Many readers are also writers—whether published or not.
Are you a writer of sermons, blogs, letters, poetry, memoirs, essays, or books?
I invite you on a journey with me to discover, discern, and re-affirm a creative, organic, adventurous view of writing and publishing ministry today. Join me on this journey by reading my latest book, Write & Publish Organically: Dig Deep, Tend the Soil, Help Newness Emerge.
My vision of faith-based writing and publishing is like growing a garden that is not only productive but beautiful and good and true. It gets you in touch with “what is really real.” It gives life to all touched by the garden: workers, pollinators, neighbors, and consumers of the garden produce.
How does this vision fit within a post-modern, increasingly pluralistic and secular society, and a divided political landscape?
Churches are re-evaluating what ecclesia means, many Christians are deconstructing—and some are reconstructing—their beliefs. A growing number of the population identifies as SBNR (“spiritual but not religious”). They include the “Nones” (no religious affiliation) and the “Dones” (those who have left organized church). In this changing landscape how and what do we write and publish—especially in a sustainable way that will last and continue to grow and have influence?
In Write & Publish Organically, I consider five aspects of what I call organic publishing: Soak, Spoke, Evoke, Provoke, and Stoke. I show how we need to …
- SOAK (first ourselves and then our readers) in mentally, physically, socially, spiritually healthy
nutrients, water, and life-sustaining soil. - Listen to wise words and the Living Word SPOKEN through the ages and still speaking. Then use words ourselves with care and creativity.
- Write narratives to EVOKE the beautiful, good, and true, the transcendent within the imminent, to remind and re-enchant.
- PROVOKE with our writing, cultivating vision, action, and community for a future of healing, renewal, and wholeness.
- Continue to STOKE the fires of awareness, refinement, and relational engagement.
I choose the mindset of an under-gardener. My Father is the Gardener. Working with the Gardener, I purpose to dig, prepare the soil, and sow seeds with well-chosen, apt words. The resulting fruit may never be fully seen or measured. But I will seek to cultivate wheat, not chaff, and do it with love.
Join me, fellow writers and take the challenge of writing organically.
~Catherine
More about the book HERE.
