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The Art of Spiritual Writing: How to Craft Prose That Engages and Inspires Your Readers
There’s a constant hunger in the world for books that explore the spiritual aspects of life, but writing about spirituality is far more complex than simply sharing personal reflections about God and the life of faith. Editors and publishers who specialize in spiritual writing find that what is important to work out for yourself on paper may not always be the best way to connect to readers. Because of its personal nature, it can be difficult to find the balance in spiritual writing between what is good writing for you and what is good writing for others.Incorporating her 20+ years of publishing and writing experience, Vinita Hampton Wright provides a practical and straightforward look at spiritual writing for a broader audience in The Art of Spiritual Writing. This slim volume is loaded with writing tips, advice, and exercises to help the writer hone and craft his or her personal thoughts into an engaging, inspiring, and publishable piece. Readers will learn such things as why authenticity matters, how to find their authentic voice, and how to engineer their creativity so that it resonates with readers. The Art of Spiritual Writing demonstrates that by taking the time to learn and implement the process and craft of writing, we can begin to uncover new ways to connect with ourselves, our readers, and God. And as we grow in our writing ability, our spirituality blossoms as well.
166 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2013
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614 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 9, 2014
The Art of Spiritual Writing by Vinita Hampton Wright is a manual for writers attempting to write about the spiritual life. In the introduction Wright says, “For more than two decades I have advised writers and edited their work for the spirituality market. Now I have tried to distill the best of what I know for those writers who hope to serve people’s spiritual needs.” The best of what Wright knows has proven to be exceptional.
There are many reasons why I would recommend this book to writers engaging in spiritual writing. Here are a quick few.
(1) The book is concise. As an avid reader and writer, brevity is important to me. I love a good long work of classic literature like everyone else. But I don’t enjoy getting bogged down in laborious modern non-fiction. I would rather spend my time writing, or reading compelling fiction. This book was a quick, empowering, practical – yet thoughtful – read.
(2) Wright does not write with an overly religious tone. I appreciated this a great deal and I believe it will make this book relevant to a larger group of spirituality writers. The principles and ideas that Wright discusses are more universal than one expression of faith. She doesn’t shy away from mentioning her Catholic faith, but she also doesn’t feel compelled to convince the reader to believe as she believes in order to discuss good spiritual writing. Too many books, especially in the Christian marketplace (in which I work), suffer because the authors wrote with an insider tone. I’m glad that Wright didn’t do so here.
(3) Chapter 10, “Product is the End Result,” should be read by every would-be author. I’ve encountered many writers that only think of their work in artistic terms. Wright does a great job of helping people understand that publishing is a business and your published work is a product.
(4) Wright’s discussion on the differences between personal writing and public writing (chapters 2, especially 3, and 4) are fantastic. She explains the value of writing – and writing well – things that shouldn’t necessarily be published. Many times I’ve written things that needed to be written but need not be shared. I’ve also met many would-be authors who are writing important documents – memoir, spiritual ideas, theological struggles – that serve them well, but might not serve the public well. Wright helps readers traverse this tricky topic.
There is a lot of information contained in this little book that’s worth reading. Even the bits I already knew struck me in a fresh way because of Wright’s matter-of-fact, yet heartfelt tone. I would recommend this book to brand new writers as a way to set a good trajectory. I would also recommend this book to seasoned writers as a tool for setting your course right again.
There are many reasons why I would recommend this book to writers engaging in spiritual writing. Here are a quick few.
(1) The book is concise. As an avid reader and writer, brevity is important to me. I love a good long work of classic literature like everyone else. But I don’t enjoy getting bogged down in laborious modern non-fiction. I would rather spend my time writing, or reading compelling fiction. This book was a quick, empowering, practical – yet thoughtful – read.
(2) Wright does not write with an overly religious tone. I appreciated this a great deal and I believe it will make this book relevant to a larger group of spirituality writers. The principles and ideas that Wright discusses are more universal than one expression of faith. She doesn’t shy away from mentioning her Catholic faith, but she also doesn’t feel compelled to convince the reader to believe as she believes in order to discuss good spiritual writing. Too many books, especially in the Christian marketplace (in which I work), suffer because the authors wrote with an insider tone. I’m glad that Wright didn’t do so here.
(3) Chapter 10, “Product is the End Result,” should be read by every would-be author. I’ve encountered many writers that only think of their work in artistic terms. Wright does a great job of helping people understand that publishing is a business and your published work is a product.
(4) Wright’s discussion on the differences between personal writing and public writing (chapters 2, especially 3, and 4) are fantastic. She explains the value of writing – and writing well – things that shouldn’t necessarily be published. Many times I’ve written things that needed to be written but need not be shared. I’ve also met many would-be authors who are writing important documents – memoir, spiritual ideas, theological struggles – that serve them well, but might not serve the public well. Wright helps readers traverse this tricky topic.
There is a lot of information contained in this little book that’s worth reading. Even the bits I already knew struck me in a fresh way because of Wright’s matter-of-fact, yet heartfelt tone. I would recommend this book to brand new writers as a way to set a good trajectory. I would also recommend this book to seasoned writers as a tool for setting your course right again.
June 3, 2014
I just finished this book with its delicious orange cover.
Hands down, the best read on writing (and I have read tons). If you are teaching on writing or need a muse to return to the craft, this is it. SO encouraging, tons of tips and kick-butt demanding to pursue excellence.
Worth the $12.95: the last chapter list, "where you might notice the Divine in your writing life." Brilliant.
Hands down, the best read on writing (and I have read tons). If you are teaching on writing or need a muse to return to the craft, this is it. SO encouraging, tons of tips and kick-butt demanding to pursue excellence.
Worth the $12.95: the last chapter list, "where you might notice the Divine in your writing life." Brilliant.
April 13, 2014
What a lovely book! Vinita packs in all the details about being a spiritual writing but better yet, she models it. Her book is engaging, gentle and inspiring.
July 24, 2018
The Art of Spiritual Writing by Vinta Hampton Wright
4🌟
As a reader and a writer, I love reading books on the craft of writing. This little book has a lot packed into it, especially on the art of finding your spiritual voice as a writer. Even if you may not be writing religious non-fiction, this book offers encouragement, inspiration, as well as, great advice on publishing and marketing your book.
One of my favorite quotes from the author is as follows:
“Courage also does not care much about prevailing
opinions but writes what must be written.”
I needed to hear that.
4🌟
As a reader and a writer, I love reading books on the craft of writing. This little book has a lot packed into it, especially on the art of finding your spiritual voice as a writer. Even if you may not be writing religious non-fiction, this book offers encouragement, inspiration, as well as, great advice on publishing and marketing your book.
One of my favorite quotes from the author is as follows:
“Courage also does not care much about prevailing
opinions but writes what must be written.”
I needed to hear that.
December 4, 2013
A great little book. I recommend it to all writers -- whether beginners or long timers (like me). It's a jewel!
March 17, 2014
Wonderful book! Highlighted a lot of great points and made this newbie feel like she's got a shot. Pick up its predecessor The Soul Tells a Story. Starting that now.
September 13, 2014
I enjoyed this thoughtful book on Spiritual Writing. Helpful, concise and easy to read.
September 3, 2014
Excellent book! I highly recommend Vinita Hampton Wright's book to all writers!
April 17, 2019
There are many other, "How To Write" titles that I would recommend over this one, which is all this is. It says it is geared towards Spiritual writers but I would say there is nothing unique about what is offered in here. Many of the chapters read like listicles too. Save your money and buy Goldberg's "Writing Down The Bones," instead. It makes many of the same points as this book, but does so with, dare I say, more spirituality even.
October 31, 2020
A perceptive, nuanced guide for Christian writers whose work is overtly spiritual. Although written before 2020, this book helped me start to make sense of my writing journey in the wake of the pandemic and all the changes it brought. Full of equal parts wisdom and candidness, practicality and depth. After reading the ebook version from the library, I will be getting this book in hard copy so I can always have it close by.
July 3, 2023
Practical, true (it seems)
For those of us who are weary and wondering how we could ever fit it to the publishing world, this is a concrete, helpful book to lead the way. There is a fair amount of cold water dousing your dreams, but all to the good, in my estimation. I want to see the whole lay of the land before mapping out my plan. I can handle cold water, if I know when it is coming and why.
For those of us who are weary and wondering how we could ever fit it to the publishing world, this is a concrete, helpful book to lead the way. There is a fair amount of cold water dousing your dreams, but all to the good, in my estimation. I want to see the whole lay of the land before mapping out my plan. I can handle cold water, if I know when it is coming and why.
June 4, 2023
Tremendously helpful
I found The Art of Spiritual Writing to be tremendously helpful. It offers terrific tools for putting thoughts down on the page. It also delves into the prep work needed to create a spiritual work of art. This is a must-read for spiritual writers.
I found The Art of Spiritual Writing to be tremendously helpful. It offers terrific tools for putting thoughts down on the page. It also delves into the prep work needed to create a spiritual work of art. This is a must-read for spiritual writers.
February 16, 2024
An absolute gem of a book. Practical, personal, and to the point. (One short chapter contains all the things I wish I’d known about the publishing process before signing with a publisher.) As usual, Wright pours out her hard-earned wisdom for our benefit.
May 29, 2017
A disappointing read. This book read like a PowerPoint presentation. I didn't learn anything that I couldn't learn online. Tracy Kidder's 'Good Prose' or Stephen King's 'On Writing' were much more helpful.
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July 21, 2021Profound.
January 12, 2022
I took away some really great points from this quick read. Written very straightforward, and broken down into sections quite well.
April 1, 2023
A nice little book to start you in your writing journey.
December 16, 2023
For those who feel the call to share their spiritual experiences with others, this book is for you!
February 22, 2024
Very impactful and actually helpful as a writer. A refreshing and encouraging read that I expect to return to time and time again.
July 26, 2024
Very thoughtful and engaging read.
February 7, 2023
This book, published in 2013, offers practical guidance for crafting creative nonfiction that intersects with spiritual and biblical themes.
The author penned "The Soul Tells A Story: Engaging Creativity with Spirituality in the Writing Life," in 2005.
There are a lot of resources out there to support writers, but these two books should occupy a space on the bookshelf of anyone who draws inspiration from sacred texts.
The author penned "The Soul Tells A Story: Engaging Creativity with Spirituality in the Writing Life," in 2005.
There are a lot of resources out there to support writers, but these two books should occupy a space on the bookshelf of anyone who draws inspiration from sacred texts.
September 28, 2015
Wise words on spiritual writing for beginners and more experienced, beautifully expressed. Love it!
March 5, 2015
So practical! I will read again. Most useful for people already writing or identifying with this type of genre.
May 31, 2019
An excellent, easy to read book on guiding someone into good writing, but also into spiritual writing. It is straightforward and offers excellent tips throughout the process. I especially appreciated the section on private versus public writing- the distinctions between the two and when each is appropriate. This is an inspiring book for aspiring writers!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews