February 5, 2008
My name is Sara. I’m seventeen years old. My father is and has been a pastor my whole life. I was thinking about taking on the hard task of writing about about growing up in a religious family, especially with a religious icon in my family.
I also want to include trials and tough things in my life that have suprisingly led me to faith.
My view point of this book is directed towards teens. Are there any words of wisdom that you could offer me or maybe books I should read that I could possibly use as research?
Hi Sara,
I have a couple of suggestions. The first is to start writing every day. That can be in a blog, or a journal, or other ways (like for Real Teen Faith!). Writing is really a discipline and this will help you with the reality that writing is an everyday thing.
The second is to get around other writers. A cool resource is an online group of writers called The Writers View 2. It’s specifically for beginners. It’s free! It’s moderated by people who work in the Christian industry called CBA (Christian Booksellers Association).
Last, learn about the business. You’ll do that on The Writers View. Go to a Christian writers’ conference (there are several). Buy a book called The Christian Writers Market Guide. Connect with The Christian Writers’ Guild (an organization started by Jerry Jenkins, author of the Left Behind series - expense involved).
Most people just want to write, but in order to get a book published you need to know how to write a proposal, how to query editors, and how to market a book once it is published. All of the above will help your desire become a reality.
Any more questions? I’d love to answer them!
Suzie Eller
would be greatly appreciated.
Lydia Rule says:
Hi Sara!
I’m also a P.K. (Preacher’s Kid).
Writing about your experiences would be a great thing! I’ve written an article about life in a preacher’s home and had it published in a ministry magazine. It definitely helps to write about your experiences.
If you are interested in learning about writing, check out Mrs. Eller’s group (The Writer’s View 2). Also, I belong to a group of Christian Teen writers called the “Writer’s Bloc”. Here’s a link to the group’s website if you want to check it out as well: http://www.freewebs.com/aroundthebloc/jointhewritersbloc.htm
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me (thewritersblocgroup@yahoo.com). Good luck in all your writing ventures!
In Christ,
Lydia Rule
T. Suzanne Eller says:
Lydia is a great person to connect with on this. She’s an RTF staff writer and I know one day I’ll see her books on the shelves of stores around the nation. She has a heart for writing and ministry.