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Writing in Obedience - A Primer for Writing Christian Fiction
This book is for the new Christian writer or the writer looking to decide how God wants them to incorporate their faith into their writing. How do we know what the Lord wants us to do? Are we being called to write or do we want to write for Him as an offering? What is required of the author using their writing for the Lord and how do they go about it? What do we really want to achieve with our writing, and how do we define success?
169 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2014
27 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Terry W. Burns
19 books6 followersTerry Burns has been with the Hartline Literary agency for ten years, more than five years as an agent, and has a substantial list of clients, a growing list of credits, and a reputation for presenting to conferences all over the country. Terry comes from a writing background, has over forty books of his own in print, most recently adapting a Christian movie script to print for the movie Footprints, a Young Adult novel entitled Beyond the Smoke, which won the Will Rogers Medallion, the three book Mysterious Ways series from David C. Cook, and a book on the skills needed to get published entitled A Writer s Survival Guide to Getting Published that was developed out of the month long course he held for the American Christian Fiction Writers. A bookstore of his available works as well as a periodic blog can be found at terryburns(dot)net. Terry has a BA from West Texas A & M and did graduate work at Southern Methodist University. He's a member of the Association of Author s Representatives (AAR).
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 25, 2017
This is great for both beginners and veterans of writing. I loved the heart behind this and commitment not only to reaching people, but staying true to your convictions.
January 16, 2019
What a wonderful refresher course of both practical writing skills, reassurance, and encouragement for the writer on the writing journey. Burns leap frogs with co-author Linda Yezek over a broad variety of topics on the art of writing. I especially appreciated Terry's thoughts about writing as a calling or as an offering and the thought that God might call us to a specific season of writing or a project. I have certainly felt more of a calling to certain projects more than others in the thirty years I have served as a Christian writer. This book is fast, easy reading - I read it in two days while I was on vacation and it's a book I feel I need to read again when I need a practical pick-me-up in my writing efforts.
January 15, 2018
When I saw the title of this book, I got so excited. I am always looking for books about helping me to put my faith in my writing. The first 40 percent was fairly good for that. It talked about who your writing is geared to, and how to let it bleed in. But the last 60 percent of the book was just the authors talking about how to get published. There was a lot about why you should get an agent and why you probably shouldn't self publish (He had some good points).
Honestly, I felt like the author got way off topic. I was very disappointed.
Honestly, I felt like the author got way off topic. I was very disappointed.
May 19, 2015
This book is such a timely and encouraging read for me as I strive to be published. Terry mentioned that while good editing is important in a manuscript, it’s the author’s voice that makes or breaks his interest.Voice matters—a lot. And he goes on to say that extreme adherence to writing craft rules may kill a writer’s creativity. Readers will overlook a few errors if they like the author’s voice. I think that Terry and Linda have presented a well-balanced and helpful book for writers.
August 27, 2014
Excellent. Must write a review ...
October 25, 2019
Some view writing as a job. Others view it as a ministry, and they're often confused when their efforts seem to go nowhere. Terry Burns and Linda Yezak do a great job explaining the difference between writing as a calling and as an offering (and it may not be what you think it is) and the difference between writing for believers and unbelievers. Part One is extremely helpful and encouraging for new or effort-weary writers. While Part Two is aimed at those just diving into Christian writing, those writing for a secular audience will also benefit from guidance on finding help as a writer, structuring a novel, keeping the reader engaged, and more. Part Three addresses the business aspect of the craft and includes sections on agents and self-publishing. Writing in Obedience is a wealth of information from two published authors who share their knowledge from different angles as a mentor would an apprentice.
November 26, 2017
If you have questions, this book helps to answer them.
Good concrete advice to aspiring writers. Well worth reading. The back and forth format between Terry and Linda was effective.
Good concrete advice to aspiring writers. Well worth reading. The back and forth format between Terry and Linda was effective.
May 1, 2021
Some useful information, such as one would not find in other writing books, but it is worth noting that this book is aimed specifically at writers of Christian Fiction, not just Christian writers of fiction.
March 19, 2014
Writing In Obedience was like having a one-on-one with a literary professional. As a new writer in the Christian market this book had me hooked from the first chapter. Am I called to write or has God given me a story to write? The first section of the book is dedicated to what it means to be a Christian writer. Next you are given a short but comprehensive course in what makes good writing stand out (characterization, plot, etc.). And lastly the book closes up with the technical aspects of publication (traditional vs. self). As I said before it really is like having access to industry professionals as Terry and Linda answer questions plaguing new writers and seasoned writers, alike.
I really enjoyed the section on Knowing Your Audience as it provided insight into types of readers and what a Christian writer can offer them through their writing. However, I was disappointed the last two sections didn’t pertain to Christianity specifically but to the craft of writing and publishing as a whole. As is mentioned in Writing In Obedience if you “pull out the Christian thread and the plot unravels…”, well, if you pulled that thread from this book-the book still stands. It is an excellent guide for new writers and an adequate refresher for seasoned writers, but specific content on how to incorporate Christianity in all aspects of writing was missing. I would have enjoyed knowing Terry and Linda’s thoughts, through their experience, about keeping the thread of Christianity throughout the technical craft of writing as well as maintaining faith and purpose while pursuing publication. Overall, I think the book is filled with pockets of information that are useful, purposeful and encouraging for all writers.
I really enjoyed the section on Knowing Your Audience as it provided insight into types of readers and what a Christian writer can offer them through their writing. However, I was disappointed the last two sections didn’t pertain to Christianity specifically but to the craft of writing and publishing as a whole. As is mentioned in Writing In Obedience if you “pull out the Christian thread and the plot unravels…”, well, if you pulled that thread from this book-the book still stands. It is an excellent guide for new writers and an adequate refresher for seasoned writers, but specific content on how to incorporate Christianity in all aspects of writing was missing. I would have enjoyed knowing Terry and Linda’s thoughts, through their experience, about keeping the thread of Christianity throughout the technical craft of writing as well as maintaining faith and purpose while pursuing publication. Overall, I think the book is filled with pockets of information that are useful, purposeful and encouraging for all writers.
September 8, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It really encouraged me to hold true to my convictions and standards and it got me to thinking about several things in my writing.
What I Liked: Two writers/authors came together to write this helpful book and it really fit together seamlessly. Both authors gave wise input and helpful tips for your writing. I also really liked the title of this book, Writing in Obedience - A Primer for Christian Fiction Writers. It really seemed to tie in the theme of this book very well. As Christian writers and authors, we write under our Lord, Savior, and King and try to represent Him well through our writing.
Another thing I really liked about this book was the chapter on not compromising on your convictions and standards. Terry W. Burns made an excellent point that compromise is just a steady drip, it doesn't come upon you all at once. (That's how the enemy--Satan--works!) We shouldn't allow things in our stories or be part of a project that we wouldn't want our name on or associated with.
What I Didn't Like: Overall I really enjoyed this book. There was at least one author mentioned in this book that I would NOT read his books. He was given as an example of excellent writing. I haven't heard about any of the other authors mentioned.
I give this book 4 stars for a very helpful and encouraging book. It definitely got me to thinking about how to make my stories better.
What I Liked: Two writers/authors came together to write this helpful book and it really fit together seamlessly. Both authors gave wise input and helpful tips for your writing. I also really liked the title of this book, Writing in Obedience - A Primer for Christian Fiction Writers. It really seemed to tie in the theme of this book very well. As Christian writers and authors, we write under our Lord, Savior, and King and try to represent Him well through our writing.
Another thing I really liked about this book was the chapter on not compromising on your convictions and standards. Terry W. Burns made an excellent point that compromise is just a steady drip, it doesn't come upon you all at once. (That's how the enemy--Satan--works!) We shouldn't allow things in our stories or be part of a project that we wouldn't want our name on or associated with.
What I Didn't Like: Overall I really enjoyed this book. There was at least one author mentioned in this book that I would NOT read his books. He was given as an example of excellent writing. I haven't heard about any of the other authors mentioned.
I give this book 4 stars for a very helpful and encouraging book. It definitely got me to thinking about how to make my stories better.
March 3, 2014
This is a truly wonderful book that will help Christian writers, especially novelists, clarify their place in the market. It helps us sort out whether our writing is a calling or an offering by describing the difference. It also examines the different types of audiences we may write for and how to tailor your writing for each audience.
The detailed breakdowns of how different stories need to be structured for these different audiences are alone worth the cover price. I have never seen that information anywhere else.
This book is a primer, so the second and third parts of the book contain a lot of information that will be very familiar to anyone who’s been around the writing block a few times. But then, this book is meant for the new writer, so that's OK.
The book is divided into three parts. Part One is packed with unique insights. Parts Two and Three contain a lot of the familiar material, but Burns's really excellent advice about how to keep readers turning pages is explained more clearly than I have ever seen elsewhere. Part Three is about how to get published, with an emphasis on the importance of perseverance.
The book is written in a casual, conversational style, as if you happened to wind up at a dinner table with Burns and Yezak at a conference and got to pick their brains awhile.
Even for those of us who already have a roomful of writing books, this book is a great refresher, and the inspirational angle is invaluable.
For a new writer, this book is a must read.
Disclosure: I received an advance e-copy of this book for review purposes.
The detailed breakdowns of how different stories need to be structured for these different audiences are alone worth the cover price. I have never seen that information anywhere else.
This book is a primer, so the second and third parts of the book contain a lot of information that will be very familiar to anyone who’s been around the writing block a few times. But then, this book is meant for the new writer, so that's OK.
The book is divided into three parts. Part One is packed with unique insights. Parts Two and Three contain a lot of the familiar material, but Burns's really excellent advice about how to keep readers turning pages is explained more clearly than I have ever seen elsewhere. Part Three is about how to get published, with an emphasis on the importance of perseverance.
The book is written in a casual, conversational style, as if you happened to wind up at a dinner table with Burns and Yezak at a conference and got to pick their brains awhile.
Even for those of us who already have a roomful of writing books, this book is a great refresher, and the inspirational angle is invaluable.
For a new writer, this book is a must read.
Disclosure: I received an advance e-copy of this book for review purposes.
March 20, 2015
Writing in Obedience covers three different areas for the Christian fiction writer.
The first section the two authors discuss the difference between having a calling to write and writing as an offering. I really appreciated this discussion as I'd never looked at it like this and always found it fascinating how so many Christian authors consider their vocation as a calling. What they outlined was neither was better than the other as we all should be serving God by using the gifts we've been given.
They also define what makes a Christian novel which I found enlightening. Essentially they said if you can remove the Christian thread from a story and it still hangs together then it's not a Christian novel. I expect this will be challenged by many but I think it creates a good line in the sand.
The authors also cover off writing for non-believers, believers, backsliders and seekers which was an enlightening read. They emphasised the importance of knowing your audience as this will dictate how you address that audience in telling your story.
The second section covers off encouraging newbie authors with some words on getting started and persisting.
The third section addresses the publishing world, does an author need an agent, self-publishing and so on.
The two authors use a conversational style that make it an enjoyable read while learning a lot.
This is a good reference guide for all inexperienced Christian fiction writers but all Christian authors would benefit from considering the first section.
The first section the two authors discuss the difference between having a calling to write and writing as an offering. I really appreciated this discussion as I'd never looked at it like this and always found it fascinating how so many Christian authors consider their vocation as a calling. What they outlined was neither was better than the other as we all should be serving God by using the gifts we've been given.
They also define what makes a Christian novel which I found enlightening. Essentially they said if you can remove the Christian thread from a story and it still hangs together then it's not a Christian novel. I expect this will be challenged by many but I think it creates a good line in the sand.
The authors also cover off writing for non-believers, believers, backsliders and seekers which was an enlightening read. They emphasised the importance of knowing your audience as this will dictate how you address that audience in telling your story.
The second section covers off encouraging newbie authors with some words on getting started and persisting.
The third section addresses the publishing world, does an author need an agent, self-publishing and so on.
The two authors use a conversational style that make it an enjoyable read while learning a lot.
This is a good reference guide for all inexperienced Christian fiction writers but all Christian authors would benefit from considering the first section.
May 1, 2015
I finished this book. Now before you laugh at that statement, you must understand that I'm the queen of unfinished books on writing. I have a STACK of them. I'd like to tell you that they are all unfinished because I got so inspired half-way through that I dropped everything and dug into my writing. But you go to hell just as fast for lying as you do for stealing.
This book isn't a how-to type of writing book. It's a thoughtful look at whether or not you're ready to be a writer. It gives a general overview of what it takes to write a book, what it takes to get published, what it takes to self-publish, and all along the way, questions for the reader to think about in their own writing journey.
I found it very insightful and realistic, while also encouraging. Writing in Obedience is for the newbie writer, the thinking-about-it writer, and the discouraged writer. It's not a long book. It's easy to read through and absorb. If you're wondering whether or not writing is for you, get a copy.
This book isn't a how-to type of writing book. It's a thoughtful look at whether or not you're ready to be a writer. It gives a general overview of what it takes to write a book, what it takes to get published, what it takes to self-publish, and all along the way, questions for the reader to think about in their own writing journey.
I found it very insightful and realistic, while also encouraging. Writing in Obedience is for the newbie writer, the thinking-about-it writer, and the discouraged writer. It's not a long book. It's easy to read through and absorb. If you're wondering whether or not writing is for you, get a copy.
March 11, 2014
Writing in Obedience, A Primer for Christian Fiction Writers is a great craft book for newbies and old hands alike. Terry Burns draws from his years of experience as a published author and a literary agent to create a handbook of encouragement. Linda W. Yezak, published author and freelance editor aids in helping not yet published authors create a better novel.
This book covers topics both Terry and Linda have shared at writer’s conferences. Topics ranging from writing as a calling to structuring a story to finding an agent and so much more. After hearing Terry speak at conferences I heard his voice on every page. His Texas drawl sharing truths and personal experience in an effort to make my journey to publication a little easier.
This small book goes a long way to getting the novice Christian writer started down the best path to success. You’ll be drawn back to its content time and time again.
This book covers topics both Terry and Linda have shared at writer’s conferences. Topics ranging from writing as a calling to structuring a story to finding an agent and so much more. After hearing Terry speak at conferences I heard his voice on every page. His Texas drawl sharing truths and personal experience in an effort to make my journey to publication a little easier.
This small book goes a long way to getting the novice Christian writer started down the best path to success. You’ll be drawn back to its content time and time again.
August 27, 2015
What is the definition of "Christian Fiction"?
Are you called to write, or do you dedicate your writing to the Lord?
Who is your audience?
Find the answers in this thought-provoking primer!
Are you called to write, or do you dedicate your writing to the Lord?
Who is your audience?
Find the answers in this thought-provoking primer!
August 27, 2015
Excellent counsel for Christian writers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews