How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
CKN CHRISTIAN PUBLISHING AUTHORS:
Rachael C. Duncan
My process for writing goes a little something like this: Pray every single step of the way. Pray every single morning before I begin, before my fingertips ever touch that keyboard. Pray even as I write. Abide in Christ every second. Remain in Him. Perhaps this sounds a bit simplistic. After all, shouldn’t a novelist abide by a scientifically-backed, fool-proof process when it comes to writing? Well, many do with great results, but my process is actually rather uncomplicated, as I’ve discovered the truth of John 15:5 – apart from Jesus, I can do nothing (emphasis on the word nothing). But this glorious fact is also true: I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13) These key Scriptural truths define my writing process. And the importance of this dependence on Christ was greatly magnified during the publishing process of my first novel, Redeemed. Along the way, I became even more aware of the need to abide in Christ and to allow His Holy Spirit to flow through me throughout the entire process. Ultimately, Jesus is my process as He tenderly guides my hand, my thoughts, and my ideas – shaping them into something truly beautiful to reach the hearts of His beloved children.
Preston Lewis
My first book was published in 1981, so long ago that I wrote the manuscript on an IBM Selectric typewriter, a non-correcting Selectric. While the process of writing did not change and remains as hard as ever, the mechanics did as it was so painful to type an error-free manuscript to submit over the transom to a publisher. Fortunately, this was about the time that word processors were coming within reach of the consumer. So, I spent almost $2,500 on a Kaypro computer, which was about the size of a small thermonuclear device, and an impact printer so I would never have to type out a finished manuscript again. I asked legendary western writer Elmer Kelton one time what he thought of his word processor. He replied, “It takes the pick-and-shovel work out of writing.” That’s the best description I ever heard of the difference a computer can make in the writing process.
Emma Easter
Seeing the characters that I created come to life on the printed page made me so excited to bring new storylines to life. The Christian love stories that had been developing in my head for years were ready to come out!
Dan Arnold
My first published book is a western. Today, I see the many errors and mistakes any fledgling writer would make, and accept the fact it’s out there for all the world to see. I had no idea it would be the first book in a series, or kick off my career as an author of more than a dozen books in more than one genre. Just as I had a lot to learn with that first book, every book is a step in the process of becoming a more highly skilled storyteller and writer. I intend to continue creating great stories, and with each effort improve my polish and precision as an author.
John Duckworth
Before my first book was published about 40 years ago, every article and story I wrote was a gamble. I could never be sure whether the effort was worth it. My first book changed that; from then on I had the freedom to try anything, knowing the chances of publication were good and that I’d succeed if I found my audience. Now, about a dozen nonfiction books and four novels later, it’s still a challenge to stay fresh and not repeat myself, but I’ve learned the value of perseverance and the satisfaction of having done the best I could. As one of my literary heroes, Joseph Bayly, said, “Keep writing.” I hope you’ll take his advice, too.
Ken Pratt
I was always told I couldn’t write a book, before I ever tried. It took seven years to write Willow Falls and I never told anyone that I was writing a book until it was done. Then I could say, “I wrote a book.” Past tense. I never wanted to hear anyone say I couldn’t do it again. What changed for me? Confidence. And the importance of the word count. I still say very little about what I’m writing, or that I write at all. I’m still in the mindset of don’t talk about it – write it.