Recently I got together over lunch with Randy Walter, editor of the Manna (a Christian newspaper for Maryland’s Eastern Shore). He’s got a lot of wisdom and experience in the realm of Christian publishing, as well as a full cache of fascinating stories. We had some delicious crab cakes as we talked about writing.
Some of the takeaways from our conversation:
- “Everything I write I see as a teaching opportunity.”
- “Most people, including Christians, don’t want to be preached at. They want to be talked to.”
- “Communication is the responsibility of the speaker, not the hearer.”
- Aim for leaving a lasting impression.
- Preparation can turn a potential crisis into an opportunity.
- Even in secular writing, you can teach Christian truth.
- If you write a book, you have to do one thing every day to promote your book.
- Remember when approaching editors: They’re often frazzled and overcommitted, so write to meet their need. Find out their needs–and meet them!
- Be willing to take assignments.
- Take opportunities to show your skills.
- The secret to making good writing become great writing is rewriting.
- There’s a difference between wanting to write and wanting to be published. Which is my motive?
- Why do I want to write? To feel good? To feel important? Or to advance the Kingdom of God?
Surfing the Inner N8 
i have often thought before, that you are such a good writer.always enjoy your penned(or should i say keyboarded)thoughts. very thought provoking and humor slipped in at the right spots.you should continue to pursue.good work…did a bible study awhile back.”The creative call” .discussed many forms of creative expressions but honed in a bit on writing, as that was the author’s creative call.think you might enjoy the read….cindy
Thanks Cindy. I’ll be sure to check it out! And thanks for the encouragement.