Home Row: A Podcast with Writers on Writing

<p><a href="https://gavinortlund.com">Gavin's website</a></p><p>Gavin's new book: <a href="https://amzn.to/2BYgDp6">Theological Retrieval for Evangelicals: Why We Need Our Past to Have a Future</a></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gavin-Ortlund/e/B07L6SN85B/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1">Gavin's Amazon Author Page</a></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2q57w3k">Confessions by Saint Augustine translated by Sarah Ruden</a></p><p>Gavin on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/gavinortlund">@gavinortlund</a></p><p>Jeff on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mrmedders">@mrmedders</a></p><p> </p>

<p><a href="https://www.risenmotherhood.com" target="_blank">https://www.risenmotherhood.com</a></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/32EGEFH" target="_blank">The book: Risen Motherhood</a></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/31BiWJn">My book, Humble Calvinism</a></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2W8qbav">Rooted by Brandon Smith and Me</a></p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/risenmotherhood/" target="_blank">Risen Motherhood X IG </a></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2W8qbav">On Writing by Stephen King</a></p><p><a href="https://thehabit.co" target="_blank">The Habit by Jonathan Rogers</a></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2W7buV2">Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott</a></p>

<p>Andrew's new book,<a href="https://amzn.to/2ORHjzz" target="_blank"> Adorning the Dark: Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making</a></p><p><a href="https://www.andrew-peterson.com/home">https://www.andrew-peterson.com/home</a></p><p><a href="https://www.andrew-peterson.com/wingfeather-saga" target="_blank">The Wingfeather Saga</a></p><p><a href="https://rabbitroom.com">The Rabbit Room</a></p><p><a href="https://www.andrew-peterson.com/tour">Andrew on Tour</a></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2qjyogc" target="_blank">The Road Back To You: Enneagram Book</a></p><p><a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/13UhfW7GPizrArBwq7ugps?si=X2qUVebgRC-7rbGy1cbxig" target="_blank">Rich Mullins on Spotify</a></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2nUz7ne" target="_blank">My book: Humble Calvinism</a></p><p>Social Media:</p><p>Jeff on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mrmedders" target="_blank">@mrmedders</a></p><p>Andrew on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewPeterson" target="_blank">@AndrewPeterson</a></p><p>Jeff on IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeffmedders/" target="_blank">jeffmedders</a></p><p>Andrew on IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/andrewpetersonmusic/" target="_blank">andrewpetersonmusic</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.jennifercbrogdon.com">Jennifer's blog and site</a></p><p><a href="https://www.jennifercbrogdon.com/writing">Her writings around the web.</a></p><p>Her first piece at Desiring God: <a href="https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/two-funerals-in-two-days">Two Funerals in Two Days</a></p><p>Books mentioned:</p><ul><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2mFH26Z">A Writer's Coach: An Editor's Guide to Words That Work</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2lvmWw1">The Art of X-Ray Reading</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2naQteI">Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White</a></li><li><a href="https://amzn.to/2l4uqWo">Mississippi Writers Talking</a></li></ul><p><a href="https://www.jenwilkin.net/blog/2015/03/advice-to-writers-get-freditorial-team.html">Advice to Writers: Get Freditors by Jen Wilkin</a></p><p>Social Media:</p><p>Jenn IG: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brogdonjenn/">https://www.instagram.com/brogdonjenn/</a></p><p>Mine:<a> https://www.instagram.com/jeffmedders/</a></p><p>Jenn on Twitter:  <a href="https://twitter.com/Brogdonjenn">@Brogdonjenn</a></p><p>Me on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/mrmedders">@mrmedders</a></p><p>My site: <a href="jamedders.com">jamedders.com</a></p><p>My book: <a href="https://amzn.to/2neitye">Humble Calvinism</a> </p>

<p><a href="https://www.glennamarshall.com">https://www.glennamarshall.com</a></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Glenna-Marshall/e/B07L458F2X/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1">Glenna's Amazon Author Page</a></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/352BAga">The Promise is His Presence: Why God is Always Enough</a></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2O5trBv">Everyday Faithfulness: The Beauty of Ordinary Perseverance in a Demanding World (Gospel Coalition)</a></p><p><a href="https://amzn.to/2O8BUUl">The Memoir Project: A Thoroughly Non-Standardized Text for Writing & Life</a></p><p>My book: <a href="https://amzn.to/32PHijk">Humble Calvinism</a></p><p>My blog, <a href="https://www.jamedders.com">jamedders.com</a></p><p>Twitter:</p><ul><li><a href="https://twitter.com/glennadmarshall">@glennadmarshall</a></li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/mrmedders">@mrmedders</a></li></ul><p>IG:</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/glennadmarshall/">@glennadmarshall</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeffmedders/">@jeffmedders</a></li></ul>

<p><strong>Article</strong>: <a href="https://jamedders.com/confessing-the-sin-of-platforming/" target="_blank">https://jamedders.com/confessing-the-sin-of-platforming/</a> </p><p>Babel and the Baptist are at odds. Let’s make a name for ourselves. Let’s not. Let’s increase our following. Let’s decrease, dwindle to peanuts, and baton everything toward Christ. How can we increase our social media buzz? How can people see more of Christ by what I do?</p><p>There’s a fuzzy tension here. It’s possible to want to help others think biblically, to look to Christ, to learn God’s word, and also “market” or strategize or share online. Martin Luther and George Whitefield utilized the technology of their day to spread the gospel and God blessed their ingenuity. It is possible.</p><p>Maybe the only way to navigate this area is to proceed with caution. Warning: Live Minefield. Go slow. Be mindful. Consider every step. Listen to counsel.</p><p>The challenging part here, at least for me, is the writing and publishing industry makes this super-duper tough.</p><h3>The Platform at Babel</h3><p>As a young and unknown writer, I’m presented with challenges in publishing. My first book was published a couple of years back with Kregel. As time passed, and my agent sent out new book proposals, we kept hearing the same thing. “We love Jeff’s writing. He’s a great communicator. Clearly, Jeff has a bright future in writing. However, we have to pass on this proposal since his platform isn’t where it needs to be.”</p><p>Ouch.</p><p>I’d rather learn, “Hey, you aren’t a good writer. Work on that, mkay?” Amiright? Growing as a writer, I can work on that. But increasing my platform without losing my soul—when God hasn’t given it—is a mistake. Forced popularity is the lamest of all.</p><p>After hearing this statement from some of the most respected publishers in Christianity, I grew discouraged, jaded, bitter. My pride was shattered. And for that, I praise God. Hitching my joy to a collection of glued papers with my name on the front is a destination of disappointment. Especially when the horses don’t show up for work.</p><p>In the midst of the discouraging rejections—encouraging rejections do exist in this universe—I felt my flesh scheming. My heart hatched plans to artificially build a platform, increase my influence, and widen my readership. The blueprints for the tower were coming together. And then, conviction came right on time. Freedom rang too. God exposed the slimy residue of my heart. It wasn’t fun. It was quite embarrassing to admit—to tell my wife, my elders, and my agent—and now you. A blessed embarrassment.</p><p>I believed the lie I could make a name for myself for the sake of Christ. Baloney. That’s not how the Kingdom works. Sure, it might be how some Christian publishers work, but it’s not the way of Christ. During his earthly ministry, Jesus constantly sought the background, never parading his importance. The meek may not get a book deal, but they will get the earth. God has raised up some of his servants, bestowing influence, leadership, and a wide megaphone for the gospel. God did it.</p><h3>I’m Free</h3><p>I’m so happy for my friends who publish helpful, gospel-rich, joy-igniting books. Godly people publishing wonderful books. The book world isn’t all gloom and doom. New authors are rising and established authors still churning out solid work. Publishing is a business and a ministry. I understand publishers can’t go out and lose money. Consumers want what they want too. I’m not saying who all is to blame, except for the brick layers, for the widespread Babel’ing of our day.</p><p>I’ve found freedom in rejection. The silence revealed the chains. I hadn’t heard the clanging while I’ve been typing. Now, even as I write this article, there’s a swiftness in my heart and soul and mind.</p><p>Don’t read this as a jealous, petty, embittered, wannabe or wish-I-was-something writer. This is a tale of deliverance. And with every deliverance narrative, there are shrieks and goosebumps. It ain’t all pretty.</p><p>I’m content where God has me. My identity is in the crucified and risen Christ. I’m crucified with him. Crucified to this world. Crucified to a book contract. Raised to be a coheir of the cosmos.</p><p>I’m not a great writer. Okay. Writing the occasional article for other sites, writing on my own blog, if it encourages others, praise God. This is good. Clearly, I shouldn’t haven’t published another book yet. God is sovereign. All’s good. If I never sign another contract, never see my name on another cover, and never find myself on a platform—sounds good. The Lord knows. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do” (Eph. 2:10 CSB). God has my good works scheduled. Whatever they are, and whatever they aren’t, I’m ready to walk in them. Are you?</p>

<p><strong>NOTES:</strong></p> Link to the article on The Wrtier's Gift of Rejection SPOSNOR: Christian Standard Bible

<p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mark-Ward/e/B01M6TSMOG/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1">Marks' Amazon Author Page</a></p> Mark's writing at Logos Mark's book, Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible https://www.usaultimate.org/about/ultimate/ https://madebypilcrow.com SetApp

The Book: Superheores Can't Save You Kevin Vanhoozer Todd Miles, Western Seminary Todd on Twitter My Twitter My book, Humble Calvinism On Writing Well Transformed Blog at Western Seminary

<p>The Book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1462750796/jeffmedd-20">Superheores Can't Save You</a></p> Kevin Vanhoozer Todd Miles, Western Seminary Todd on Twitter My Twitter My book, Humble Calvinism On Writing Well Transformed Blog at Western Seminary

Ca Catherine's Amazon Author Page Her new books: Empowered: How God Shaped 11 Women's Lives (And Can Shape Yours Too) Strong: How God Equipped 11 Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Power (and Can Do the Same for You) Her first book: A Christ-Centered Wedding Real: The Surprising Secret to Deeper Relationships http://www.cathparks.com/ https://twitter.com/CathParks https://twitter.com/mrmedders My new book, Humble Calvinism. East of Eden (Penguin Twentieth Century Classics): John Steinbeck Beyond the Point: A Novel: Claire Gibson: On Writing: 10th Anniversary Edition: A Memoir of the Craft: Stephen King On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction: William Zinsser:

<p>Ca</p> Catherine's Amazon Author Page Her new books: Empowered: How God Shaped 11 Women's Lives (And Can Shape Yours Too) Strong: How God Equipped 11 Ordinary Men with Extraordinary Power (and Can Do the Same for You) Her first book: A Christ-Centered Wedding Real: The Surprising Secret to Deeper Relationships http://www.cathparks.com/ https://twitter.com/CathParks https://twitter.com/mrmedders My new book, Humble Calvinism. East of Eden (Penguin Twentieth Century Classics): John Steinbeck Beyond the Point: A Novel: Claire Gibson: On Writing: 10th Anniversary Edition: A Memoir of the Craft: Stephen King On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction: William Zinsser:

Dispatches from the Front: https://www.dispatchesfromthefront.org/ Dispatches DVD on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/143354069X/jeffmedd-20 Tim's new book, A Company of Heroes: Portraits from the Gospel's Global Advance https://www.frontlinemissions.info/ Abound Dispatches from the Front https://www.timkeesee.com/ Follow Tim on IG My blog: https://jamedders.com My Twitter: @mrmedders My books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00PQTDMLO -- SPONSOR: Christian Standard Bible

<p>Dispatches from the Front: https://www.dispatchesfromthefront.org/<br /> Dispatches DVD on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/143354069X/jeffmedd-20 Tim's new book, A Company of Heroes: Portraits from the Gospel's Global Advance https://www.frontlinemissions.info/ Abound Dispatches from the Front https://www.timkeesee.com/ Follow Tim on IG My blog: https://jamedders.com My Twitter: @mrmedders My books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00PQTDMLO -- SPONSOR: Christian Standard Bible

Mark's Book: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1433561484/jeffmedd-20 Mark's Site: http://markvroegop.com/ Mark's Books: http://markvroegop.com/books/ https://twitter.com/MarkVroegop https://www.instagram.com/vroegopmark/ My sermons on lament: http://www.makingmuchofjesus.org/sermons/series/learning-to-lament Resources for lament and suffering: https://jamedders.com/resources-during-suffering-and-lament/ My article at Desiring God on Lament: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/you-cannot-handle-your-pain Book, Deep Work: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1455586692/jeffmedd-20 https://twitter.com/mrmedders My blog: https://jamedders.com/ My books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00PQTDMLO

<p>Mark's Book: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1433561484/jeffmedd-20</p> Mark's Site: http://markvroegop.com/ Mark's Books: http://markvroegop.com/books/ https://twitter.com/MarkVroegop https://www.instagram.com/vroegopmark/ My sermons on lament: http://www.makingmuchofjesus.org/sermons/series/learning-to-lament Resources for lament and suffering: https://jamedders.com/resources-during-suffering-and-lament/ My article at Desiring God on Lament: https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/you-cannot-handle-your-pain Book, Deep Work: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1455586692/jeffmedd-20 https://twitter.com/mrmedders My blog: https://jamedders.com/ My books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00PQTDMLO

Back to the Basics Have you wondered why the podcast is called Home Row? It hit me a few weeks ago that many listeners had no idea.So, here we go. **Well, what is the home row on your keyboard? It’s where your 8 fingers, 4 on the left and 4 on the right hand rest, kind of as a launch pad for the mission you are on. From left it right it is: asdf jkl; From that layout of the keyboard, you can strike all of the letters and craft your words, sentences, and stories. It’s one of the beginning stages of a writer. You rest your hands on those keys and you begin. ASDF JKL; You tap your fingers oh home row when you are thinking, like a little dance on top of those keys, wondering what keys will be hit next as the ideas form in your brain. Every writer uses home row. Every writer begins at home row. All writing is employing the basics. You never move on from home row. The show is called Home Row because ASDF JKL; wouldn’t make any sense, but it’s a reminder to that writers start at the beginning. All of us. It’s the only place to begin. Whether you are writing a book on the trinity, a blog post on parenting, or a devotional for teenagers—we are all assemble at home row. Sometimes we can over think it as a writer. How should I start? What will happen in the next chapter? I’m not sure this will even be any good. Don’t begin there. Begin at home row. I’m sure you’ve been asked like I have been, many times: How do I start writing? Put your hands on home row. Right there. You are now like a runner in the starting blocks, or a swimmer on the blocks. Go. Type. Keystroke. Swim. The act of writing begins at home row. Every writer lives there. Let’s keep writing.

<p>Back to the Basics</p> Have you wondered why the podcast is called Home Row? It hit me a few weeks ago that many listeners had no idea.So, here we go. **Well, what is the home row on your keyboard? It’s where your 8 fingers, 4 on the left and 4 on the right hand rest, kind of as a launch pad for the mission you are on. From left it right it is: asdf jkl; From that layout of the keyboard, you can strike all of the letters and craft your words, sentences, and stories. It’s one of the beginning stages of a writer. You rest your hands on those keys and you begin. ASDF JKL; You tap your fingers oh home row when you are thinking, like a little dance on top of those keys, wondering what keys will be hit next as the ideas form in your brain. Every writer uses home row. Every writer begins at home row. All writing is employing the basics. You never move on from home row. The show is called Home Row because ASDF JKL; wouldn’t make any sense, but it’s a reminder to that writers start at the beginning. All of us. It’s the only place to begin. Whether you are writing a book on the trinity, a blog post on parenting, or a devotional for teenagers—we are all assemble at home row. Sometimes we can over think it as a writer. How should I start? What will happen in the next chapter? I’m not sure this will even be any good. Don’t begin there. Begin at home row. I’m sure you’ve been asked like I have been, many times: How do I start writing? Put your hands on home row. Right there. You are now like a runner in the starting blocks, or a swimmer on the blocks. Go. Type. Keystroke. Swim. The act of writing begins at home row. Every writer lives there. Let’s keep writing.

Rebecca McLaughlin holds a PhD in renaissance literature from Cambridge University and a theology degree from Oak Hill College in London. She is cofounder of Vocable Communications and former vice president of content at the Veritas Forum, where she spent almost a decade working with Christian academics at leading secular universities. On this episode, Rebecca shares about her writing habits, challenges, and hopes while writing her new book from Crossway, Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion. Sponsored By: Christian Standard Bible: Today's show is brought to you by The Christian Standard Bible. Offering an optimal blend of accuracy and readability, the CSB helps readers make a deeper connection with God’s Word and inspires lifelong discipleship. The CSB is equally suited for serious study or sharing with your neighbor hearing God’s Word for the very first time. Learn more at CSBible.com Links: Home | Rebecca McLaughlin Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion: Rebecca McLaughlin: 9781433564239: Amazon.com: Books Rebecca McLaughlin | Desiring God Rebecca McLaughlin The Archers - Wikipedia BBC Radio 4 - The Archers Humble Calvinism: J.A. Medders, Ray Ortlund: 9781784983727: Amazon.com: Books J.A. Medders (@mrmedders) | Twitter Rebecca McLaughlin (@RebeccMcLaugh) | Twitter Religion & Public Life - Pew Research Center Hamburger - Wikipedia — "The term hamburger originally derives from Hamburg,Germany's second-largest city. In German, Burg means "castle", "fortified settlement" or "fortified refuge" and is a widespread component of place names. The first element of the name is perhaps from Old High German hamma, referring to a bend in a river, or Middle High German hamme, referring to an enclosed area of pastureland. Hamburger in German is the demonym of Hamburg, similar to frankfurter and wiener, names for other meat-based foods and demonyms of the cities of Frankfurt and Vienna respectively."

Sponsored By:Christian Standard Bible: Today's show is brought to you by The Christian Standard Bible. Offering an optimal blend of accuracy and readability, the CSB helps readers make a deeper connection with God’s Word and inspires lifelong discipleship. The CSB is equally suited for serious study or sharing with your neighbor hearing God’s Word for the very first time. Learn more at CSBible.com Links: Home | Rebecca McLaughlin Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion: Rebecca McLaughlin: 9781433564239: Amazon.com: Books Rebecca McLaughlin | Desiring God Rebecca McLaughlin The Archers - Wikipedia BBC Radio 4 - The Archers Humble Calvinism: J.A. Medders, Ray Ortlund: 9781784983727: Amazon.com: Books J.A. Medders (@mrmedders) | Twitter Rebecca McLaughlin (@RebeccMcLaugh) | Twitter Religion & Public Life - Pew Research Center Hamburger - Wikipedia — "The term hamburger originally derives from Hamburg,Germany's second-largest city. In German, Burg means "castle", "fortified settlement" or "fortified refuge" and is a widespread component of place names. The first element of the name is perhaps from Old High German hamma, referring to a bend in a river, or Middle High German hamme, referring to an enclosed area of pastureland. Hamburger in German is the demonym of Hamburg, similar to frankfurter and wiener, names for other meat-based foods and demonyms of the cities of Frankfurt and Vienna respectively."