Pastor Writer: Conversations on Reading, Writing, and the Christian Life

Explore the captivating story of how the world's most popular devotional 'My Utmost For His Highest' came to be, through the partnership of Oswald and Biddy Chambers. Learn about the impact of this timeless devotional on readers globally and the spiritual depth involved in writing biographies. Dive into daily reflections on Oswald Chambers and discover more about the author's upcoming speaking tour.

In this podcast, the host and guest delve into the dangers of cliches in writing, exploring how they weaken creativity, hinder originality, and dilute meaning. They discuss strategies for identifying and eliminating cliches to enhance the quality of writing, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and courage in expression.

The podcast discusses the importance of active listening and asking thought-provoking questions in writing Bible studies. It explores the challenge of balancing quality and quantity in content creation for the church. The speaker shares insights on creating a Bible study on Thessalonians and emphasizes the essence of listening in writing. The conversation also covers the guest speaker's journey in editing daily publications at the Gospel Coalition.

Drew Dyck, an acquisitions editor and author, shares insights on writing and publishing. Topics include navigating book acquisitions, transitioning from preaching to writing, balancing family and work, importance of collaboration in writing, and the significance of self-control in moral failings.

Writing is hard. But it's hard for more reasons than the grammar and vocabulary. Revising requires a certain amount of self-awareness and great writers learn to keep themselves off the page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Doug Newton, author of the Fresh Eyes book series, discusses his writing process and the organizational techniques he used to tackle a three-book series. He shares insights about his journey as a pastor writer and the importance of imposing self-imposed deadlines. The podcast also includes a conversation about recommended books and ways to stay connected with Doug's future work.

Mike Loomis, author of Your Brand is Calling, discusses the importance of personal branding for writers. He emphasizes authenticity, transparency, and the need to reflect and connect through personal branding. The chapter also explores the challenges of understanding one's calling, the significance of a supportive team, and practical aspects in executing your personal brand.

Rachelle Gardner, a literary agent specializing in Christian publishing, discusses the traditional publishing process. She covers topics such as finding an agent, the proposal process, self-publishing, the role of a literary agent, measuring success in the industry, and navigating the landscape of Christian publishing.

Alan Baker, a pastor, author, and coach, joins the host to discuss the impact of books on ministry and the spiritual life. They share recommendations, explore classic and spiritual books, and discuss the power of biographies. They also touch on the importance of coaching for young ministers and the challenges of finding new books.

The podcast explores the journey to becoming a writer, challenges the pursuit of personal desires for destiny, and discusses how writing and preaching intersect. The speakers share their experiences of juggling multiple roles, recommend books on writing craft, and preview the guest's book.