Writing for the Soul: Instruction And Advice from an Extraordinary Writing Life

by Jerry B. Jenkins

The best-selling author of the Left Behind series offers a personal handbook of inspiration, advice, anecdotes, and practical techniques for prospective writers, discussing the essential skills and abilities required to build a writing career, how to work with an editor, how to create a query or proposal, and more. 45,000 first printing.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Christian, Memoir, Christian Non Fiction

241 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2006

About the author

Jerry Bruce Jenkins is an American novelist and biographer. He is best known as the writer of the Left Behind series of books for Tim LaHaye and The Chosen novels to accompany his son Dallas's TV series. Jenkins has written more than 200 books, including mysteries, historical fiction, biblical fiction, cop thrillers, international spy thrillers, and children's adventures, as well as nonfiction. His works usually feature Christians as protagonists. In 2005, Jenkins and LaHaye ranked 9th in Amazon.com's 10th Anniversary list of Hall of Fame authors based on books sold at Amazon.com during its first 10 years. Jenkins now teaches writers to become authors here at his website. He and his wife Dianna have three sons and eight grandchildren.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first part of this book. While I haven't enjoyed any of Jenkins fiction works, there is no denying that he has a lot of talent. His words were a blessing for both new and experienced writers. Why didn't I finish reading this book? Honestly, because he took a stand that was not only offensive to me, but also was against two pieces of advice he had already given.

He said that Christians were embarrassing for being against the Harry Potter books and it was silly to think that their children would become witches because of it. First off, this was off topic for the chapter it was in, second, it showed lack of research. Most of the people I know (including my family) know that kids won't become witches because they read the book (I would agree that is a far-fetched idea) but still have an problem with the book because it glorifies something God says he is against.

While I liked some of what this author had to say, I felt that this note did not fit the book, nor was it necessary to mock those of us who hold a different opinion. If he had used the Harry Potter books as an example of excellent writing, that is fine with me, but don't make light of what other people believe.

[Joseph Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a newer edition of this, signed by the author, when I met him at a writing conference last year.

Tho I haven't read any of his other books, I really enjoyed reading this book and have loved hearing him speak. He includes a lot of funny personal anecdotes that makes this book almost just as much biography as it is book on writing. His writing advice is practical and straightforward. Occasionally it differs from what I've heard from other writing instructors who I give greater weight, but overall I think I'll be implementing most of his advice for my own writing, going forward!

This book isn't anything revolutionary for learning writing skills. I recommend it to anyone who wants a book that will give you helpful writing tips (or remind you of tips you've already heard) and even more importantly, will give you encouragement from a successful Christian writer who balanced faith and writing in a God-glorifying way.

I've never found a book on writing so easy and enjoyable to read. :)

[Emanuel Elizondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely delightful book. It’s specially written for the Christian fiction writer. The author is honest, blunt, and funny, too.

You can tell Jenkins has a passion for writing for God’s glory.

I’ll probably read it again.

Highly recommend it.

[C.J. Darlington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pop quiz. How many books did Jerry Jenkins write before penning the smash hit Left Behind? 0, 4, 17, 58, or 124? Believe it or not, the correct answer is the last one. Says Jerry in Chapter 1: "It shouldn't surprise me, but it amuses me when people ask if I've written anything besides the Left Behind series. I'm tempted to say, `No, I hit pay dirt on the first try.'"

Writing for the Soul is more than a writing how-to book (though it does dish up some helpful morsels for writer wannabes). It's also an autobiography of sorts in which Jerry shares how he got started as a writer and what's motivated him for the 40+ years he's been at it. With an easy-to-read and often humorous style, Writing for the Soul's thirteen chapters cover everything from "What to Write" to "Pursuing Publication". The nuts and bolts elements are cleverly interspersed throughout the stories documenting Jerry's trials, errors, and successes.

Also included are nine stories featuring some of the famous people Jerry's had the privilege of spending time with over the years. Included are Walter Payton, Billy Graham, B.J. Thomas, Meadowlark Lemon, Brett Butler, Mike Singletary and Joe Gibbs, Orel Hershiser and Nolan Ryan, Madeline Manning, and Paul Anderson. These intriguing anecdotes alone make Writing for the Soul a worthwhile bookshelf addition for the glimpse into these lives. I'm coming away with a new appreciation for the evangelist Billy Graham's humility, for example.

Maybe not as detailed as some writing instructional books (you won't find query letter how-tos or entire sections devoted to specific techniques), Writing for the Soul is still an inspirational beginning primer for anyone with writerly inclinations. At the end of several chapters is a Q&A section where Jerry answers questions like, "How do you know when a scene or chapter should end?", "How important is comic relief?", "How can a young writer succeed?" and more.

Positive and encouraging, Writing for the Soul is an honest discussion about what it takes to be a writer. Jerry's words say it all: "I'm living my dream as a full-time freelance novelist, writing about things I believe in and care about. And you can too. The path is crowded and the passage long, but the reward is worth it. You can write for the benefit of your soul. And you can write to reach the soul of another."

[Mark Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are familiar with the Left Behind series of books then Jerry B. Jenkins will be no stranger to you.
In Writing for the Soul, Jenkins addresses aspirational writers in general and those who want to write specifically for the inspirational market.
His comments are encouraging and challenging. More than once he asks the reader if the writing life is really what they want to do.
It reminded me of the question I've often heard, "Do you really want to write? Or do you just like the idea of being a writer?"
Jenkins even relates the story of a doctor who said to him that he had often thought of taking up writing. "And I have thought of going into medicine," Jenkins replies.
"Really," the doctor says, "I didn't know you had the training."
"Exactly." Jenkins said.
Jenkins uses interviews and tales from his vast sports biography writing career to entertain and make his points.
I found this book fast paced, easy to read, and personally challenging. To all writers everywhere his resounding message is write! Don't wait for the inspiration, write because you have to regardless of if you ever get published. He admonishes that writing is really work and you have to treat it as such if you ever hope of making any money at it.
He talks about finding the balance in life between work and family.
He also encourages writers to write across genres. Don't be limited to one type of writing but explore of all types of writing: biographies, newletters, newspaper stories, fiction, and non-fiction.
The final chapters include reminders of style and a healthy reference section of books aspiring and current writers need to read.
This is a great book if you need encouragement, insight and a little direction to get you from where you are to where you want to go as a writer.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the best non-fiction book Jerry Jenkins has ever written. Helpful insights for the aspiring writer, but also a glimpse into a life well lived.

[Laurel (Yeetarandomwriter) Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a newer edition. At least since 2020 since it mentioned the pandemic I believe. This book weaves both memoir and writing advice in a humorous, entertaining way. I really enjoyed it!

[Lyndie Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was attracted to this book because...
Jerry Jenkins and the Left Behind books taught me there was a place for Christian writers in today’s market. I was going to his writing conference when I bought the book.

This book was about...
Jerry Jenkins‘ experience as a freelance novelist and his advice on writing with a particular emphasis on writing for the inspirational market.


The most important thing I liked about this book is how often Jerry expressed my own thoughts and perceptions about writing. That made the rest of the book more comfortable to read and process. I felt at home. I also found his practical advice and the stories he shared from his own experience very helpful.

Why you should read this book...
if you need encouragement for your writing efforts, Jerry is someone who brings hope, encouragement and practical advice to face the fears and requirements of being a freelance writer.

This book lived up to the back cover copy...
The back cover leads with this invitation, ‘Come take the journey of a lifetime.’ This is an apt description of the story of his writing career Jerry shares in these pages.

[Karla Osorno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating 4.5 stars.

Part autobiographical stories and part practical writing tips, Writing for the Soul Instruction and Advice from and Extraordinary Writing Life delivers. I knew Jerry B. Jenkins from the Left Behind Series and picked this book up at a book warehouse sale. I am embarrassed to say that was in 2014. I picked it up from my shelf yesterday and finished it today. The writing is clear and the content captured my attention. Jenkins demonstrates his advice in his own writing, examples and stories from his work, and anecdotes from his personal relationships with his wife and boys. There is humor, emotion, and pragmatism in every chapter. I appreciate this book and recommend it to writers and anyone who likes stories about writers and interesting people.

[Jonathan H. MONTES · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for writing and great for anyone trying to learn about journalism or writing for magazines or even a memoir. This was an eye opening experience from someone who came into writing without quite wanting to. Jerry Jenkins wanted to be a baseball player more than anything, but that came to an end after an injury, like most unlucky dreamers of making it big in sports. But he did make it big in writing. Thanks to his strong belief in God.
He got his break in writing a book for a pastor, I believe which is cool. The pastor had an idea but didn't know how to place it on paper so they worked together and that series led to 19 books, many of them bestsellers.
But more than that, this book is filled with words for writers. It's inspirational and motivating. It comes packed with stories of his life that led to bigger books and contracts to write memoirs for top ranking people, mostly sports, but famous nonetheless.
Later, he switched over to fiction. He enjoys that more, and I'm sure if you are reading this that you do to, maybe even writing your own stories, like me.
It was great fun learning about sports and famous people. Additionally, there are book recommendations for writers. That's always fun, considering that many think they are established in writing and that their word is golden, but only few have the experience to back it up. Take a look below to find those books.
I do have to say though, that at first it started slow, and I almost dropped it off the cliff. But around page 30 is when we start to get writing advice, stuff that his too true to not like. This stuff is powerful and demonstrates real wisdom that might hurt you if you are not really a writer.
Enjoy this book and let me know that you think.

Annotations Captured on Kindle Paperwhite:
Writing for the Soul: Instruction and Advice from an Extraordinary Writing Life
Jerry B. Jenkins
p.06) Jerry B. Jenkins is a big Christain. That’s how his career started.
p.07) I have often cautioned wannabes: No one really likes to write; they like to have written. That idea is not, of course, original, but I sure identify with it. Writing is hard work, especially when the sheen of the novelty of the idea has been worn dull by the daily obligation to produce pages.
p.08) I loved old stories told new. It was the telling that made the difference.
p.11) Problem was, I didn’t believe in writer’s block and had been saying so to budding writers for years. My idea went like this: Writing may be art and craft, but it is also your job. Factory workers and executives don’t get to call in and say “I have worker’s block today.” They would be told to get their behinds into the workplace or look for another job.
p.12) My father, who passed in 2003, always told me there were two kinds of people: those who tried to see how little they had to do to get by, and those who did whatever it took to accomplish their tasks.
p.13) Left Behind was not my first book. It was my 125th.
p.14) If writing is hard work, becoming recognized as a writer is even harder. Writing about something you know little about will make it only drudgery. Specialize-especially during your formative writing years-in your own area of interest.
p.15) He played dice baseball for hours, something his father made up for him to keep him distracted and busy.
p.16) I injured my knee, and this was before the advent of reconstructive arthroscopic surgery.
p.35) I do not fall into the category of those who say, “I write because I can’t not write.” I admire those people, and sometimes wish I were one of them.
p.35) You are what you say you are. If you have decided to be a writer, you’re a writer, published or not. We all have to start somewhere. Beginners often lament that the door is closed except to the big names. But think about it: Who were the big names before they were published?
Nobodies.
Get serious about your career by declaring yourself a writer. Do it now, and don’t look back. If doing so makes you waver or doubt yourself, maybe you’re not cut out for writing. If you’re looking for reasons to quit, there are plenty.
p.40) Why write if you don’t like writing?
Because it’s me. It’s what I do. Beginners like the idea of being an author, but not the hours it takes to get the job done.
Mostly I enjoy the freedom of setting my own hours and being my own boss.
p.41) It’s not that I hate going to the keyboard, but I put it off, dreading the encounter, especially getting started. When I finally get to it, I often think, This isn’t so bad. Then the story draws me in, and I’m off and running.
p.43) On Creative Writing and College professors: In almost every case, I find the writing teacher is not published.
p.43) If the writer has to explain it, it’s not working. If I am compelled to read a paragraph twice, it had better be because it moved me so much that I want to, not because I have to figure out what in the world the writer is trying to say.
p.46) Interviewed Walter Payton.
p.48) Walter Payton on running: Walter planned it so that if he passed out, which he often did, he would end up near his car and appear to be napping, lest anyone grew concerned.
p.49) He played pro football from 1975 until 1987, and died of liver cancer in 1999 at age forty-five.
p.53) Don’t Wait:
Many writers-or would be writers-talk about waiting for inspiration. If you’re called, inspiration and passion will permeate your writing. Don’t confuse inspiration with initiative. Initiative solves your procrastination problem and pulls you through writer’s block.
p.57) He interviewed Billy Graham for the memoir Just As I Am
p.65) Journalism teaches you to get to the point and write quickly. You also learn to write regardless of the distractions.
Listen, it helps to learn to write in a boiler-room atmosphere. Do that and you can write anywhere.
p.67) Learn everything there is to know about how to submit your material, then start small. Write for local publication, and when you have scored some clips, try regional magazines, then national. You’ll stub your toe occasionally, but you’ll learn. You’d be surprised at how many submissions magazine editors get from people who don’t even know to double-space their work and print it on only one side of paper.
p.68) That idea became the book Rookie, which is now published under the title The Youngest Hero.
p.71) Citizens of Masada faced exactly that decision in 73 AD. They killed their offspring and themselves rather than fall under the power of the enemy.
That’s another reason to be a reading writer: History can help you make believable plotting decisions.
p.74) When it’s time to get down to writing, I head to my writing retreat in the mountains, which sits on the second floor of a building behind a large cabin home on fifty-nine acres.
I had started with an old upright manual typewriter, pecking away with two fingers. My ersatz office consisted of the couch, where I sat with my new portable electric typewriter facing me on the seat of a kitchen chair. I spread my papers on either side of me, and if I had a lot of resources to consult, I added a kitchen chair on either side of the typewriter.
p.77) If there is anything you should go into debt for it is a comfortable chair. You are going to live in that thing for hours at a time, and you want to be able to forget about it.
p.79) Ideas tend to come easier when your writing space and tools are right.
p.81) Is there any excuse for saying “I won’t write today?”
Sometimes. If you’re under the weather or didn’t sleep well, maybe you need a break. Maybe your creative juices will flow better if you give yourself a day off. But you always have to pay.
p.82) If you get tired, take a nap. But if you’re waiting until you’re completely cogent, coherent, and inspired, you may never get to the keyboard. You become a better writer by writing, by flexing those writing muscles.
p.97) Don’t ever think about starting your writing before doing your research.
p.97) My technical consultants tell me that if you can imagine something, it will likely be on the market in five years, but here are logical limits.
p.102) Almanacs and atlases are wonderful, inexpensive investments. A world almanac is a must for a serious writer.
p.102) World almanacs include just about anything you could ever want in the way of basic research. I even use them for coming up with character names. When naming a foreign character, I’ll look up his country of origin, scan the current government leaders for the last name, combine that with a first name from the country’s history, and bingo, I have a perfectly legitimate and ethnically accurate name.
p.103) Research takes you only so far, eventually you have to push past cold facts and go beyond your research to create your own world and its inhabitants.
p.104) We can complain all we want about how good stories don’t get enough attention, but the fact is, conflict makes fiction more interesting.
Conflict helps create what novel-writing guru Sol Stein calls the engine of a story.
p.105) Make sure that your research does not come off as evidence that you did your homework by explaining things that don’t need to be in the story or in dialogue.
p.109) In an article or a book, you need to incorporate changes of pace. Slower periods allow the reader to get her bearings, and the writer to convey important information that might be lost during a breathless action scene.
p.110) Resist the urge to fix everything so your protagonist has clear sailing. Better to go the other way. Have her evicted, living with friends, unable to get her clothes cleaned, wondering where her next meal will come from.
Conflict is crucial. Conflict is indispensable. Conflict also creates tension.
Book) Dean Koontz: How to Write Best-selling Fiction.
p.122) How do you know when a scene or chapter should end?
It’s almost always earlier than you think. When I’m writing multiple-perspective narrative, I'd end a scene as powerfully as I can. The next day, I find there’s at least one line before that break that I can still cut.
I’ll say it again: cutting nearly always improves the final product.
p.122) If you merely edit your manuscript with this in mind-starting scene later and ending them earlier-you’ll punch up your story immeasurably.
p.129) Authors, too, must change and grow. If we are not different people by the end of the writing, something is wrong. And each effort should be an improvement over the last.
p.130) You don’t even have to name orbital characters, but they should be interesting. In The Operative, my lead buys a gun on the black market in South America from a national wearing thick, black, horn-rimmed glasses. My guess is you already have a picture of him in your mind. You see him a certain height, have a given him a hair color, can probably even hear his accent.
I want you to see him your way, fat and dumpy or tall and thin. I call him Glasses. I’ve referred to others as Big Mouth, Pants, or Shoes. I don’t need you to get to know them; they’re just props. But, I hope, distinctive ones.
p.134) Keep Track: writing out a character sketch-even a short bio-can help keep you straight, but don’t feel obligated to use every tidbit of someone’s history.
Book) William Sloane-The Craft of Writing.
p.143) When writers jump from brain to brain within the same scene, that’s called omniscient viewpoint
N) and he doesn’t recommend this. Just read Malorie and see how terrible it sounds.
p.151) Stop the clutter of detail:
The tiny rig echoed through the dark house. The shinny white receiver waited on the stone countertop. Another outburst. Chester, handsome, dark-haired, and taller than normal, craned his neck to look at the ringing reminder of his loneliness. After the phone’s third cry for attention, Chet stood up and strode purposefully toward the kitchen. His long legs were encased in brown corduroys, which swished in the silence as he moved toward the phone. Ring foru. He knew the machine would click on if he didn’t move quickly. He plucked the receiver delicately from the cradle with his bronzed hand and said in war, resonant tones, “Hello. Chester here.”
“Hi, Chester. It’s Mary.”
You get the idea. Here ‘s my version: Late that night, Mary phoned.

[Klasko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has some general information about writing and good practical advice. If you are a Christian writer or have any interest in writing for the Christian market, then this book should be on your shelf

[Erica Senecal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only did I learn things about Jerry Jenkins that I didn't know, like he's written over 150 books; but I also learned a ton of new stuff about writing. I highly recommend to fans and writers alike.

[Paul Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part autobiography; part advice book. Reminds me a little of the Stephen King book, "On Writing," with its dual nature. Jenkins also gives advice specifically about the Christian's life priorities vis-a-vis being an author, which he illustrates from his own life experience.

[Katelyn Bolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chocked full of anecdotes and great advice, Jenkins has written a book that all writers, especially freelancers, should read. You'll be instantly drawn in and you won't be able to resist reading just one more chapter.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do not consider myself much of a writer, but still truly enjoyed this motivational and instructional blend.

[Glenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and it led me to read more of Jenkins work.

[Nikole Hahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. A keeper.

[Diane Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and felt encouraged to forge on in my writing endeavors even though Jerry used a lot of sports anecdotes (I am not a sports fan of any kind) I did not mind them.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such great advice for writers/ new authors. I'm so glad I read this one!

[Leah Good · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for Christian authors!

[Barbara Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing for the Soul: Instruction and Advice from an Extraordinary Writing Life by Jerry B. Jenkins is part memoir as well as instruction, advice, and tips about writing. But even the biographical parts are written to share what he learned.

Jenkins started out working for a newspaper writing for the sports section while he was still in high school. His goal was to write for the Chicago Tribune until a message at camp about surrendering his all to the Lord led him to do just that. A job editing a Sunday School paper for Scripture Press under a tough editor caused him to hone his skills. An interview led to his first book, a biography. Many of his next books were biographies or “as told to” stories. Then he branched into fiction. Left Behind, the book for which he is probably most well known, was his 125th book.

In Writing for the Soul, Jenkins covers everything from his family policy, motives and tools for writing, discovering what to write and your audience, characters, plot, perspective, and much more. Some of the chapters end with a question and answer section. Interspersed through the chapters are smaller sections covering topics ranging from working with celebrities to the need for humility to internal dialogue of characters. In a paper book, these might have been sidebars: in the Kindle version I read, they were paragraphs withing the chapter but set off by dividing lines.

In-between chapters, Jenkins shares experiences with some of the people whose biographies he has written, from Meadowlark Lemon and other sports figures to musician B. J. Thomas to Billy Graham.

I especially appreciated the sections on making inspirational writing not sound “preachy.”

[Kev Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hidden gem among books about writing. It's hard to believe that this one was put together almost 15 years ago, and there are just a handful of reviews and ratings for that amount of time. This book is on par with Stephen King's "On Writing," Allen Arnold's "The Story of With," and Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird."

Jenkins' advice is practical. For example, the most important writing purchase is not a fancy computer or a high-speed printer. Instead, make sure to buy a good chair to sit in while writing, because you'll need to be there often. There are no shortcuts to becoming an established writer. Regular time in the seat and at the keyboard is the #1 requirement.

Jenkins' delivery and tone are conversational and his editing advice is an important takeaway. I didn't read anything within these pages that didn't apply, regardless of what style of writing is being pursued. There's no fluff here, and as a reader, I appreciate that. It makes me want to emulate that in my own writing, whether it be book reviews or my own crafting of stories.

I found the excerpts from other books that Jenkins included as examples to be solid reinforcements to the teaching he shares in each lesson along the way. He also provides answers to questions he is commonly asked by his readers and by aspiring writers, and he has a knack for getting his points across without being condescending. I felt encouraged from cover to cover while being given a realistic glimpse of the challenge inherent to the craft.

This is a can't-miss for writers.

[LA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book because I was considering taking Writer's Digest University's course on religious writing. This book was indicated as their main text.
Though this book is geared towards faith-based writing, Christian authors in particular, there is some great writing advice offered up that is worth considering for authors of all genres (Stephen King's endorsement is on the front cover). Partly memoir, partly writing craft there's much to be taken away from this excellent resource.
I especially appreciated the final two chapters - "Advice for the Thick-Skinned Writers" and "Pursuing Publication" - basically, be prepared to have your work criticized, and do your homework before sending off anything for publication. There's a great list of additional resources listed at the back too.
It's an enjoyable read. I haven't read any of his fiction pieces but after reading this book, I have at least one on my shelf waiting for the spine to be cracked open.

[Angel Ackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a lot of writing books lately for an annotated bibliography I’m putting together—and I was shocked (in the best way possible) to see what a GREAT book this is. I grabbed this book from the library shelf without realizing Jerry B. Jenkins was the author of the Left Behind books.

Once I realized the book was written by a sports writer who moved into Christian publishing I expected the book to be preachy and niche. While his faith does play a central role in this book, it does not detract from his writing wisdom, if anything it strengthens it.

He has a good balance of sharing his life experience, his professional projects and his advice in practical ways and in a fun tone.

And his advice— despite the age of the book is spot on.

If that’s not enough, he also has a list of books he recommends and an index for topical reference.

[Mark Mathes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delight to read and use Writing for the Soul by wordsmith and storyteller Jerry Jenkins. His writing platform is broad and deep: biography, Christian education, devotional, adult fiction, children's fiction, documentary, motivational. And comic strips. My pleasure to work with Jerry when he wrote the classic comic Gil Thorp, which I edited and syndicated internationally in my previous life. His vast experience makes this book so useful and inspiring for writers in every genre and milestones in their careers.

[Joy Kidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by the author of the Left Behind Series, he tells how he came to write those and dozens of other books, his thought processes, including warnings and encouragement for hopeful writers. Our burden, task, and privilege is to represent hope. We're to leave touch points to make clear the enormity of the themes we examine. And we're to get out of the way so the heart of the message reaches the soul of the reader. Writing is such an amazing calling, as the author makes clear.

[Brenda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I wasn’t sure about this book. It felt like the author was just telling his story. Then…. He started giving good advice and suggestions on writing. My copy is filled with side notes and underlines. I am going to go back to the story I have started and really study what I have written and change it where need be to incorporate his tips. I feel I will be using this book till The pages are fully worn.

[Wally Morris · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought a used copy; glad I did; not worth full price.
His writing advice is helpful, but not anything someone else hasn't already said.
He recommends Stephen King's books, which I find strange since King's books have foul language and sexual scenes (I skimmed some of King's writing, that's how I know & why I don't read King).
Disappointed in Jenkins.

[Norla Chee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even skipping over some of the sports and Christianity the book provides very practical, useful advice for writers. Toward the end I cheered. I finally found someone else who agreed with me on the overuse of "that." I have been reading and discarding books, to make way for others, but I will be keeping this one. Chapters 9-11 are worth at least a second read, along with notetaking.

[J.R. Underdown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book starts out reading like an autobiography and then turns into your typical writing lessons with random anecdotes about athletes and famous people Jenkins has interviewed. Some of his insights feel unique and stick out. Others you've heard before. Still, as a book on writing for a mostly Christian audience, it does its job competently.