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. However, our main goal and our calling as children of God must always remain focused on pursuing God above all else, not just 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. I’m excited to see what God is going to do as we sharpen the tools He’s entrusted to us 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
Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
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
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
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
Free Downloads
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