Jennifer Miskov: Writing in the Glory
Jennifer A. Miskov, Writing in the Glory: Living from Your Heart to Release a Book That Will Impact the World (Redding, CA: Silver to Gold Publishing), 123 pages.
As a writer of both fiction and non-fiction (and an English teacher), I have read countless books on writing, but I’ve never read one quite like Jen’s (full disclosure: I know Jen from various conferences and as a recipient of a grant from a foundation that I am an officer of).
As I was saying, Jen’s book is unique. Several things make it so: first, it’s a book on writing, yet it doesn’t touch on grammar or style (she admittedly leaves that for others, some of whom she recommends); second, it is not just a book, it’s a workbook—so expect some interacting exercises (one criticism: the exercises could be a bit more vigorous and challenging; perhaps they were written for a seminar she teaches, which might require more abbreviated exercises); third, the book is written from a thoroughly Christian perspective (one might even say a Charismatic perspective); fourth, Jen, although an academic, becomes a coach, and waxes pastoral at times.
The genius of Jen’s approach is attributable to the third and fourth items, as Jen becomes to the reader the Charismatic coach, full of passion and inspiration, driving the reader to, well, write!
But first, a physical description of the contents: Writing in the Glory is composed of eight parts (counting the Introduction and Epilogue), which are composed of 34 chapters. Most chapters are very short; some with only one paragraph before getting to the “Activation” section, which is Jen’s term for exercises, yet the term means so much more to the Christian writer. For example, in the first chapter, “Writing in the Anointing,” the reader is advised to “Take a few minutes now to surrender your book to the Lord” (20). We are urged to invite the presence of the Holy Spirit, not just on our writing but on us! This technique/perspective transforms the book into a person-centered rather than product-centered workbook.
Of course the product is important, but it is subservient to the servant of God who is bowed to His will and anointing. A wonderful product does not issue from a producer who has no intimacy with and knowledge of his/her Creator. Or, in Jen’s words, “greater anointing and power will come when that book is birthed from a place of intimacy with God” (21).
Perhaps no chapter focuses as much on the writer as the chapter titled “You Were Born for This” (29-33). Here, Jen passionately coaches, “There is destiny in the message you carry. Nothing is by accident. … God has been preparing you to write and release the masterpiece inside of you. You are simply embarking on the journey of discovering what He has already formed within you” (29).
For the bruised reeds among us (might that include us all?), those “buried beneath disappointments. God wants to set you free to dream again” (32). Are you despondent, depressed, purposeless? Don’t be! “So many lives are depending upon us living, being, and releasing the words God has destined for us to impart” (45). “What we write today can outlast us. What God is doing in our lives can impact generations to come …” (47). For some of us, “We may be writing for a generation yet to be born” (39). Might you let someone else do it? That’s impossible: “Each person has a specific message that he or she alone is called to release” (53).
Besides inspiration, Jen provides some practical guidelines. In a section titled “Positioning Yourself,” she writes, “I urge you not to wait for inspiration to begin writing. It is important to be disciplined to learn and to develop your craft” (“Baby Steps,” 59). Later, she writes, “make writing a habit” (61). Read books, she advises (I would opine, if you don’t like reading, you’re not called to write). Also, take classes, ask for feedback (just not from your mother, I say), find a writing group, join online writing networks, and, unless you’re an expert editor, hire a professional for the final edit (69-73). There’s even a chapter on “Overcoming Writer’s Block” (81).
Why is it important to have a book like Jen’s in your library? Stephen King is a great writer and has written a great book on the writing life, but he wouldn’t advise you to “gather a handful of people to cover you with prayer during the writing process” (77) or “Take a few minutes now to surrender your book to the Lord” (20)—Jen does.
If you are a writer with a story to tell but just haven’t made time to let that story flow from heart to pen, this book just might get you over the hump. If you are a beginner, this book could be the catalyst that sets you on a course to change someone’s life. Read it and be empowered to write!
Reviewed by Robert W. Graves
Author’s companion website: http://www.silvertogold.com/writing-in-the-glory-workshops/
