From the Pulpit: Stop Hating on Reviews

Bible Verse for Thought: Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes."

Newsflash. I am a book reviewer.

Mostly, I write commercial reviews for a few local newspapers, two national print mags(one secular and one faith based,) and a slew of e-zines for free. My cashflow comes from writing reviews for publicists seeking an angle for their client or publishing houses looking for an in-house review before they decide if the book is contract worthy. And my bread and butter comes from literary magazines, whose soul's purpose is to dissect what's artistic. I also critique oils on canvas for my father's store, african dolls(a bad investment,) book arts(my love and pedigree), slave burial grounds and church iconography(my Master's thesis,) and people who criticize reviewers...priceless.

If you are a writer and not a reader first, then what are you writing about? If you are a reader and can't give a constructive review, then what are you learning about the craft? What do you know about your genre? And how can you defend it against unbelievers?

Breaking news. I am a writer.

I write christian celebrity interviews and christian life teachings for national print. Local christian news for local papers. Short stories for literary reviews. And I'm writing a novel.

For some strange reason I know that someone will go into my coat closet and read my novel and hate it. I also know that that same person won't call my characters two-dimensional, my writing weak and passive, my theme trite, and my voice unmoving. They may not like the story, but they will appreciate the effort to write something strong of all literary points.

See I don't care about reviewers, because I understand them. I don't care about people who may won't to tear down my business for unholy reasons, because I have on the whole Armor of God.

So if you can't write, for being upset with reviewers. If you can't do God's will for blaming reviewers, then stop typing. Get on your knees. And get yourself right. Because when it's all over, Christ don't care about your excuse and wouldn't have read the reviews.

Bless him why you can.

Writing to see what the end's gon' be,
Dee

BJ Huff is Back Blogging

Click on the title and it will direct you to her blog.

Fill in the Blank

An almighty market
God is a big business in the publishing world, as long as writers steer clear of any forbidden territory

By Heather Grimshaw
Special to The Denver Post

Typical article about Christian Publishing, but the title was interesting.

as long as writers steer clear of any forbidden territory

I wished these type articles could also ask _____________

Million Dollar Baby, Unity & Midnight Prayer

Last night I watched Million Dollar Baby. Let me just say I am a big sucker for punishment. Everytime I watch Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman together they take me way up in the sky; then drop me below the ground. Take me up; drop me again. By the time they are done with me; I've come undone.

So after that cryfest I click on TBN and Juanita Bynum is on there, talking about racism in church. Now she didn't have to go there. Because I stayed up until 4:00 am praying with her and the Church Universal. Lord, Jesus...

So I get up late. Make Selah a sugar induced breakfast(pop tart and carrot juice,) click on Alvin & The Chipmunks for her and stagger in the living room. 'Cause I'm writing from my comfy couch this mid-morning. My female self needs this week to rejuvenate.(Thanks, Lisa Samson, for being on one accord.)

I'm writing Chapter nine of my novel and then my editor calls me about a book review that she extended for me, but decided to take back, because I'm thinking her body is on the same accord as mine.

So then I send my review(the real reason why I was watching Million Dollar Baby in the first place,) then check my blog and news feeds and finds, yet, someone else on one accord with me this morning--The Master Artist Blog. But on the part of lazy writing, poetic prose and book reviews.

So(see how many times I cluttered this blog with this bad word)...here I am instead of getting back to Chapter nine or taking a Midol and passing out until the Chipmunks movie is over I'm telling the five/ten people that read this gunk, because...

God is calling us to unify. I believe in my spirit. It has led me all week to one connection, another connection, and then another. God wants us to connect. Pray together. Work together. Maybe it's the CBA Convention. I couldn't go, but I know a few who are there and so I'm there in spirit. Or maybe it's that my best friend, Ashley, assistant pastor at Wellshire Presbyterian in Denver is there, smiling and praising GOD for all of you who were there. Or maybe it's the world and the things that are happening in it. The Good things like Christian gothic novels, Kindergarten, Hello Kitty, and Funnel Cakes at IHOP.

Whatever it is my soul seeks prayer partners. If you want to pray together with me. You don't have to email me. Just meet me with the Lord at midnight(your time) and let's hear what he is trying to say to us. I will tell you what he said to me in the morning. Maybe you can tell me what he said to you, too. And be lifted up.

Until then let's get back to our writing.

Writing to see what the end's gon' be,
Dee