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The Steve Laube Agency

The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World Word by Word

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Home » Communication

Communication

Writing to Bible Deniers

By Dan Balowon February 16, 2023
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My guess a sketch from Monty Python’s Flying Circus from 50 years ago is unexpected for this space today.

A man enters an “Argument Clinic”:

Man: Is this the right room for an argument?

Other Man: I’ve told you once.

Man: No you haven’t!

Other Man: Yes I have.

M: When?

O: Just now.

M: No you didn’t!

O: Yes I did!

M: You didn’t!

O: I did!

M: You didn’t!

O: I’m telling you, I did!

M: You did not!

O: Oh I’m sorry, is this a five-minute argument, or the full half hour?

M: Ah! (taking out his wallet and paying) Just the five minutes.

O: Just the five minutes. Thank you. Anyway, I did.

M: You most certainly did not!

O: Now let’s get one thing quite clear: I most definitely told you!

M: Oh no you didn’t!

O: Oh yes I did!

M: Oh no you didn’t!

O: Oh yes I did!

M: Oh no you didn’t!

O: Oh yes I did!

M: Oh no you didn’t!

O: Oh yes I did!

M: Oh no you didn’t!

O: Oh yes I did!

And for several minutes, the sketch goes on like that. A classic.

Unfortunately, this ping-pong approach to arguments is fairly common, which is why the above sketch was so funny. For every intelligent, informed debate on important issues affecting the world today are thousands or millions of Monty Python argument-clinic sketches.

Many Christian writers desire to write to those who are not Christ-followers and craft a reasonable, logical presentation of the hope, which is in them. But the nonbelieving world will likely respond with a confident “No, it’s not” to each truthful assertion about the Bible and God.

And to be blunt, simply being contrary is all they’ve got. It’s their only defense mechanism.

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles (Romans 1:18-23, NIV).

It seems somewhat logical: Writing in spiritual generalities or a nonoffensive manner would be the best way to write to “Bible Deniers,” but reality reveals just the opposite.

The Christian books that have been used most effectively in drawing interest from the unbelieving world left little doubt about the author’s perspective, their source of wisdom, and who receives praise for salvation.

So, you want to write to Bible Deniers? Write well, make your perspective clear, rely heavily on Scripture, and let the Holy Spirit do the work of opening the heart of the unbeliever. It’s that simple.

 

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Category: Career, Communication, Encouragement, Inspiration

Three Myths About an Agent’s Acceptance

By Steve Laubeon December 5, 2022
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You’ve worked hard. You wrote a great book. You pitched it just right, and the literary agent has called you saying they want to represent you and your project. Hooray! But there are some misunderstandings or myths about what happens next. 1. Your Book Will Soon Be Published Just because an agent has said yes doesn’t guarantee success. Nor does it speed up the inexorable process. Remember that …

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Category: Agents, Book Business, Career, Communication, Get Published, Writing CraftTag: Agents, Get Published

Communication Rules!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon May 5, 2022
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You’ve heard about high-maintenance authors. But what about your agent? You want a partner who will work with you but not interfere. Ideally, your agent is an experienced and enthusiastic friend who will give you tips and brainstorm how to create a more compelling story but not insist that her ideas are better or—Horrors!—try to rewrite your book. I always talk to my authors about the level of …

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Category: Communication

Writers Groups

By Dan Balowon April 13, 2022
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Writers need good, personal support structures because so much of the work is done in solitude. Christian writers conferences, whether they are held online or in person, are part of this structure, as one receives training; exposure to different ways of thinking; critical review; advice from people with experience they lack; and, most importantly, relationships. But another level of support is …

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Category: Communication, Conferences

Say the Right Thing

By Bob Hostetleron December 2, 2020
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Writers use words well. That may seem obvious, but—judging from some of the submissions I get from aspiring writers—it’s worth stating. Sure, one man’s métier is another man’s poison, but I’m regularly amazed at the ability of some writers to write the wrong word, so to speak, in submitting work to a literary agent, even one as gracious and forgiving as I am. That last part was meant to be …

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Category: Book Proposals, Communication, Pitch, Pitching, Rejection

Diligence Is Rewarded

By Steve Laubeon September 28, 2020
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by Steve Laube

The ease of today’s social media communication brings a casual layer to the task of writing. Careful composition is trumped by the need for speed. For most “throw away” emails and posts that is the new normal. But it should never leak into the business of writing, either in craft or in delicate communication.

The other day I received an email query/proposal. There was a very …

Read moreDiligence Is Rewarded
Category: Book Proposals, Communication, Craft, Pitching, The Writing Life, Writing CraftTag: Communication, Craft, Diligence, Writing Craft

When the Gloves Come Off

By Steve Laubeon August 17, 2020
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Fist Slams Table in Anger

The publishing experience is rarely done in isolation. This means working with other people. And if their performances or efforts do not meet your expectations, conflict can occur. Over the years I’ve seen more conflict than you can imagine–of all types and variety. But the majority of issues boil down to four areas: Editorial Production (cover design?) Marketing and publicity Getting …

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Category: Book Business, Career, Communication, EditingTag: Career, Communication, Editing, Money

Misunderstanding the Written Word

By Steve Laubeon July 20, 2020
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Back on June 8, I wrote “Barriers to Effective Communication,” attempting to look at some things that get in the way in relationships, business, and writing. I’ve continued to reflect on this topic, particularly with regard to the written word. Not only in books and articles, but also in our emails and social-media posts. Author Intent Have you ever been upset by an email from a …

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Category: Communication, The Writing Life, TheologyTag: Criticism

Barriers to Effective Communication

By Steve Laubeon June 8, 2020
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By Steve Laube

It has been said that ninety percent of all problems in the universe are failures in communication. And the other ten percent are failures to understand the failure in communication. In the publishing business, or any business for that matter, this is so true. There are a couple common barriers to effective communication, assumption and expectation.

But I Assumed

Often …

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Category: Book Business, Career, Communication, Writing CraftTag: Communication, e-mail, Gossip, Internet Usage

How Can You Manage So Many Clients?

By Steve Laubeon March 23, 2020
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by Steve Laube

I am frequently asked this question. It is perfectly understandable as many agencies carry a sizeable list of clients. A prospective client or even an existing one wonders, “Will this agent or agency have time for me?”

We post a list of our clients on the web site because we are honored to work with so many gifted people. Not every agency makes their client list public. It …

Read moreHow Can You Manage So Many Clients?
Category: Agency, Book Business, CommunicationTag: Authors, Clients, Communication, Too many clients?
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