“GRIT FOR THE OYSTER is a treasure trove of encouraging words for writers, full of reminders about why God led us to this unique profession and advice from other writers. What a great way to start each writing day!”

    ~Terri Blackstock, best-selling author whose books have sold over 3.5 million copies; author of Last Night, True Light and Night Light

 

 

“To every Christian writer who’s ever felt lonely, inadequate and probably delusional (can’t think of any that leaves out), this book throws out a cheerful welcome. In its pages, you’ll find a helpful and soul strengthening community. Enjoy.”

    ~David Kopp, best-selling co-author of The Prayer of Jabez, executive editor, Multnomah Books

 

 

“All of us as writers, whether beginners or experienced, sometimes struggle with procrastination, discouragement, perfectionism, and self doubt. We want to write, we love to write, we feel called to write, but there seems to be so many stumbling blocks along the way. GRIT FOR THE OYSTER provides encouragement and inspiration as we encounter these inevitable roadblocks. This is definitely a book you want to keep within close reach as you work. It’s like having your own personal writer’s group and cheering squad right in your own home!’

    ~Linda Danis, best-selling author of 365 Things Every New Mom Should Know

 

 

“To those who feel called to write for the glory of God, GRIT FOR THE OYSTER is like the ‘Writer’s Bible.’ This wonderful compilation by four talented authors is a wealth of encouragement and support for aspiring and accomplished writers. I plan to keep a copy on my desk for those times when I need inspiration and motivation in my writing journey. God bless this little book!”

   ~Ruth Carmichael Ellinger, award-winning author of The Wild Rose of Lancaster and Wild Rose of Promise

 

 

FOREWORD  by Sally Stuart

Author of Christian Writers’ Market Guide

www.stuartmarket.com

 

    Over my forty years of working with writers and would-be writers, there are certain things that have never changed. They all need inspiration to get started or to keep writing, and they love to hear the stories of what prompted other writers to start a writing career, to deal with problems or rejections, and to basically just survive the writing life.

    Here, at last, is a book that meets and fulfills all those desires in one, easy-to-read volume. Its authors are writers who have worked in the trenches and understand what it’s like to face the ups and downs of freelance writing. Better yet, they are willing and able to be open and honest about those day-to-day struggles we can all identify with.

    In turn, they will take you to God’s Word, apply it to one of the everyday struggles of the writer, bring you back to God in prayer, give you some reflections to help you dig even deeper, and inspire you with the words of other writers who have traveled this same road.

   Nothing brings more depth and clarity to our writing then being forced to look inward at those life experiences that have made us who we are. If God has given us a message to deliver in our writing—those things must be worked through our everyday experiences—good and bad. Ultimately they challenge us to become the best writer we can be.

   Grit for the Oyster will be a constant reminder that God is perfecting both us and our message by making something beautiful out of each challenge. Then that something beautiful can help transform the lives of our readers. Isn’t that what it’s all about?