at Houston Baptist University in September 2013). YouTube video here.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is comprised of a series of essays, some memoir like in nature, and some giving advice on writing. Overall, it was inspiring and held my interest. My only criticism is that some of the chapters contained overlapping examples or pieces of information that might have been edited out for smoother reading (however, it IS a book of separate essays on a common topic). I look forward to putting some of Lott's insights into action.

[Melanie Springer Mock · Rating 4 out of 5]

ALthough the first part wasn't as compelling to me (I'm not as interested in literary criticism), the second part was fantastic: a 100-page long essay ostensibly about the father's death. That essay is one of the best I've read of in the creative nonfiction genre. Looking forward to discussing this with my students this spring!

[Sibella Giorello · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much wisdom, and so much good writing, in one slim volume that reminded me a bit of Flannery O'Connor's "Mystery and Manners." I also gained renewed appreciation for Raymond Carver's short stories. Highly recommend for aspiring novelists, particularly those who are writing from a Christian worldview.