Seven Writing "Sins:"
Reasons Preachers Fail to Publish
by Ben Volman

Overcoming the most irritating "sins" of aspiring Christian writers—like other matters of spiritual progress—takes discipline and determination to form good habits. That's especially true for preachers who seek to write to publish.

As a young mission worker, I wanted a byline in one of those glossy magazines at my local Christian bookstore. The spirit was willing but the writing was weak. Eventually I cracked the glossy covers of my mission magazine and then other publications.

Gratifying Successes

Years later, as the publisher of a small Christian newspaper, one of my tasks was to recruit new talent. Often that meant approaching ministry and congregational leaders. I recalled my early ambitions and sought out young pastoral leaders as writers.

The result was constant aggravation: blown deadlines; over-long submissions; extensive editing. But there were gratifying successes. An older preacher sent me a long, unusable article that suggested a meaningful viewpoint that I wanted to share with our readers. I critiqued the item and explained how to rewrite it. Within six months, he was published and working on a second piece.

Confronting The Seven

Success can't be guaranteed by skirting the pitfalls, but it's always a good start. Here are seven "sins" to confront in your writing life.

1. Diversion. Don't take 200 words to clear your throat. The long preface about getting back to your desk after a summer holiday or a long aside from a recent sermon has to be cut. In a 1,000 word article, it's an awkward diversion. A reader may work through it in hopes of finding real meat. But in the average, 600 word column, it's just self-indulgence.
    
2. Buried Treasure. Don't bury the gold—put it up front. Let your light shine and put that catchy zinger you planned for the last line right up front where we can find it. The first paragraph is the best place to get your reader excited that you have something to say.
    
3. Wordiness. Cut, cut, cut. It's not unusual to get 1600 words from a minister who was asked to hand in 700. This is the cardinal sin of almost every preacher who aspires to a larger audience. Editors don't have the time (or theological know-how) to identify the material that is priority and remove the dross. Opinion pieces, which are often given to clergy, are some of the most challenging pieces to write for that reason. A good op-ed piece is like a well-packed suitcase—two-thirds of what you want to bring has to be left behind. That precious Scripture verse (proving how erudite you are) will have to go. Excellent prose aims to be taut and incisive. Spare us your impressive knowledge and get to the point. That's proof of a servant's heart for your readers.
    
4. Boredom. Don't be boring. This could be rule #1, but you'd have skipped it. Nobody thinks they're boring. But take anything you've written and read your first sentence, then ask: does it deliver the passion you feel about this topic? Don't replace that impulse with being earnest. Surprise yourself. Surprise your reader. Good writing should stop us in our tracks and question our assumptions.
    
5. Predictability. Don't be inoffensive, safe and predictable. This is boredom's closest kin. I'm so disappointed when I read Christian writers that are on auto-pilot with predictable views on abortion, teen sex, all night poker, casual drug use, etc. Reach out to me with some emotional honesty. (My only caution is not to surprise your spouse in print). Even if I think that I know where you're going, at least challenge me when I get there.
    
6. Preachy prose. Don't tell me about religion in your life—show me the life of your faith. I suggest that aspiring writers begin by writing their testimony. All the challenges of good writing will have to be faced and it's also a story that readers want to hear. But, whatever your topic, avoid extensive quotes from Scripture or keep the references to one or two key places for authoritative support. Too much Scripture will make the reader stumble trying to figure out what you've got to say. Never minimize the importance of your unique vantage point. That is what we're all reading to find out.
    
7. Tardiness. Don't submit late. If you can't be early, be on time. Printing schedules are not flexible. Yes, the editor may be gracious and even edit your overly long article—but it's probably the last time they will make that mistake. Once you've left the impression of an unprofessional attitude, opportunities to get into print will be scarcer.

On a final note, you'll see lots of writing that defies these principles. What's that to you? Set a course for success and win an audience that values your byline. It's one of the most satisfying experiences you'll ever enjoy.