A CHRISTIAN WRITER OR A CHRISTIAN WHO WRITES? Part 2

Grace Olumayowa Aideloje

Everywhere you turn, you find them; books based on the Christian faith. Someone said to me, “It seems there are more Christian authors than readers.” Well, we are in the age of knowledge and the Word of God said in the end time, “…the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” Isaiah 11:9

What bothers me though, are the kinds of people that churn out these books. More like a gospel singer who doesn't know what being a Christian is. Who should write Christian books? In other words, what are the qualities of a Christian Writer? In the first part of this article, I mentioned seven. Here are some more.

The Christian Writer is skillful

Good writers are made, not born. Even if a writer is talented; talent is not enough. He needs skill and time to develop and grow. Almost all the skills needed in writing can be learned, developed and improved upon by training. To be impactful, the Christian Writer must pay the price to acquire the required skills. Being a member of The Christian WAR Forum is a way to hone your skills.

The Christian Writer is a learner

You can't give what you don't have. The Christian Writer is empowered only by learning before he can empower others. He must have an extensive knowledge of what he is writing on. It is only sensible to write on what you know. A written work may be criticized, but it should not be contradicted.

A writer is assumed to be an authority in whatever subject he writes on.

The Christian Writer is diligent

Writing is hard work. To sit for hours prodding the brain, arranging and rearranging thoughts and words, exerts mental energy. It is not for the indolent. The Christian Writer must work hard to be productive and relevant.

The Christian Writer is observant

Ideas are generated through careful observation. The Microsoft Encarta dictionary defines observation as ‘the careful watching and recording of something.’ He must be curious and have keen insight and understanding.

The Christian Writer perseveres

Christian Writing is a demanding ministry with difficulties or setbacks that stifle creativity. Rewards sometimes are not immediate. The Christian Writer must develop a thick skin to keep on. He must steadily continue and usually over a long period. Tenacity is one of the secret of successful writers.

If you are going to be a Christian writer, it is essential to do it right. Doing it right means doing it God's way. Study His Word diligently until it flows effortlessly into your work. Writers are ‘hearts’ people. They write what they are passionate about and what they are conversant with. For whatever is in your heart determines what you say." Matthew 12:34 NLT

Within the pages of your books, readers should be gripped with the desire for a closer walk with the Lord Jesus. They should find help and hope in a world of despair.

This article is excerpted from the writer’s book, The Christian Writer.