Called to Write by Edna Ellison and Linda Gilden

Called to Write by Edna Ellison and Linda Gilden considers writing to be a calling from God, and teaches that writers are "on mission" with what they write. The book helps readers place their desire and gift for writing squarely in the center of God's call on their life.

Introduction

Called to Write by Edna Ellison and Linda Gilden considers writing to be a calling from God, and teaches that writers are “on mission” with what they write. The book helps readers place their desire and gift for writing squarely in the center of God’s call on their life.

Rating

5 out of 10 – this is a bittersweet rating, because several sections of this book gave me pause, made me think, and actually spurred me to action (see this blog post). However, the book itself felt scattered and repetitive. It also did not seem to be very self-aware (meaning taking into account that there might be other opinions. Additionally, they are losing one point for having a type-o in the section about excellence with grammar and style (I actually, for a moment, thought it might be intentional . . . to see if we were paying attention, but, alas, I do not think that it was). For that reason, I am giving it a 5 out of 10.

Genre

Nonfiction, Christian Writing Advice

Setting

n/a

Summary

[taken from Amazon]

Called to Write will inspire you to acquire the art of writing or will affirm your calling to write for the kingdom of God. Written by two award-winning and widely published authors and writing coaches, the book is filled with wisdom about how to keep your writing in line with the heart of God. Called to Write identifies seven key competencies every author needs to be a writer on mission. Two aspects of each of the seven competencies are included. First, authors will explore the competency through an informational chapter helping them understand the importance of staying grounded in that competency area. The informational chapter is then followed by an inspiring how-to-implement section, making the book extremely practical. Called to Write is ideal for keeping a Christian writer on track with a gospel focus in their writing.

Conclusion

Overall, this book was good if you are trying to figure out how your passion for writing syncs with your Christian faith. The authors do a good job of positioning writing as a calling, and encouraging you to view it from that lens. Outside of that, it contains a smattering of advice, some of which is good and some of which needs to be taken with a grain of salt. For instance, I do not agree that every piece of writing produced by a Christian should be evangelistic in nature. Sometimes pursuing excellence with an idea that the Lord has given you can be just as God honoring as communicating the way of salvation.