There is a lot I don’t know. I don’t know why Amazon was given a different release date than CPH used for my most recent book. (Today, Blessed: God’s Gift of Love releases on Amazon, and today people can start posting reviews!) I don’t know who initially sets up pages on Amazon for book sales—maybe the publisher fills out a form? I don’t know why there are authors who still haven’t set up Amazon author pages. Ultimately, I don’t know who is out there to help Lutheran authors?
I’m pleased that Concordia Publishing House has started sending out something of an authors’ newsletter with tips and interviews. I’m on no bandwagon against any publishing house establishment. It’s an attempt to help and I recognize that. Maybe I should just type up additional tips that maybe they plan to send out in another issue.
But it really is frustrating to think that businesses, which focus on their own business ventures (as they should), are sometimes the only help to an author. What about those who try to branch out on his or her own? Those of us who care about theology can be really uncomfortable listening to loose language about Scripture, Jesus, faith, choice, etc. Those of us who care about words, in the same vein, can struggle against the sloppy vocabulary and aims of miscellaneous Christianity. Now, if you’re happy with your writing conferences, I’m happy for you. If you’re getting great guidance about having a voice and presence as a Lutheran author, even better! Please, share what you’re learning!
But I still wish there were a place we could all just hang out and share what’s worked for us as that tiny-subset of people pursuing the dream of being writers. Lutheran writers.
I won’t lie. There’s something called the Lutheran Writer Project. Maybe you’ve seen it on google. Is it any help? Are there like-minded people there? Because I’m generally leery of Lutherans who think the resurrection of Christ and things like God’s Law are up for dismissive discussion.
I like the idea of a multi-synod group. I like the idea of Canadians, Australians, English, US American, and all sorts of people supporting one another. I like the idea of general resources becoming available. But I don’t see who or what organization could do it. It lies outside the purview of publishing, doesn’t it?
So here is my plea. Help Lutheran writers. I’m going to do my best to. But I’ll admit it, I don’t know how. There’s that vocational bridge—why would they listen to me and why should I intrude into their choices—and a blog among millions isn’t any guarantee that I know anything myself. But, if you are a Lutheran writer, look into free opportunities available to you, at least through an Amazon author page or something. If you get tips, share them. And let me know if I can help.
Interesting discussion. I was unfamiliar with the Lutheran Writer Project, but checked out a number of its links today. It appears to have only been active for a brief period circa A.D. 2010. It was inspired by a good idea, however.
Just as is “Meet, Write & Salutary.”
I share your wariness about some who would call themselves “Lutheran,” but profess heterodox doctrines such as universal salvation, etc. Still, truly Confessional Lutheranism extends far beyond the borders of the LCMS (individually, synodically and geographically).
In about six months I hope to be able to offer a modest gift to the rostered members of the LCMS. It’s a blogging handbook that I’ve been working on for a while. I’ll be sure to share the word with your readers whenever that day, God-willing, arrives.
I am excited to hear about your blogging handbook! Thank you in advance! Please do let me know so I can raise awareness–and appreciation–when it comes out.
I agree that orthodox Lutheranism extends far beyond the borders of the LCMS. My brother-in-law will be teaching at the seminary in Adelaide, and I have an uncle (through my husband) up in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I think that any solidifying of relationships we can do now, with the like-spirited, one might say, can only benefit everyone. On a Facebook thread in Writing (LCMS) Lutherans, I even mentioned wishing I could include non-English speaking authors on my list of living, Lutheran authors.
You know what. That gives me an idea. I wonder if a communications missionary could do something like that for his/her area (I know a married deaconess abroad with her ordained husband). You may have inspired a great idea! Extra thanks to you! 🙂