I saw this photo and created the following poster for your “edification.”
The Art of Persuasive Writing Series (4 of 7): What the Reader Is Listening For
When a reader moves through a piece of writing, they are evaluating it with questions that operate behind the scenes. They are asking whether the writer can be trusted, whether the argument holds together, and whether the ideas are good enough or clear enough be repeated to someone else. These questions will shape a reader’s response at every stage. Trust develops first, and it develops quickly. …
A Day of Remembrance
Today is the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the United States. For many of us, it is still a vivid memory. Instead of our usual “Fun Friday,” it is appropriate to reflect on the sovereignty of God, who is never surprised by the wickedness of men, but still loves us and has provided for our redemption. Take a moment and let this song sweep over you. It’s based on the …
Dan Balow to Retire
It is with mixed emotions that I share the news today that Dan Balow, our beloved colleague and one of the most admired and respected leaders in the world of Christian publishing, has decided he is ready to embark on the next chapter of his life and will retire on September 15. He has had a long and fruitful career. Over the years, Dan has worked on the business side of the industry, including …
Monday Moments – September 7, 2026
The Power of Surrender I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Let all bitterness and wrath …
Fun Fridays – September 4, 2026
A great song about books! I tried to enable closed captions, but if the lyrics don’t appear, you can find them under the video on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8fKjItF-j0.
Tamela Hancock Murray Named Agent of the Year!
We are very pleased to announce that during the recent ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) annual event in Memphis that Tamela was named Agent of the Year! ACFW has the largest gathering of Christian fiction authors in the country. This is the second time she has received this honor! I can personally attest to Tamela’s abilities and her success. She works extremely hard and loves her …
The Art of Persuasive Writing Series (3 of 7): A Good Argument Has a Shape
Even strong ideas lose their force when they are poorly arranged because readers depend on structure far more than writers sometimes realize. You just read this opening sentence and are already forming an impression of whether the rest of this article is worth reading! If my direction remains unclear, your attention will fade; and once that happens, even the best material struggles to recover. A …
Fun Fridays – August 28, 2026
Rumors that this is photographic evidence of the antics of a certain literary agent are unfounded. But someone did take the photo.
The Art of Persuasive Writing Series (2 of 7): Start With the Reader, Not Your Idea
I see a lot of good nonfiction writing that falters at the same point. It happens when the writer begins with what they want to say, rather than with an awareness of the audience who will be reading it. Think of it from the reader’s perspective. Imagine you are the reader. You approach a piece of writing with your framework already in place. That framework, unique to you, has been formed over time …