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Writing Devotionals That Stick: A Step-By-Step Guide for Writing This Unique Genre for Today’s Busy Readers
Writing Devotionals That Stick is a writing guide that shows step-by-step how to write devotionals (a unique genre in the faith-based market) in a way that stays with today’s busy, distracted readers.Leaders, entrepreneurs, students, moms, professionals, Christian writers (or those who want to be), and many others who want to share their experiences with God have learned to write sticky devotionals and meditations by using the principles found in this book. It’s a fun and easy-to-use guide packed with examples, writing tips, and “Try This” exercises to help you put the steps into practice right away. Author Kathy Widenhouse shares these principles drawn from 15 years of her experience producing hundreds of devotionals for clients, leaders, and publishers.
- GenresWriting
172 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2017
108 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
did-not-finish
December 17, 2021Well, I didn't get far enough into this to tell if the tips were helpful because I became so irritated with how the author was twisting scripture to make it say what she wanted it to. She was using scriptures out of context to talk about writing.
November 19, 2017
Recommended to self-help book's authors and readers
This is exactly what I said most of the times. "Ideas are all around you."
The writer is stickable: his or her heart is positioned to hear and record truth.
The reader is stickable: he or she is positioned to receive truth.
The content is sticky: truth is presented so the reader can relate to it and understand it.
This is exactly what I said most of the times. "Ideas are all around you."
The writer is stickable: his or her heart is positioned to hear and record truth.
The reader is stickable: he or she is positioned to receive truth.
The content is sticky: truth is presented so the reader can relate to it and understand it.
March 1, 2019
I hadn't read anything by this author before but her writing style clicks with me. She uses language that anyone can understand to guide one in writing a faith based devotional that will stick with the reader. I believe what she has shared would help anyone wanting to write better. Whether one is looking to write a book, blog post, article etc.
I highlighted several quotes, a few are below:
"You are to wrestle with what He shares with you so you can discern nuggets of truth."
"You are qualified because you have a unique perspective and because your observations are one-of-a-kind."
"Do you want to be a stickable writer? Then adapt this mindset: ideas are all around you. Look for them."
As the scriptures say:
"Write the vision, make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it." Habakkuk 2:2
I'd recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their writing.
I highlighted several quotes, a few are below:
"You are to wrestle with what He shares with you so you can discern nuggets of truth."
"You are qualified because you have a unique perspective and because your observations are one-of-a-kind."
"Do you want to be a stickable writer? Then adapt this mindset: ideas are all around you. Look for them."
As the scriptures say:
"Write the vision, make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it." Habakkuk 2:2
I'd recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their writing.
December 30, 2020
Simple, insightful how-to for aspiring devotional writers
I am a freelance writer, and I have been sensing God wants me to take up the project of compiling a devotional series on a particular topic. I found this eBook online for free, and it has been very helpful.
The author, who has published several devotional resources, gives very simple, succinct guidelines on how to come up with and develop ideas, choose Scripture passages, compose a body of a devotional that connects with readers, figure out a meaningful application and publish it in a way that will reach your intended audience. She also has an appendix with additional helpful resources.
If you are looking for a primer on devotional writing that is easy to read, understand and apply, I highly recommend this one. It is neither too technical nor trite and will help you get started producing devotional materials worth reading.
I am a freelance writer, and I have been sensing God wants me to take up the project of compiling a devotional series on a particular topic. I found this eBook online for free, and it has been very helpful.
The author, who has published several devotional resources, gives very simple, succinct guidelines on how to come up with and develop ideas, choose Scripture passages, compose a body of a devotional that connects with readers, figure out a meaningful application and publish it in a way that will reach your intended audience. She also has an appendix with additional helpful resources.
If you are looking for a primer on devotional writing that is easy to read, understand and apply, I highly recommend this one. It is neither too technical nor trite and will help you get started producing devotional materials worth reading.
January 31, 2018
I've written many devotionals in the past, but this book was still extremely beneficial. Kathy Widenhouse takes the very specific subject of writing Bible devotionals and gives the nuts and bolts of what is required and why. She explains why her format formula works and offers suggestions and templates to make a devotional "stick" with the reader. I thoroughly recommend this little book to anyone who wants to write in this niche, and for those who already have experience. I, for one, will be coming back to it for reference time and again!
February 3, 2021
Practical & Encouraging
I loved this book for its clear, practical counsel on writing devotionals. The author offers many helpful tools and easily applicable guidelines for the entire process of writing for this genre. She covers the idea phase, planning, audience, and structure. I found the content to be encouraging and applicable. This book will be on my shelf as a reference guide!
I loved this book for its clear, practical counsel on writing devotionals. The author offers many helpful tools and easily applicable guidelines for the entire process of writing for this genre. She covers the idea phase, planning, audience, and structure. I found the content to be encouraging and applicable. This book will be on my shelf as a reference guide!
January 14, 2023
A must for devotional writers
This book covers so much that devotional writers need to know. New writers will learn what's necessary in a devotional and the how-to for penning pieces that readers will enjoy. Seasoned writers will polish their skills with the advice given. I have the print copy that I've highlighted, made notes in, read and re-read. I keep it on my desk to refer to as I write. This is a keeper!
This book covers so much that devotional writers need to know. New writers will learn what's necessary in a devotional and the how-to for penning pieces that readers will enjoy. Seasoned writers will polish their skills with the advice given. I have the print copy that I've highlighted, made notes in, read and re-read. I keep it on my desk to refer to as I write. This is a keeper!
February 21, 2021
Great Resource
I thought this was a great read with lots of actionable advice, simple instruction, and creative ideas. The author has honed her craft and makes you, the reader feel as if you could pick up a pen and start writing. I have been interested in writing devotionals or Bible studies and after reading this book I feel better equipped to at least try it.
I thought this was a great read with lots of actionable advice, simple instruction, and creative ideas. The author has honed her craft and makes you, the reader feel as if you could pick up a pen and start writing. I have been interested in writing devotionals or Bible studies and after reading this book I feel better equipped to at least try it.
February 5, 2018
Excellent book for writing devotional
This book does an excellent job of going through writing a devotional that will keep people’s attention. It is straight-forward and understandable, I recommend this book.
This book does an excellent job of going through writing a devotional that will keep people’s attention. It is straight-forward and understandable, I recommend this book.
December 21, 2021
Great book Great Teacher
This surpassed my greatest hopes for a book on this topic. A random recommendation from Kindle and I'm so glad I tried it. She has a way of making knowledge 'stick'. Thank you Kathy for this book!
This surpassed my greatest hopes for a book on this topic. A random recommendation from Kindle and I'm so glad I tried it. She has a way of making knowledge 'stick'. Thank you Kathy for this book!
March 9, 2022
A great book that is easy to read and delivers a step-by-step approach to writing devotionals. Widenhouse provided examples of each step and a thorough explanation of why the various elements work together to create an excellent short, "sticky" devotional.
August 4, 2022
Excellent, practical book to write devotionals that are memorable and impactful. Love the extra idea sections in the index! Will definitely be referring back to this again and again as I write!
January 15, 2021
This book was filled with sticky tricks and practical information. I didn’t like the writing style of the author and the way she uses the words stick or sticky got on my nerves on the first chapter, but her experience has a lot of value.
February 2, 2017
Late night reading because I can't sleep. This book was right on time because 2 people have told me to strengthen my time with God so I can't share the word.
These are a few of my notes:
God reminds us to “Guard what has been entrusted to you” (1 Timothy 6:20, NLT).
“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it” (Habakkuk 2:2).
Revelation 1:19: “Write down what you have seen” (NLT).
You are qualified because you have a unique perspective and because your observations are one-of-a-kind.
A devotional is made up of three key elements: a biblical truth, an illustration, and a takeaway.
God could speak to me, even during upheaval. I needed to listen in a variety of ways so I could hear Him.
“In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33, NIV).
As you write your devotional, run it through your S-A-M test: Simple: what is my one point? Write it out. Authentic: is the content real? You know it is if you feel a bit vulnerable or exposed. Memorable: does the content stick in your mind —and why? Note existing connections, sensory details, and emotions.
There you have it. Your pathway to a short, inspiring point: Too many points? List them (as in write them down.) Choose one. Too broad of a point? Test (against scripture) for the best (point.) No point? Finish the story. There is no preferred route. None of these pathways to the point are better than the others and none are exclusive. Often, I take all three. They work together to provide checks and balances to show me that I truly am focusing on one point.
“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, RSV).
Always run your illustration through your standard S-A-M checklist: S: Is it short? Does the illustration use just one object lesson, one scene, or center on just one fact? You can share many details, but you’re looking at just one slide in the slide show. A: Is it authentic? Check your language and delivery. Are you coming alongside the reader and sharing as a peer? We alienate our audience when we’re holier than they are. Vulnerability breathes authenticity. M: Is it memorable? Illustrations are memorable when you make the connection for your reader to the scriptural truth.
James 1:22 says, “Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves” (NLT).
#TheWordIsWhatWeNeed #BelieveinGod
These are a few of my notes:
God reminds us to “Guard what has been entrusted to you” (1 Timothy 6:20, NLT).
“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it” (Habakkuk 2:2).
Revelation 1:19: “Write down what you have seen” (NLT).
You are qualified because you have a unique perspective and because your observations are one-of-a-kind.
A devotional is made up of three key elements: a biblical truth, an illustration, and a takeaway.
God could speak to me, even during upheaval. I needed to listen in a variety of ways so I could hear Him.
“In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33, NIV).
As you write your devotional, run it through your S-A-M test: Simple: what is my one point? Write it out. Authentic: is the content real? You know it is if you feel a bit vulnerable or exposed. Memorable: does the content stick in your mind —and why? Note existing connections, sensory details, and emotions.
There you have it. Your pathway to a short, inspiring point: Too many points? List them (as in write them down.) Choose one. Too broad of a point? Test (against scripture) for the best (point.) No point? Finish the story. There is no preferred route. None of these pathways to the point are better than the others and none are exclusive. Often, I take all three. They work together to provide checks and balances to show me that I truly am focusing on one point.
“All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, RSV).
Always run your illustration through your standard S-A-M checklist: S: Is it short? Does the illustration use just one object lesson, one scene, or center on just one fact? You can share many details, but you’re looking at just one slide in the slide show. A: Is it authentic? Check your language and delivery. Are you coming alongside the reader and sharing as a peer? We alienate our audience when we’re holier than they are. Vulnerability breathes authenticity. M: Is it memorable? Illustrations are memorable when you make the connection for your reader to the scriptural truth.
James 1:22 says, “Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves” (NLT).
#TheWordIsWhatWeNeed #BelieveinGod
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews