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).

Editor’s note: After passing along an invitation to speak at an upcoming conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma, I asked Dr. Craig S. Keener about his current writing projects. – Raul Mock

Drs. Craig S. and Médine Moussounga Keener

In terms of things regularly coming out, there’s my blogsite, although I don’t produce blogs as fast as many people do!

In terms of books, the Acts commentary (Acts: An Exegetical Commentary: 15:1-23:35, Volume 3 came out in September, Volume 4 is scheduled for release in 2015) is pretty academic, so it would appeal to a narrower audience, but the 2nd edition of my revised background commentary (The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament) came out this past year also. I am working on some more new books right now but none are due out in the next couple months.

Blessings,

Your fellow worker,

Craig

Some of the recent videos and entries at www.CraigKeener.com, the “Bible Background” blogsite:

How can there be three persons in one Trinity? (January 25, 2015)

Selma (Movie review, January 19, 2015)

Rewards and grace, part III: What the reward is (January 18, 2015)

Rewards and grace, part II: What we’re rewarded for (January 16, 2015)

How can we be saved by grace yet rewarded for works? (Part 1 of “Rewards and Grace,” January 14, 2015)

The four twins of Genesis (January 8, 2015)

Using Church Fathers to interpret the Bible? (December 28, 2014)

Preaching from Jesus’s genealogy (YouTube video, December 25, 2014)

Have you ever preached from Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus? Or heard someone preach from it? Matthew opens his Gospel with Jesus’s heritage, which leads right up to the story of Jesus’s birth. Here is a video of Craig explaining salient features of Matthew’s genealogy.

The first Christmas (YouTube video, December 22, 2014)

In this five-minute video, Craig talks about the first Christmas in Luke 2:1-7 and how it contrasts the true, humble, heavenly king with the pomp of the earthly emperor.

Did God love the Egyptians? (December 14, 2014)

Jesus’s Mission—Luke 4:18-19 (December 11, 2014)

Extensive excerpts from Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts are available elsewhere at PneumaReview.com: PneumaReview.com/excerpts-from-miracles-by-craig-keener