Jennifer Miskov: Writing in the Glory
Vinson Synan and Jennifer Miskov at the Society for Pentecostal Studies 2015 convention. Dr. Synan is holding Dr. Miskov’s 2012 book, Life on Wings: The Forgotten Life and Theology of Carrie Judd Montgomery (1858-1946).
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/
Category: Living the Faith, Spring 2017
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