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Sacred Margins: On the Spiritual Life of a Writer
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 18, 2026
Sacred and Divine
An inspirational look at a writer’s relationship with God before a word is written. Not to be read at a single setting but in glimpses of God’s truth.
An inspirational look at a writer’s relationship with God before a word is written. Not to be read at a single setting but in glimpses of God’s truth.
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June 29, 2026I listened to this one as an audiobook, but I need to go back and do so again when I can take notes... or get the paperback to annotate. Such a good, deep reminder of the writers' calling.
July 25, 2026
I love listening to Steve Laube tell stories or speak about just about anything. His talks on storytelling and the publishing industry are always so fascinating. He brings a wealth of wisdom and experience to the table as well as a genuinely kind spirit. He's been both educational and encouraging in every encounter I've ever had with him.
This book is no different. His commitment to both inspiration and information shines through. I loved how the world of creativity was tied into the faith here. Each chapter covers a topic that writers deal with frequently, but from the lens of refocusing on Truth and how to apply that to our creative processes and lives. Others have mentioned that they underlined or highlighted on almost every page, and I was no different. I definitely came away from this read with many little gold nuggets I'll go back to.
Each chapter is relatively short, but thick reading. There's a lot to think and chew on. This isn't the kind of book I'd recommend binge reading. It's one to sit with and dwell on.
The book is divided into two main parts. The first is the more traditional inspirational read, the chapters mentioned above. The second is a 21 day devotional. I had no idea that was part of the book, so it was a delightful surprise. Each day is a mix of Scripture, quotes, and the prompt to reflect and respond.
The final, and shortest, part in the book is a recommended reading and resources list! I'm very much looking forward to picking some of these up that I haven't already gotten my hands on.
This is one I'd recommend to any Christian writers, but really, any Christian creative. One I'll go back to.
This book is no different. His commitment to both inspiration and information shines through. I loved how the world of creativity was tied into the faith here. Each chapter covers a topic that writers deal with frequently, but from the lens of refocusing on Truth and how to apply that to our creative processes and lives. Others have mentioned that they underlined or highlighted on almost every page, and I was no different. I definitely came away from this read with many little gold nuggets I'll go back to.
Each chapter is relatively short, but thick reading. There's a lot to think and chew on. This isn't the kind of book I'd recommend binge reading. It's one to sit with and dwell on.
The book is divided into two main parts. The first is the more traditional inspirational read, the chapters mentioned above. The second is a 21 day devotional. I had no idea that was part of the book, so it was a delightful surprise. Each day is a mix of Scripture, quotes, and the prompt to reflect and respond.
The final, and shortest, part in the book is a recommended reading and resources list! I'm very much looking forward to picking some of these up that I haven't already gotten my hands on.
This is one I'd recommend to any Christian writers, but really, any Christian creative. One I'll go back to.
July 2, 2026
A must-read for every Christian author. Period.
June 8, 2026
This is one good, good book. Short, but packed with meaning and best read a little at a time. It thoughtfully tackles struggles that all writers face, like self-doubt, criticism, and spiritual warfare, with abundant truth from Scripture and a variety of other books. It offers deep and genuine encouragement for both the easier and harder seasons of any writer's life. If that weren't valuable enough, the citations and book list at the end provide a whole library of further reading on both creativity and spiritual development.
As a longtime fan of Steve Laube's content, I was expecting more anecdotes and personal insights from his career and life experience. But what I got instead was an utter avalanche of wisdom gleaned from years and years following the Lord and consuming other good books that echo the truth of the Bible. It's as if Laube pulls his own experience and perspective out of the way in order to let God's truth shine through most clearly, and that's the best thing of all.
I will be returning to this book many, many times.
As a longtime fan of Steve Laube's content, I was expecting more anecdotes and personal insights from his career and life experience. But what I got instead was an utter avalanche of wisdom gleaned from years and years following the Lord and consuming other good books that echo the truth of the Bible. It's as if Laube pulls his own experience and perspective out of the way in order to let God's truth shine through most clearly, and that's the best thing of all.
I will be returning to this book many, many times.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the wonderful opportunity to read Sacred Margins early, and I devoured it in a single evening. Little did I know it was exactly what I needed for the season of life I'm in.
Though it's written in the context of the writing life, many of the chapters apply directly to spiritual and emotional struggles elsewhere in the Christian's walk. The sections on lament and waiting were particularly impactful to me.
Some of my favorite lines:
Steve also includes such deep, meaningful quotations from other writers and well-known Christian creatives, including C.S. Lewis, A.W. Tozer, Ursula K. Le Guin, Makoto Fujimura, and Leland Ryken, as well as Scripture passages with unique application to the life and fears of a writer.
The entire book was so spiritually encouraging to me when I needed it the most. I look forward to having the printed version!
Though it's written in the context of the writing life, many of the chapters apply directly to spiritual and emotional struggles elsewhere in the Christian's walk. The sections on lament and waiting were particularly impactful to me.
Some of my favorite lines:
“What makes [waiting] agonizing is not only the passage of time, but the uncertainty about the outcome. If we knew precisely when and how God would answer, waiting would be immeasurably easier. Instead, we are asked to walk by faith, not by sight.”
“When we fail to trust God, it is often because we refuse to imagine that things could be different. Therefore “our faithlessness is… a massive failure of imagination.” But if we reclaim a sanctified imagination, we can mirror the God who “calls into existence the things that do not exist” (Romans 4: 17).”
"There is also the discipline of forgetting the past that becomes important. When we are in a protracted season of waiting, we can become prisoners of our past disappointments. There is the old saying that “silence is golden.” For the writer, silence is molten. We fill the silence of waiting with every negative possibility we can imagine. We know that bad news is coming because it has happened to us before. We must be willing to release yesterday’s rejection and take hold of today’s promise. God’s mercies are new every morning during the wait, not just at the end of it."
Steve also includes such deep, meaningful quotations from other writers and well-known Christian creatives, including C.S. Lewis, A.W. Tozer, Ursula K. Le Guin, Makoto Fujimura, and Leland Ryken, as well as Scripture passages with unique application to the life and fears of a writer.
The entire book was so spiritually encouraging to me when I needed it the most. I look forward to having the printed version!
May 26, 2026
A Book Review – Sacred Margins by Steve Laube
Steve Laube draws from his decades of experience in the writing, editing, and publishing world to speak truth and wisdom into the hearts of writers.
My fence needed a fresh coat of paint, and my soul needed nourishment, so I put on some old clothes, grabbed my earbuds, and pressed play on Sacred Margins. By the time the fence was finished, so was the book.
My neighbors may have thought me a bit odd as I repeatedly whispered, “Yes” and “amen,” or a heartfelt, “That’s right.”
Steve Laube repeatedly put into words what my heart has struggled to articulate:
“A Christian called to write, writes out of obedience.”
“We are created to create.”
“We write because we can’t not write.”
Throughout this book, Laube gently leads the reader back to the deeper purpose of writing: to reflect and illuminate the image of the Author and Finisher of our faith. He encourages writers to use writing as a means of lament, while reminding them to write from a place of healing rather than hurt.
He speaks to both the experienced writer who seems to have achieved great success and the aspiring author who is struggling to faithfully pursue a calling to write, navigating the ever-changing demands and constraints of the publishing industry.
One of the most encouraging reminders in the book is that if our words impact only one person, even if that person is the writer himself, then the writing has fulfilled its purpose.
Laube emphasizes that saturating oneself in God’s Word, along with patience and perseverance, is foundational to finding peace and success, not by the world’s standards, but within the calling God has given us.
I have listened to this book only one time so far, yet it will be one I will recommend often, give as gifts, and return to whenever I grow weary in my calling as a writer of truth.
This is a must-read for every Christian writer and anyone who wants to be challenged in their faith walk.
Steve Laube draws from his decades of experience in the writing, editing, and publishing world to speak truth and wisdom into the hearts of writers.
My fence needed a fresh coat of paint, and my soul needed nourishment, so I put on some old clothes, grabbed my earbuds, and pressed play on Sacred Margins. By the time the fence was finished, so was the book.
My neighbors may have thought me a bit odd as I repeatedly whispered, “Yes” and “amen,” or a heartfelt, “That’s right.”
Steve Laube repeatedly put into words what my heart has struggled to articulate:
“A Christian called to write, writes out of obedience.”
“We are created to create.”
“We write because we can’t not write.”
Throughout this book, Laube gently leads the reader back to the deeper purpose of writing: to reflect and illuminate the image of the Author and Finisher of our faith. He encourages writers to use writing as a means of lament, while reminding them to write from a place of healing rather than hurt.
He speaks to both the experienced writer who seems to have achieved great success and the aspiring author who is struggling to faithfully pursue a calling to write, navigating the ever-changing demands and constraints of the publishing industry.
One of the most encouraging reminders in the book is that if our words impact only one person, even if that person is the writer himself, then the writing has fulfilled its purpose.
Laube emphasizes that saturating oneself in God’s Word, along with patience and perseverance, is foundational to finding peace and success, not by the world’s standards, but within the calling God has given us.
I have listened to this book only one time so far, yet it will be one I will recommend often, give as gifts, and return to whenever I grow weary in my calling as a writer of truth.
This is a must-read for every Christian writer and anyone who wants to be challenged in their faith walk.
June 17, 2026
I have always appreciated the wisdom of Steve Laube when I've heard him speak at writers' conferences and spoken to him in person; thus, I knew Sacred Margins would be an important read. I have not been disappointed, but greatly encouraged. His call for "contemplation" in how we apply Scripture and life experiences to our writing is much needed, as writers often jump in with both feet without taking prayerful consideration of our writing goals, much less of what the Lord is calling us to put down on paper.
The twelve short chapters on sacred margins cause us to pause and ponder. They may be short in length, but they are definitely long in wisdom. Two such sentences on which a person could sit for days are these: "We must be willing to release yesterday's rejection and take hold of today's promise. God's mercies are new every morning during the wait, not only at the end of it." Wow.
After the first twelve chapters, Laube provides 21 days of further opportunities to "ruminate", with a group of short, thought-provoking exercises that cause us to sit further in the margins and see what God will do. Laube ends with a wonderful lifetime reading plan with suggested books by amazing authors that will take any writer into the depths with God.
This will be a book I reread over the years and refer to when I lose my way in writing. A highly recommended read for writers.
The twelve short chapters on sacred margins cause us to pause and ponder. They may be short in length, but they are definitely long in wisdom. Two such sentences on which a person could sit for days are these: "We must be willing to release yesterday's rejection and take hold of today's promise. God's mercies are new every morning during the wait, not only at the end of it." Wow.
After the first twelve chapters, Laube provides 21 days of further opportunities to "ruminate", with a group of short, thought-provoking exercises that cause us to sit further in the margins and see what God will do. Laube ends with a wonderful lifetime reading plan with suggested books by amazing authors that will take any writer into the depths with God.
This will be a book I reread over the years and refer to when I lose my way in writing. A highly recommended read for writers.
September 8, 2026
Sacred Margins is an excellent book for Christian writers. Steve Laube peels back the layers of your heart dulled by writers block, apathy, and soul weariness, and whispers the grace and truth you are longing to hear. He reminds you of WHY you decided to write in the first place and WHO you are writing for. Not only that, he takes the pressure of by pointing out that our job is simply to reflect the glory of the Author of all things.
In addition to inspiring your soul, this book also contains 21 daily writing exercises to help you get back in the habit of writing. These are more than just writing prompts; they are devotionals that combine Scripture and author quotes to spur on your own creativity. I particularly enjoyed how Laube connected different verses based on similar themes to create a combined tapestry of God's thoughts on the matter.
I highly recommend this book! It would make a great gift for the Christian authors in your life.
In addition to inspiring your soul, this book also contains 21 daily writing exercises to help you get back in the habit of writing. These are more than just writing prompts; they are devotionals that combine Scripture and author quotes to spur on your own creativity. I particularly enjoyed how Laube connected different verses based on similar themes to create a combined tapestry of God's thoughts on the matter.
I highly recommend this book! It would make a great gift for the Christian authors in your life.
October 1, 2026
For me, the benefit of this book was the way it provided reflection on my writing life over the course of a couple of months more than the actual content of the book. The number of quotes Laube used were distracting more than helpful for me, and I also have a different understanding of "calling" than most evangelicals, which made some chapters harder to connect with.
Still, particularly the chapters on self-doubt, criticism, success, and perseverance were timely and pertinent, and the spiritual exercises did provide good food for thought. I plan to keep this on my desk to take out and re-read some portions before writing over the next few months as I attempt to return to habits of regular writing.
Still, particularly the chapters on self-doubt, criticism, success, and perseverance were timely and pertinent, and the spiritual exercises did provide good food for thought. I plan to keep this on my desk to take out and re-read some portions before writing over the next few months as I attempt to return to habits of regular writing.
September 25, 2026
"Sacred Margins" is the finest book I have read on the calling and craft of the Christian author. Every word has been carefully chosen, making each thought clear and full of depth. Steve Laube's expertise in the business and craft of writing is seen in every inspired page.
September 15, 2026
An excellent resource for all writers. You'll find encouragement, God's truth, and challenging concepts to apply to your life. Highly recommend!
June 17, 2026
Steve Laube digs into the heart of a writer/creative and mines the thoughts and nightmares we often want to keep hidden. But by exposing them in the grace of God, he allows us to see our writing as the gift and blessing it is. A short book, but so deep. It will soon be a dog-eared, heavily highlighted, favorite.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews