Secrets of the Vine

Secrets of the Vine

Bruce Wilkinson's, best-selling author of The Prayer of Jabez, has written another great book, Secrets of the Vine. From John 15 he writes about fruitfulness in the Christian life using three words; Discipline, prune and abide. These same three words are useful also to you as a writer.

Discipline:

Write everyday and try writing at the same time and the same place. Set a goal for each session. If it's only one word, one sentence, one paragraph, or one page then write to hit your goal everyday with a weekly Sabbath rest. Your writing bears fruit when you have a writing discipline. Set a small goal then increase it over time and you will see your writing become more fruitful than ever. This daily discipline will produce the short stories, poems, articles, and books you've always wanted to write.

Writing exercise: Write down the first word that pops into your head. Now write as much as you can about your one word.

• Prune

After you write your article, story, or book then it's time to prune. Bruce Wilkinson says that the secret to fruitfulness is not growth but pruning. Writers call the pruning process rewriting, revising and editing. Your original writing is what is called a first draft. After you write your first draft then it's time to prune. Don't worry; most every writer's first draft is full of dry twigs and dead wood. Pruning is where you'll find fruitfulness. Prune your first draft awhile, set it aside a couple of days, and then prune some more. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the fruit your writing will yield when you cut out the dead wood.

Writing exercise: Reread your first exercise and cut out all adverbs (-ly words) adjectives, that, passive verbs, and anything you think will improve your writing.

• Abide

The secret to fruitful Christian writing is abiding in the presence of God. Yes, you can abide in God's presence at a computer keyboard. This doesn't mean you'll write “God”, “Lord”, or “Jesus” with every other word. This only means you're aware God is near no matter when, where, or what you write. You have a message and a gift. How that message and gift manifests is really between you and God. You may write travel articles, sports columns, or cookbooks but your writing will bear fruit when you abide in God's presence.

Writing exercise: Talk to God for a minute and become aware of His presence. Then read your one word article and ask Him how it could bear more fruit.

Discipline, prune, abide and you'll discover more fruitfulness. As a bonus, you will also find personal growth as Christian and a writer.

Copyright 2001 Glenn White