I thank God for all the opportunities He’s given me to use writing as a tool for ministry and rejoice when writers use their beautifully diverse voices for His glory. Every voice matters and makes a difference in God’s Kingdom, so competition and comparison are futile. It’s my pleasure and privilege to share what I’ve learned with other writers who are devoted to honoring the Lord Jesus Christ with their creative gifts.
I hope you enjoy the following tips, templates, and teaching resources.
I’m always asking God for learning opportunities, so I can improve my craft and honor Him as I worship Him when I write. As we invest in our craft, we are serving the Lord. The resources I’m sharing with you, like writing, are simply tools for ministry. This is not a complete list of all the great books, but these are the books I recommend often.
Our main goal and our calling as children of God is to pursue God above all else, not publication.
As we seek to know Him more each day, through the prayerful study of His Word and nurturing of our relationship with Him and others, we can ask the Holy Spirit to give us opportunities to share Him. These tools will help us use our God-given voices with clarity and confidence. You’ll also find a list for Bible study tools and resources. I’m excited to see what God is going to do as we deepen our relationship with Him, hone our craft, sharpen our skills, and use the gifts He’s entrusted to us.
I look forward to partnering in ministry with you as we share His truth and love to the ends of the earth, proclaiming the Gospel to all nations and making disciples as we fulfill the Great Commission while living out the Greatest Commandment.
To God be the glory, the honor, and the praise!
Here are a few of my favorite books on the craft of writing and Christian publishing:
Christian Writers Market Guide (Online and Paper Versions updated yearly.)
Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View by Jill Elizabeth Nelson (fiction)
The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
Writing and Selling Children’s Books in the Christian Market: From Board Books to YA by Cyle Young and Michelle Medlock Adams
An Introduction to Christian Writing by Ethel Herr
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself into Print by Renni Browne and Dave King
Plot and Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot that Grips Readers from Start to Finish by James Scott Bell (fiction)
The Fire in Fiction: Passion, Purpose, and Techniques to Make Your Novel Great by Donald Maass
Plot Versus Character: A Balanced Approach to Writing Great Fiction by Jeff Gerke (fiction)
The Rose Metal Press Field Guide to Writing Flash Fiction: Tips from Editors, Teachers, and Writers in the Field Edited by Tara L. Masih
The Emotions Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi
Writing Children’s Books for Dummies by Lisa Rojany and Peter Economy
Writing Fiction for Dummies by Randy Ingermanson and Peter Economy
Children’s Writer’s Word Book by Alijandra Mogilner and Tayopa Mogilner
Resource Books for Studying the Bible
- How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordan D. Fee and Douglas Stuart
- How to Read the Bible Book by Book by Gordan D. Fee and Douglas Stuart
- Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien
Bible in a Year Reading Plans and Resources
My favorite translations: NIV, ESV, CSB, NASB, NLT, and The Message.
- Our Daily Bread Bible in a Year Reading Plan (www.odbm.org)
- The One Year Chronological Bible (NLT)
- The Daily Bible (NIV)
- The Bible Recap: A One Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible by Tara-Leigh Cobble
- Tyndale’s Go Bible for Kids
- The Life Application Bible (NIV)
Resource Books for Laymen and Beginners
- How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordan D. Fee and Douglas Stuart
- How to Read the Bible Book by Book by Gordan D. Fee and Douglas Stuart
- Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien
Bible Study Resources
- The NIV Exhaustive Bible Concordance
- The Illustrated Dictionary of the Bible
- The New Manners and Customs of Bible Times by Ralph Gower
- The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell
- Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary
- Adventuring through the Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to the Entire Bible by Ray C. Stedman
Scholarly Books and Commentaries
- Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching Psalms by James L. Mays
- Classic Christianity: A Systematic Theology by Thomas Oden
- Truth Aflame: Theology for the Church in Renewal by Larry D. Hart
Books I Ordered in 2025
- The Apostolic Fathers: A New Translation by Rick Brannan
- Plain Theology for Plain People by Charles Octavius Boothe.
Free Downloads
Proposal Template – Children’s Picture Books – Updated 2025
Recommended Blogs and Training Opportunities
Publishing in Color with Joyce Dinkins
A Word of Encouragement
Christian writers are more successful when we are intentional about developing deep relationships with God and others. The Lord created each of us with unique voices and stories to share. I pray our loving Father will bless you with courage, wisdom, discernment, humility, and persevering faith, as you enjoy becoming an important part of a healthy and holy writing community. I look forward to growing with you and am thankful for your partnership in sharing the Gospel of Christ through the written words He places on our hearts.
In His service, Xochitl E. Dixon