I'm in a writing season right now so I thought I'd share a few of my writing rules. Some of these translate into preaching rules as well.
1) During a writing season, I try to start writing somewhere between 5:30 or 6:30 AM. That usually gives me about three hours of uninterrupted writing before the official day begins. I've found that 90% of my creativity happens before Noon. And if I am writing in the afternoon, I almost always try to take a short nap. Twenty minutes and my brain restarts. For what it's worth, one study has found that a 26 minute nap improved NASA pilot's performance by 34%.
2) I write with my shoes off. It's one of my idiosyncrasies. Here's why I do it. I feel like writing is a Holy thing. I want God to speak through me. I pray for divine appointments with readers. I believe that some phrase or paragraph or page will lead to a God encounter. And taking my shoes off reminds me that I'm on holy ground. By the way, I'm so grateful for an amazing group of people praying for me as I write and praying for you as you read.
3) I write one chapter at a time, but then I take a couple days off and work on the next chapter. Then I double back. Here's why: it's so easy to get lost in what I call the writing forest. You lose perspective. Taking a couple days off helps me see my words with fresh perspective. It helps me evaluate the flow.
4) To me, the key to writing and preaching are organizing metaphors. I spend the most time on the opening chapter because it frames the book. But I work hard on the opening paragraphs of each chapter. You need to hook readers. I want them to feel like this is the most important chapter they've ever read.
5) You gotta write for intrinsic reasons. New authors often ask me for advice and I usually ask them this question: "Are you willing to write the book even if it doesn't sell a single copy?" If you are, then you're probably called to write. 97% of books don't sell 5,000 copies. If you write to sell, forget it. You've got to write because you're called to write. You've got to write because you can't not write.
One final thought: you need to write from the overflow of what God is doing in your life. How you're doing spiritually at the time of writing will determine how much weight your words carry!
1) During a writing season, I try to start writing somewhere between 5:30 or 6:30 AM. That usually gives me about three hours of uninterrupted writing before the official day begins. I've found that 90% of my creativity happens before Noon. And if I am writing in the afternoon, I almost always try to take a short nap. Twenty minutes and my brain restarts. For what it's worth, one study has found that a 26 minute nap improved NASA pilot's performance by 34%.
2) I write with my shoes off. It's one of my idiosyncrasies. Here's why I do it. I feel like writing is a Holy thing. I want God to speak through me. I pray for divine appointments with readers. I believe that some phrase or paragraph or page will lead to a God encounter. And taking my shoes off reminds me that I'm on holy ground. By the way, I'm so grateful for an amazing group of people praying for me as I write and praying for you as you read.
3) I write one chapter at a time, but then I take a couple days off and work on the next chapter. Then I double back. Here's why: it's so easy to get lost in what I call the writing forest. You lose perspective. Taking a couple days off helps me see my words with fresh perspective. It helps me evaluate the flow.
4) To me, the key to writing and preaching are organizing metaphors. I spend the most time on the opening chapter because it frames the book. But I work hard on the opening paragraphs of each chapter. You need to hook readers. I want them to feel like this is the most important chapter they've ever read.
5) You gotta write for intrinsic reasons. New authors often ask me for advice and I usually ask them this question: "Are you willing to write the book even if it doesn't sell a single copy?" If you are, then you're probably called to write. 97% of books don't sell 5,000 copies. If you write to sell, forget it. You've got to write because you're called to write. You've got to write because you can't not write.
One final thought: you need to write from the overflow of what God is doing in your life. How you're doing spiritually at the time of writing will determine how much weight your words carry!
17 Comments:
Thanks Mark. I am starting my book and I'm able to answer yes to your questions. I will take your advise to heart!!
Peace and blessings,
Kishore
Thanks for the insight...really helpful for a wannabe writer
Thanks for the insight...really helpful for a wannabe writer
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Thanks for this post Mark. I have written a daily online devotional for over 12 years and now I write a pretty substantial blog most every day (It's how the world has changed online). I have always been encouraged to write a book. These are great tips. I especially like the first 2 disciplines. Good stuff.
Your first book gave me great new courage in a couple areas. Maybe I need to read it again.
"He said, 'That's what I mean: Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag.Lk19:26 (MSG)
God bless!
Mark, thanks for the manna in the desert. Good reminders and the new insights! I really appreciated the "shoes off" metaphor. Blessings on you as you write today!
I enjoying reading about the 'how' of your writing... thanks for sharing!
Thanks. I need sound advice.
Thanks, Mark.
I actually start TODAY on my first book. Been studying/meditating for some time now on the metaphors.
I recently freed up my ministry schedule to start on this exciting journey and have been warming up my engine on my blogging.
Thanks for the timely witness!
Thanks for the words, Im writing my first one
Mike
crosscampusministry.com
Mark, I think there are so many aspiring authors out there that a post like this is good medicine for the soul. I'm sure all authors have different ways of going about writing, but I think the biggest factor is when you ask the question: are you willing to write a book even if it never sells a copy? The crazy thing is that with that type of heart and motivation, the book might become one that God really uses!
Keep up the great work.
Great insights, Mark. What's the newest book you're working on?
thanks for sharing mark. starting to work on my book and found these very helpful.
Mark,
I am curious. Do you use a writing software to help you organize your writing and/or research notes?
Kelly,
I'm old school :) I just write in Word. Keep saving new versions. And send them to my editors when I feel like I'm 80% pleased with it :)
Mark
Mark,
I just finished Wild Goose and I am now in the middle of The Pit. It is apparent that your technique on writing works because as soon as I get into the next chapter, I can't stop. You hook right away. I have written a lot of different journals for myself and mostly for my kids in the past and I like your sub-chapter break aways in each chapter. Good stuff and when can we look for the next one.
In Christ,
Rene'
Thanks for the great insight. I am a writer and this is what i need.
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