(I was hesitant to post this here because even though it is from my Writing Prayerfully blog, it is not directly on prayer. But I am posting it here on Pray Network for two reasons. First I value the comments I get here on my blogs. And I would especially like to know if anyone has written a book on Writing Prayerfully or even on Christian writing.)
Recently we went on a short trip with my daughter's family. I was shuffling through books my granddaughter had brought to read and discovered, Snoopy's Guide to the Writing Life. I begin to read and laugh out loud with delight. I told my granddaughter, “I need to borrow this book.” I was quickly informed that it was my book. Sure enough I turned back to the flyleaf and discovered that the book was given me with a marvelous dedication from a friend who happens to be a really good writer.
That same friend also gave me Stephen King's book, On Writing. Both of these books have been important in helping me form my philosophy and develop my skill as a writer.
Another book that came to me in a delightful way is Owen Barfield's Poetic Diction. This is a powerful work for the few who, like me, think of ourselves as poets. I found my copy at Powell's Bookstore in Portland Oregon. I'm not absolutely sure, but I have reason to believe mine is a first edition copy. But I am the first to read it. I know that because as I went through it I found four pages that had not been cut with a razor blade before I could read the text.
I suspect many of you have favorite books on writing. And I think it would not only be helpful to me, but to all of us, if I could get some of you to share what your favorite books on writing are. I would be especially pleased if some of you knew books that were written particularly on writing as a Christian or Christian writing. I cannot name one.
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Comments
Andrew, thank you for introducing this book - I looked it up on amazon and ordered it... "a grammar book that reads more like a novel" - wonderful!
Joyce Ellis has written a new book called "Write With Excellence" that I really enjoy. It's basically a grammar book that reads more like a novel. She addresses many common mistakes and makes it an interesting read at the same time...definitely a book I'll refer to over and over.
Malva’s extra effort reminded me of a good friend Eddie Smith (Google him; Houston, prayer leader)
David, I also can't name any book about writing for Christian writers. So I googled ... and found three exciting websites that encouraged and inspired me greatly and that I hope it will be of use to you too:
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/god-made-you-a-writer
“Writing is not the privilege of a few gifted Christian dignitaries, but an invitation to every believer.” (David Mathis: God Made You a Writer - An invitation to Every Christian)
http://gospelrelevance.com/2016/04/03/5-pieces-writing-advice-best-...
Write to please the Audience of One, Jesus Christ. “If your writing is about you, not God and His glory, find something else to do that you can make about Him.” (Randy Alcorn)
http://francinerivers.com/writing-tips/
"Don’t give up! Let writing become another way to worship the Lord. Give all of yourself to God as a thank offering." (Francine Rivers)
The Bible has some significant verses about writing too:
Isa 30:8
NLT Now go and write down these words. Write them in a book. They will stand until the end of time as a witness.
NIV Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness.
Isa 8:1
CEV The LORD said, "Isaiah, get something to write on. Then write...."
NIV The LORD said to me, "Take a large scroll and write on it ...
NASB Then the LORD said to me, "Take for yourself a large tablet and write on it ..
Jer 30:2
NIV "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you."
NLT This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: Write down for the record everything I have said to you, Jeremiah."
Job lamented:
Job 19:23-24 “Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever!" NIV
God did do just that - the Bible is eternal and the Book of Job has been an inspiration to suffering believers for millennia. How amazing!
I believe that God will bless our writing too, if it glorifies Him.
Isa 41:13 I AM the LORD your God. I am holding your hand, so don't be afraid. I AM here to help you. CEV
Glad you included this commentary on P.N!