“Write & Publish Organically” by Catherine Lawton

Sometimes I think more people write about writing than actually write. I follow several writer blogs, web sites, online magazines, and Substack listings, and just keeping up with those can be overwhelming. I’ve read and read lots of books on the subject. This is all in addition to the writing itself.

But it is a good idea to step back from time to time and think critically about what you do and how you do it. And to figure out if you can do it better. A new book on writing that is aimed at Christian writers but easily applies to all writers is Write & Publish Organically by Catherine Lawton. And it is a gem. 

Lawton uses a rhyming scheme to explain what she calls organic writing and publishing.

First is “soak.” All writers are soaked in modernity; Christian writers have to strive for being soaked in God’s presence. It’s not easy; she points out that the idea of faith has been shifting from an institutional framework to “unmediated experience.” For Christian writers, grounding in God’s presence is essential.

Second is “spoke.” Lawton details what she learned about writing rom “being practically raised in a church pew.” That understanding include the power of words, the joy of writing and publishing, the importance of being heard or getting the word out, and the value of reading and sharing books.

This is “evoke,” or letting one’s imagination awaken. That’s followed by “provoke,” or stopping playing it safe and getting out of one’s comfort zone. And fifth is “stoke,” where she describes marketing strategies for both writers and publishers.

She includes three useful appendices – publishing models; the publishing process; and marketing for introverts, which likely describes the majority of wrtiers. 

Lawton has been writing and telling stories since childhood. She’s published fiction, poetry, essays, and non-fiction. She’s also the founder of Cladach Publishing, a Christian publisher of memoirs, fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. The firm is based in Greeley, Colorado.

Write & Publish Organically is a guide not only for young writers beginning their careers but also established writers. Particularly helpful is the idea of being centered (for Christians, that means centered in God). It’s a work filled with insights and helpful advice; Lawton works both the writing and publishing sides of the business. She’s distilled what she’s learned into a highly readable book.

And reading it is a good way to think about writing.

Note: The book will be released on Monday, Sept. 9.

Top photograph by Andrew Neel via Unsplash. Used with permission.