Customer Reviews

Write His Answer: A Bible Study for Christian Writers, 2nd Edition

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Rating System:
1 star = abysmal; some books deserve to be forgotten
2 star = poor; a total waste of time
3 star = good; worth the effort
4 star = very good; what writing should be
5 star = fantastic; must own it and share it with others

SYNOPSIS: This is a book of 33 short chapters that can be done as part of a person's daily devotional. Chapters include: Called to Write; Overcoming Procrastination; Seek His Kingdom First; Conquering the Deadly D's; Driven or Led?; and Proclaiming Truth to a Dying World
Also included are nine Appendix consisting in part of: Laying a Bible Foundation for Your Writing Ministry; Helps for Forming Critique Groups; and From Idea to Published Manuscript
Amazon.com leads me to believe that Lee Roddy coauthored this book. He only writes the forward, so Roddy fans shouldn't expect more from him.

MY FEEDBACK: I really enjoyed this book. A couple of chapters I felt were slightly cliché and/or close to stretching scripture out of context in order to get a point across, but that was all very minimal and easy to forgive.

Overall, the Lord used this to really speak to me and confirm the direction I've been headed with writing and/or to kick me in the rear about a few things I needed to get better at. I really like the chapter on whether I'm driving myself of my own strength or being led by the Spirit.

Each chapter has a quick example or two so it doesn't get bogged down like many Christian books by being 90% examples and only 10% content. This book I felt was more like 85% content and only 15% examples which made it very enjoyable and able to get right to the point of the chapter.

If you are a writer who is a Christian, whether you write Christian pieces or secular, get this bible study as it is a nice temperature gauge of where you are at with God and what he has called you to really do with your writing.
If you are a Christian thinking about writing as a hobby or ministry get this book as it will set some good foundations for you.

I personally see myself going through this book at least once a year in order to remind myself of a few things I need to keep in mind and stay on track in as I work at the writing God has called me to do.

Writers are insecure people. They are the only types that are compelled to pour out the depths of their hearts onto blank paper in hopes that they might be understood and accepted. These emotions, these perceptions, seem more secured locked in the drying ink upon the paper than flying free in the air. Whether it's because when writing they cannot be interrupted or, at least, immediately rejected, writers cannot merely speak these thoughts too deep for the fickle ear. They prefer the steady eye that reads their prose while they're off hiding someplace, safe and secure. Writers are more than insecure; they're actually quite eccentric.

Writers need help. They need nurturing. They need purpose and direction. They really need encouragement. And above all they need to learn to write a persuasive paper without overusing the word `need.'

In _Write His Answer_, Marlene Bagnull holds out her `well-inked' hand to this most unique of God's creation, the Christian writer. She provides the encouragement of one having sold over 1000 articles, and having survived three times as many rejections.

She provides the writer with the compass of writing God's purpose guided by the map of God's illuminating Word. There is much more to Christian writing than the satisfaction of seeing your name in print and the most hoped for check. There are lives that need the freeing, healing touch of God's truth. Marlene knows first hand how God can use the words He has placed in your heart to set people free.

Reading this book brought me both healing and the renewed passion to write His answer. I recommend it to any having a desire to write, and the person trying to understand the writer in their life

As I began to read Write His Answer, I found myself tracking so closely with Marlene, almost as though I had penned the words, or even more strangely, she was reading my thoughts.

Marlene touches the heart of every Christian writer. She has the pulse of their fears, apprehensions, and deepest need as they seek to follow God's calling to use their gift of writing for his purposes.

This book is practical, spiritually challenging, and great for individual or small group study. The chapters are short,to the point, and have thought provoking questions to discuss or journal through.

Whether it is dealing with procrastination, disappointments, setting goals, or listening to God first, Marlene articulates what the heart longs to hear. This book was instrumental for me finding vision and purpose for my writing. I have had the desire to write for years; I have dabbled in some ways, but now I am becoming more sure of my call to write His answer.

Jeanne Doyon Connecticut

I have just read this remarkable book for the first time--for I plan to go back and read it again, slowly. It is sorely needed refreshment for the struggling Christian writer. It's also practical, easy to read, supportive and yet challenging. The book consists of thirty-three short chapters, with a supporting structure of Scriptural references, simple homework assignments, and plentiful examples from the author's own struggles. Just reading it is refreshing and soothing--thre is something remarkably restorative about the author's plain-spoken style. Some of the subjects she covers include dealing with rejection; doubt and despair; maintaining balance; and keeping up one's physical health. In short, this is a powerful book about the spirituality of Christian writing. I recommend it most highly.

I just received Marlene Bagnull's book, Write His Answer, and can't seem to put it down! Although I am certain about my call to be a Christian writer in my life, I also struggle with feelings of inadequacy. As a striving young Christian writer, the sound advice and tips from this book along with the sound Scripture references have truly been an answer to prayers. God used "Write His Answer" to provide a nudge in my own life to take a more active role as a Christian writer. I recommend this book to any Christian writer.

Whether a published author or a "wannabe," Marlene Bagnulls' Write His Answer is a book every Christian writer's library should have. Through the crucible of her own struggles with writing for our Lord, she gives instruction, advice and encouragement for others who want to serve Him with the written word. At the end of each chapter, she has a suggested personal assignment that would help to cement the guidance espoused in the previous section. It's a morale-booster that could keep a writer writing.

Write His Answer is a book you're sorry to see end! It touches on fears, self-doubts and aspirations of "writers in progress." Providing Scripture to apply and wisdom from the author in short examples and illustrations from the authors life, it stretches and grows the writer. This is an updated version, but we need more Ms. Bagnull. Gail Welborn roggail@aol.com

When I first started reading this book, I could not believe how practical it was. The biblical principles shared works and I would recommend this book to anyone who believes God has called them to write. It will basically answer most of your questions.

Trying to figure out how you'll make time for your writing and Bible study? Write His Answer, a Christian writer's devotional, is a weapon for every word warrior's arsenal. With journaling pages, probing questions and insightful prose Marlene Bagnull leaves no room for excuses. This would make a great read for writer's groups as well.

I just finished reading this book for the third time and it continues to inspire me. I am amazed that the message in the chapters is just what I needed to hear that day. This book is a real encourager for all writers!