Demystify Writing for Publication

By Patricia AJ Allen

(review of An Introduction to Christian Writing by Ethel Herr)

My pastor said, "Write for publication!" I took his words at face value and joined a group of Christian writers. I asked the leader, "How do I learn to write for publication?" She recommended that I buy An Introduction to Christian Writing by Ethel Herr. I went right out, bought it, read it, and applied Ethel's teachings. In less than a year, I became a published writer with two personal experience articles in a regional newspaper and my picture on a young mother's refrigerator. Yes, The woman stopped me in the grocery store and told me what a change my words were making in her life. Isn't that what we are all looking for?

Each of the chapters presents its information in two sections. From Lesson 1's Part One, "What is a Christian Writer?" (writer, worshipper, creator, and craftsman) and Part Two "Perceiving the World" (the purposes of, increasing one's perceptions and preserving them) to Lesson 11's dual parts "What Do I Do with My Completed Manuscript?" and "Rewriting and Polishing the Final Version", Ethel never fails to give you detailed information.

Ethel also shares sections of her own manuscripts as examples of specific teaching points. She helps you see what those points look like in your own voice by offering application opportunities along with manuscript tracking forms, market analysis pages, and other templates that you will find useful.

Humanly focused and divinely based training is often difficult to find. In Ethel Herr you have that rare jewel. She has attended Multnomah School of the Bible. She is a frequent speaker and has written numerous articles and several books, including her historical fiction trilogy "The Seekers". She also edits the Literary Ministry Prayer Fellowship, a quarterly prayer request bulletin from writers of all genres around the world.

Because An Introduction to Christian Writing demystifies the world of writing, it is excellent training for beginning writers and a good refresher for the experienced.