A Book for You, A Book for Me

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Aug 31, 2024

Hey, y’all, hi.

I love me a good thunderstorm, and last night we had a barn-rattler, complete with paparazzi flashes for hours. A water tank in the next county got struck by lightning, even. Crazy night.

Welcome to the weeknotes: my off-weekly off-the-cuff review of efforts, insights, and whatevers in the last few days.

This week’s notes include thoughts on:

Top Five Desert Island Bible books
Structural Editing Services
Book updates

I took an unintended break last week, and rather than risk losing the habit by missing a second week in a row, here’s a little somethin’ for ya.1

Desert Island Books

Russell Moore likes to ask his podcast guests the top five books of the Bible they’d have with them on a desert island. Growing up as I did in a fundamentalist, legalistic church, interacting with “the Bible” was never an occasion of joy for me.

However, as I’ve worked in cataloging reflections, exegesis, and worship resources over the last couple of years, I’ve discovered scripture in new ways, much to my surprise and delight. So here’s my my list.

The Gospel of John
- Of all the gospels, John has become my favorite. He opens with this cosmic perspective that narrows into a laser beam of focus on the life and ministry of Christ. But what clinches this entry? The final chapter: Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance to his disciples, and his reconciliation with, and restoration of, Peter. It is the tenderest diamond-bright joy.
Ephesians
- I’ve always loved this letter from Paul. It’s full of glory, grace, and practical advice on living well together and growing in spiritual maturity. And if I’m on a desert island, I suspect that me, myself, and I will need some help getting along.
Jonah
- Damn, but this book is hilarious. I never thought so until recently. But then I just got Jonah’s utter contempt, disdain, and quite frankly, brattiness, and God’s response of “All right, fine. Here you go. Have some fish.” The whole story is ridiculous and astonishing. And a bit squirmy. I’m pretty sure I carry on similar conversations with the divine.
Psalms
- If I’m stranded on a desert island, I suspect there’ll be a lot of wailing and despair. And I suspect I’ll need to learn what it means to praise God in everything. The psalmist is a teacher for a reason.
Genesis or Revelation
- This could go either way: I might need to remember the beginning of the story of God’s relationship with us, or I might need to imagine a future on its way to fulfillment.

But also, Narnia and LOTR are bibles of a sort, right? I can include those?

Writers love having written AND being read. Who else needs to read this today?

Feedback on Others’ Books

After recently working on a reader’s report for a manuscript, I realized that I’ve done this kind of work before, and loved it. My experiences in reading other manuscripts in progress, helping graduate students develop thesis projects, and writing persuasive communications for a wide variety of audiences all contribute to the skill of evaluating an argument, assessing its effectiveness, and identifying improvements.

So I’ve set up shop over on Fiverr, offering structural/developmental editing services for non-fiction manuscripts. If you or anyone you know seeks feedback on a work-in-progress, I’d love to help!

I take a goal/destination-oriented approach to evaluating your non-fiction outline or manuscript and suggesting developmental/structural edits.
This helps you as the writer create a learning experience through your book that helps your readers clarify their needs and priorities, and foster mastery or growth in a given topic. The emphasis is on the reader and what they need to make progress in their life.
In working with me, you'll receive honest, professional, and constructive feedback. I approach your non-fiction outline or manuscript - and my feedback - with the goal of helping you make it the best book possible. I want you to succeed!!
Please check out my sales sheet with a full explanation of how we can work together, and what is included within each package.

Also, every newsletter will now have a section after my signature, with my latest offerings and services. We’re starting to build something here!2

Working on My Own Book

I decided to kick it old school and use index cards to help me think through the structure, content, and research of my own manuscript. Yesterday found me crawling around on the floor of my house, laying out cards, staring into space, moving cards around, moving cards back…

I know that the outline is a fluid construct that will certainly update as I research and learn, but it feels nerve-wracking to say “this is the form,” however impermanent that it is.

I also took a cue from Ryan Holiday, who surely knows a thing or two about writing books, and got a box to store the index cards when I’ve had enough of staring at them.

Now, if I could just have the long table and dedicated writing space….

What’s new in your world? Hit reply and tell me things.3

Let’s be hopeful, creative, and wise—together.

Shalom,

What else?

Looking for more resources to help with your personal formation journey? Get your free guide!
My practice-based workshops help you practice commitment care or map your role models so you can become the person you were created to be. Great for small teams and student groups!
Are you a non-fiction writer seeking help with a project? I offer structural editing on your manuscript’s structure, theme or purpose, point of view, perspective, and tone.
You can learn more about this newsletter and my work on the About page.
Have a question? Ask me anything.