Product Description
Best-selling Christian fiction writers have teamed together to contribute articles on the craft of writing. A Novel Idea contains tips on brainstorming ideas and crafting and marketing a novel. It explains what makes a Christian novel “Christian” and offers tips on how to approach tough topics. Contributors include Jerry B. Jenkins, Karen Kingsbury, Francine Rivers, and many other beloved authors. All proceeds will benefit MAI, an organization that teaches writing internationally to help provide literature that is culturally relevant. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

A Very Practical Help for New/Aspiring Writers
I found this book to be a good resource for new or aspiring writers, with very practical sections on how to come up with a story, outlining, plot, point of view, voice, etc., all the way through an author's development to revision and critique, marketing, and dealing with post-publication authorial challenges.Each section is composed of sub-sections and sidebars by well-known Christian authors, with a helpful bibliography of other books to consult.

This would be a good book for a new or aspiring writer, for a brief and helpful primer to get into the craft.For experienced writers, the later sections are more useful, but the earlier sections are also interesting and inspiring, to see how published authors approach their challenges.

Overall, this book is worth investing in for the writer's reference shelf.

The Write Stuff
What would it be like to have a conversation with the best Christian fiction authors in the business? What if they could give the aspiring writer information, encouragement and motivation that made a life-long impact on the writers career? What if the same writer needed help developing the tone of their writing, or had questions regarding pace, point of view, dialogue? Help is here and it arrives through the mentoring voices of Jerry B. Jenkins, Karen Kingsbury, Randy Alcorn, Francine Rivers and more. But before I get ahead of myself, let me be quick in saying A Novel Idea is for the reader, writer, reviewer and editor of Christian books.

I can say that because I wear all of the above hats. A Novel Idea is broad in it's audience, which is almost impossible to accomplish, yet brilliant if you can pull it off.

As a reader, I want to see more Christian fiction that actually has a Christian plot. The characters shouldn't compromise to gain a cross-over audience and sad to say, I've read quite a few lately that did just this.

As a writer, I found the advice hit the nail on the head and approached the exact needs I encounter in my own writing. A Novel Idea is a writers education in itself!

As a reviewer, I can attest to the substance and clarity of the information presented. It was not only informative, but entertaining and interesting at the same time.

As a content editor of Christian fiction, I won't allow a Christian manuscript to bear my approval unless it can be held to the highest of Christian standards. Do the characters wrestle with an element present in every Christians daily walk and by the end of the book, do they come to terms with their dilema? Are gratuitous writing aspects of secular novels missing in the so-called Christian manuscript-is profanity, sexual situations and other unnecessary elements absent? A Novel Idea echoes the passion I've held manuscripts to for as long as I have edited. It's comforting to know other authors have the same idea and strive to make the word Christian mean something.

Whether you are a reader or writer, this book is for you. When the subtitle claims "Best advice on writing Inspirational Fiction" it does just that. In a big way, and through some big names! Make sure your Christian manuscript is up to the challenge and read A Novel Idea first before submitting it!

A Novel Idea
I'm still in the process of browsing through this book and know it'll be used for some time to come. A great reference on every facet of the writing game, this will surely stand the test of time & publishers demands. The opinions of its multi-published contributors gives the reader a host of well-researched insights! Wonderful. Kudos to these authors for sharing from their rich experiences!

I love, love, love this book!
I love, love, love this book!I have had this for months now and have read and re-read it, highlighting and underlining as I go.This will be a book I reference frequently and keep close to hand.I've been so busy dissecting this book, that somehow I never got around to reviewing it until now!Crazy, I know.

Opinions are often different, methods often vary, and even the answer to what makes a Christian book Christian differs.And this is exactly what I love about this book.There is so much to learn from different authors.One method may not fit your personal style, another may.One tip may leave you scratching your head but the next has you nodding your head and frantically underlining and taking notes.

Topics include pre-writing, outlining, character development, writing plot twists, great settings, dialogue, etc.- pretty much every topic you can think of that pertains to fiction writing.One of my favorite chapters was written by an author whose book I had read previously and found to be just so-so.After reading her excellent advice, I am wanting to try another book of hers and see if the last was just a fluke.

After sharing general writing tips, the sections move into writing disciplines, finding your "voice", handling rejection, etc.and then various perspectives on fiction and Christianity.It winds up by discussing publishing, networking, and marketing.

A Novel Idea is a gold mine of information and perspectives and I highly recommend it to Christian authors or wanna-be Christian authors like myself.

A Novel Idea - Help for Christian-fiction Authors
Tyndale has recently published a great reference book for those inclined to write Christian fiction. If you've perused the sections in a Christian bookstore you will find many shelves devoted to this writing. If you venture into a mainstream bookstore you even will find many of the same books in stock. Unfortunately, if you've picked them up you may have been disappointed with the story telling. Just because someone has added God content to their pages doesn't mean that the book is worth reading. Honestly, some of the worst books I've ever read fit into this genre. It seems too easy to give an author an easy pass on their writing just because their characters go to church, make good decisions, and don't have premarital relations or affairs. Maybe Tyndale published this book hoping to get a better quality of writing into the field. If so, good for them!

A Novel Idea is a collection of advice from "Top Selling, Inspirational Authors" including Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, Randy Alcorn, Terri Blackstock, Robin Jones Gunn, Jerry Jenkins, and Angela Hunt. There are other Christian fiction writers that I wish had been included in this book based on their quality of writing, but I digress.

Part one of the book covers the "Fundamentals of Fiction" with chapters on plot, characters, dialogue, point of view, pacing, setting, and descriptions.

Part two covers, "Developing Your Craft" with chapters on preparation, the discipline of writing, finding your voice, writing with expression, and handling rejection.

The third section specifically covers the areas of discerning your calling and the distinctives of Christian fiction.

The last section covers networking and marketing with chapters on breaking into publishing and specific areas of marketing like blogging and promotion through social networks.

This book was extremely valuable to read through and instead of going to my "have read" book shelves, this resource will stay within arms reach for its insight into these areas of writing. If you are interested in writing, or you are a mediocre Christian-fiction author, please read this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Teaching your child to write about his or her life can help them handle challenges and nurture relationships. Ann motivates you to teach your children to express emotions and personal experience and laughter into a writing lifestyle. This book is an inspiration for writers of all ages, from children expressing thoughts through pictures and journaling, to teenagers documenting spiritual growth, to adults communicating grief, or professional writers collecting ideas for stories. Activities include several types of journaling, letterwriting, and more. ... Read more

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Many times people wrack their brains for succinct, 'preachable' quotations to drop into sermons or teaching materials. Now they can relax! 101 Quotations that Connect features inspiring observations from a wide spectrum of influential people of the past two millennia, culled from the collection of Christianity Today. This volume---which contains the reflections of church fathers, missionaries, poets, and celebrities---is a gold mine for preachers, teachers, and writers.The sayings are arranged under eight descriptive categories, including Ancient Words, Rattling Words, and Keen Words. They are helpfully listed by source, then according to key topics, making retrieval of just the right quote a snap. And, a CD-ROM from which text files of all the quotations can easily be pasted into word processing documents comes with the book.Whether one is driving home the point of a sermon or simply wants a quote book for reflective reading this unparalleled collection is a 'must have' resource! ... Read more

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Enhance learning with this great supplement to creative writing lessons. This collection of 44 story starters, journaling ideas, and imaginative writing activities is based on familiar Bible stories such as Noah's ark, the tower of Babel, Jonah, and Jesus' life. Activities include developing imaginary conversations, putting together Isaac's baby book, song-writing, designing a floor plan for a new church, and more . ... Read more

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New technologies are revolutionizing research capabilities and pedagogical approaches. To meet the needs of an increasingly technology-savvy public, Fortress Press presents widely-used volumes in a new CD-ROM format. Features include: The complete, searchable text of the book; glossary hyperlinked to key words in the text; additional study questions; student helps for writing papers; internet links to additional resources; note-taking, bookmarking, and highlighting capabilities.

The completely revised and updated version of JohnsonÂ’s very successful introduction to the New Testament (1999) is now available with a CD-ROM that contains the entire original text with copious searching and researching features, plus hyper-links to the NRSV. Johnson organizes his presentation in six major sections:

(1) The Symbolic World of the New Testament, (2) The Christian Experience, (3) The Synoptic Tradition, (4) Pauline Traditions, (5) Other Canonical Witnesses, and (6) The Johannine Tradition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Very Good Resource for the Student
This book is a wonderful for the student who has moved beyond Sunday school and into earnest study. It is written in accessible concise language. While the author does assume scholarly and theoretical positions on certain matters, it is never without a clear declaration and thorough description of why.

Although I purchased this as a textbook, I will be returning to it after the class for further self-study.

Wonderful balance of scholarship and readability
This book provides a very solid introduction to both the world in which the NT writings originated and the particularities of the writings themselves.Johnson dispenses a plethora of information and does so with an immensely readable style.He sets the table for the exploration of virtually every question you can bring to a text--authorship, date, recipients, occasion, purpose, etc.Even when I found myself holding a different opinion than Johnson, his research and presentation are first-rate.This is a great place to start for those who want a broad sweep of NT studies.Highly recommended.

writings in new testament
Probably the poorest written book on the Bible I have ever read/Johnson tries to rewrite the Bible and creates multiple distortions on the truth

Pleasant surprise
What a delightful surprise to find this book with CD, both in perfect condition, delivered on my door-step a week before anticipated.

Through and Informative
A very in-depth study of the New Testament. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to study the larger themes of the New Testament. Gives a good argument in favor of Pauline authorship (something that is often questioned when referring to Ephesians, Colossians, II Thessalonians, and especially the Pastoral Letters). This is a book that would be a good addition to anyone's Biblical library. ... Read more

Product Description
Church and Stage is a guide for people in churches who want to employ theater in ministry, and for theater people who want to create opportunities to work in churches. The points of contact between religion and theater are numerous, and Dean J. Seal offers guidelines for making the connection work no matter what level of experience or financial commitment a congregation brings to the task. The author, who has worked in the worlds of both church and stage, provides background on the historical and theological relationship between religion and theater. He then offers practical advice and guidelines for the use of theater in the context of ministry—from discussion groups to bibliodrama to play-going to ultimately producing a show. This book is a resource for ministers, lay leaders, youth groups, and members of the theater community who desire greater integration of faith and work. ... Read more

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John Calvin, one of the most important Protestant reformers of the 16th century, is well known as a theologian. However, he was also a caring preacher, pastor and spiritual leader. This volume in the dynamic Classics of Western Spirituality™ series highlights this significant but relatively unknown side of Calvin by exploring his piety and spirituality.

This volume covers the scope of Calvin's life and work and includes sections on his life, theological orientation, liturgical and sacramental practices, the psalms, worship and prayer. The sources translated, some of which were previously translated by other persons, include letters, sermons, prayers, lectures, scriptural commentary, worship services and theological writings.

While other translations of Calvin's works are available, this volume stands out because of its emphasis on a lesser-explored aspect of his work, his piety. Students and scholars of Protestant theology and spirituality and those with an interest in Reformation studies will find this to be an indispensable addition to their library. ... Read more

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Do you have a budding writer or story teller? Would you like to see the quality and beauty of your student's writing improve? This creative writing curriculum teaches your student not only how to writ ... Read more

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If you have a desire or need to improve your writing skills or need a little help getting started, this book is for you. You will discover that writing will be much easier when you learn how to: Pick out a topic Use writing tools Use the 5 step writing process for both non-fiction and fiction Use better words and phrases Write poetryEveryone has at least one book inside just waiting to get out. Write your story and let the world know that you have something to say.After graduating from the University of Colorado, Janet G. Balfour was an elementary school teacher until she retired. Now she writes books to share her knowledge of reading and writing. Also, she gives presentations about a better way to teach reading, the five step writing process, activities that parents can use to keep their children learning, and what parents can do to help with homework.Other books by Janet G. Balfour:Books for parents:  Help! My Kid's Schoolwork is Driving Me Crazy!  Read to Your Kids!Books for children:  Read 24/7  Not Another Writing Assignment! ... Read more

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If you want to know more about the people that helped spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the early days and what they had to give up so we today can know about our Savior, you must read this book. ... Read more

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For years, Wayne Oates' many books have served as invaluable field manuals for ministers and seminarians. Here, for the first time in one volume by a minister who studied with Oates, are selected chapters from the distinguished author's fundamental works. Oates has always challenged people to look inward to examine the self and outward to examine the behavior of the life of faith. ... Read more

Product Description
Explores the way in which Jewish rabbis during the first Christian centuries preserved and passed on their sacred tradition, and he shows how early Christianity is better understood in light of how that tradition develoed in Rabbinic Judaism. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Growing in Importance
I wholeheartedly agree with my fellow reviewer Cato and his praise for this book.I only wanted to add that it's my opinion that the importance of this book will not be fully realized for many years, as this study - along with the work being done re ancient Hebraic literary structures (especially as it pertains to meaning) - will combine to unlock the secrets of the earliest Christianity.Birger's incredible work is a must for those who are interested in seminal Christianity.I recommend this book without reservation.

A long-neglected classic, an extraordinarily important book
Academia is ruled by fads. This handsomely presented republication (with new material) of one of the most important and least known books relating to the history of early Judaism and of very early Christianity was savagelyattacked by one of the leading Biblical scholars of the 1950's and 1960'sand a group of his associates and students. One of those students--theprolific Jewish scholar Jacob Neusner--now repents from his unfair attackand adds his own lengthy preface to a book he, in effect, helped tosuppress three decades ago. The Scandinavian author, Birger Gerharddson,offered a detailed and very scholarly argument in favor of the"stability" of the process by which trained scribes and religiousteachers in the first century C.E. were concerned with the accuratepreservation and transmission of important religious traditions in bothearly rabbinic Judaism and, by analogy, in early Christianity. Since it isa foundational belief of much of contemporary "NewTestamentscholarship" that the canonical gospels are NOT the product of aconscious process of careful preservation and transmission, this book andits author have been largely ignored for a third of a century. Ignored, butnot refuted. This is a densely argued book, drawing heavily on earlyMishnaic sources (quoted in the Hebrew), and is not for casual students.For serious students of the origins of the gospels and for those exploringthe historical background to the development of early Christianity, this isone of the most important studies to have been written in the past halfcentury. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I didn't like it because he doesn't draw to any conclusions!
This is a very comprehensive book and goes into a lot of detail, and surprisingly gives a fair anaylsis of some Watchtower books and rating them on a 5-star rating system.

Anylyzes fairly and critquely but doesn't come to any conclusions! The title is misleading because one is lead to believe the authour is pro divine name in Greek Scripture as well as Hebrew Scripture. This person spends far too much time on talking about Hebrew manuscripts from 1385 AD being the only possible manuscript support. The focus should have been on obvious Scriptures in Revelation that says "hallelujah,' and Scriptures like in Luke 20:42 where it says NWT 42 For David himself says in the book of Psalms, `Jehovah said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand 43 until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.' Obviously other translations should put "Jehovah" in as well, which is not the case.

On a comprehensive study on this subject for proof the divine name did exist, try reading Gerard Gertoux's book "The name of God Yehowah..." which is important to read but unfortunately difficult at times because of French syntax. This book will explain everything that Lynn does not discuss!

Again, it's not completely bad because it has a glossary of terms and gives a detailed list of all the "J references" from 1385, but generally gives the reader no hope or proof of the divine name in the Greek Scriptures. What's the point of doing all that research if you the authour doesn't even know what to think? ... Read more

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Do you have an opinion?

There is an increasing tendency in Evangelical circles to regard disagreement in our allegedly post-modern world as inherently oppressive. Too many people sit on the fence and ignore or are unaware of the fact that Christianity is a historical religion. As Laurence Peter once said "History repeats itself because nobody listens."

The point of having a debate is not to have a debate and then agree to differ (sitting around in a mutually affirming love-fest) - the point of debate, as the Apostle Paul clearly demonstrates time and again in the book of Acts, is to establish which position is best.

Carl Trueman intends to provoke you with this collection of essays into thinking for yourself and to have an opinion on THINGS THAT MATTER.
... Read more

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The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls 50 years ago revealed Jewish apocalypticism that was before unknown. The scrolls chronicled life in an apocalyptic community, whose members believed that the end of the world was nearing. When the end did not occur, the community then believed they were already living the afterlife. John J. Collins explores the issue of apocalypticism in the Scrolls within a Jewish context and how the notions of the "end", Messianic expectation and eternal life affected the Dead Sea sect. This is the first and most up-to-date study of the Dead Sea community since the scrolls were discovered. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Informative!
Apocalypticism in the Dead Sea Scrolls is well written and informative.The basic thesis in this book is the differing Apocalyptic views thatprevailed during different periods of history, with the Dead Sea Scrollsbeing the main subject. I found this book interesting, and informativewithout criticism. There is also information in here as to the book ofEnoch- very early beliefs. From there it goes to Dead Sea Scroll sects andthe expectation of messiahs, the teacher of righteousness, rewards andpunishments in the last Apocalyptic days. This author, John J. collins,wrote an excellent overview of similar but varying belief systems. He goesto show how history has affected and altered beliefs, but not completely!This book is well worth its price for anyone interested in Apocalypticism. ... Read more