The Storied Life - by Jared C Wilson (Paperback)

About the Book

When writers write, they are getting in touch with the image of God in them. In The Storied Life, veteran author Jared C. Wilson explores the ins and outs of writers and writing, exploring the myriad ways the craft is more about transformation than simply communication.

Book Synopsis

When writers write, they are getting in touch with the image of God in them. This is true in some way of all artistry, but writers especially create worlds, characters, histories, and transformation--all ex nihilo ("out of nothing").

In The Storied Life, veteran author Jared C. Wilson explores the ins and outs of writers and writing, exploring the myriad ways the craft is more about transformation than simply communication. From decades of experience and with his signature wit, Wilson brings well-earned insight, autobiographical reflections, and meaningful meditations to the topic of writing as a way of life and as a way of worship, showing how the concept of Story--our personal stories and God's grand story of redemption--shapes fiction and non-fiction writers alike.

Chapters focus on topics like:

• The liturgy of story.
• Writing as a spiritual act.
• Perseverance and endurance.
• Writing as a calling.
• Promotion, publishing, and platform.

Whether you're a long-time writer or a beginning author, a daily journaler or an occasional dabbler, The Storied Life will help you improve your craft. It will lead you to think more deeply about the disciplines and dispositions needed to write for transformation.

Review Quotes

'In The Storied Life, Jared C. Wilson gives us what I hoped he would always write--a masterclass on the art of writing. Jared is one of the most prolific and Jesus-exalting writers of this generation. He is a craftsman. A writer's writer. I cannot think of anyone better to learn from in the art of Christian writing. The Storied Life is an inspiring, practical, and gospel-marinated guide to any and all would-be, wannabe, trying-to-be, struggling-to-be, or will-be Christian writers.'--J.A. Medders, author, and host of the podcast Home Row: Just Keep Writing

'Some books about writing come across like a person examining their own belly button. They are self-focused and weird. Instead, this book is like a cellar door opening into a vault of fine wine with Jared as the sommelier. If you have aspirations to write anything to serve Christ and the church, this book is an essential masterclass in faithful, exceptional Christian writing.'--Jeremy Writebol, author of Pastor, Jesus Is Enough, lead campus pastor of Woodside Bible Church in Plymouth, Michigan, and executive director of Gospel-Centered Discipleship

''How do I become an author?' I've heard this question, or some variation of it, hundreds of times, and I'm never quite sure where to start. Now I have the perfect resource to recommend. Jared's book is a feast of wisdom for Christian writers served up by a master of the craft. It's both inspiring and practical and covers topics ranging from how to kill adverbs to overcoming writer's block to guarding your soul against the perils of platform. Most importantly, he reminds us that even our best efforts are derivative, owing to the ultimate Source of truth and creativity: 'Christian writers should not think of themselves as originating anything but rather adorning what we've inherited.' Amen.'--Drew Dyck, editor and author of multiple books, including Your Future Self Will Thank You and Just Show Up

'Authors, artists, and songwriters don't create simply to build a social media following, a big paycheck, or fame--not the ones that stick with it. They write and create because they must. No matter their medium, creators have a story to share and a desire to use that story to move people. In this book, Jared does just that. He challenges writers to hone their craft and moves the reader to write. This book spurs an almost guttural response that one must get their tools as quickly as possible and set words to page. His words both give permission and act as a catalyst for writers to pursue the storied life.'--Blake Flattley, singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist

'For years Jared Wilson has served us with his writing--his ability to arrange words and adorn truth so we experience the good news afresh. Here he points us to the Story that gives shape and significance to all our work. For those who care about the craft of writing, The Storied Life does more than instruct; it inspires.'--Trevin Wax, vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board, visiting professor at Cedarville University, author of The Thrill of Orthodoxy, Rethink Your Self, and Gospel Centered Teaching

'If you want to get beyond two-dimensional characters and too-good-to-be-true plot lines, The Storied Life is for you. If you yearn for your works to be truer and more grace-filled, The Storied Life is for you. If you sense that to write deeper stories you must live a deeper story, The Storied Life is for you.'--Andrew T. Le Peau, author of Write Better

'If you've ever dreamed of writing, or better, if you have ever longed to be a writer, this is a book for you. If you have ever dreamed of deploying your gift or talent of writing for the glory of God and the good of his people, this is definitely a book for you. Wilson is not only a particularly talented writer (not to mention a particularly dedicated one) but also an adept instructor of the craft. In the pages of this book you will learn writing and, as you follow Wilson's instructions, become a true writer.'--Tim Challies, author of Seasons of Sorrow

'Jared writes this as a Christian. What I mean is, this is not necessarily a book on Christian writing; it's a book written by someone who believes in a God who creates by his word. And as all writers are created in the image of God, all writing is a sub-creative act that mimics the Divine Author of life. Our creativity is part of our composition. This affirming theological reality is woven into the warp and woof of this book.'--Matthew Z. Capps, lead pastor, Fairview Baptist Church, Apex, North Carolina

'Many Christians have dreamed of being a writer. But as Jared C. Wilson explains, there is a great gulf between the desire to write and the finished product. What happens between the aspiring writer and good writing is less 'secret sauce' and more 'daily labor.' In The Storied Life, Wilson offers not a textbook or a checklist, but a map by which Christians pursuing the craft of writing might navigate the many twists and turns of its path. As accessible as it is personal, and replete with helpful examples, this book is a joyful journey through Wilson's creative mind as he pushes his readers to strive for excellence in the words they compose.'--Matthew C. Millsap, dean of library services, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

'Most followers of Christ aren't called to be writers, but all of us are called to tell the old, old story that's been handed down to us. In this book, an expert and revered author shows those who write, or who want to write, how the craft fits in that much bigger framework of what it means to bear witness to the story of God in Christ. This book will help you to tell that story, and to live in it.'--Russell Moore, editor in chief, Christianity Today

'The world needs better stories and writers dedicated to producing them. In this volume, Jared Wilson gives practical guidance and helpful theory for seasoned and aspiring writers alike. If you are a Christian author of any genre, this Gospel-saturated book will be the encouragement you need to fulfill your calling!'--John Mark Yeats, PhD, president, Corban University

'The Storied Life is practical, wise, informative, and inspiring all at once. I wish every writing student I'd ever taught had had this book. I think every writer, whether aspiring or accomplished, needs it--as does anyone who cares about communicating and living a life marked by truth, goodness, and beauty.'--Karen Swallow Prior, author of The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis

'Two things become apparent whenever you read one of Jared Wilson's books: he is a fan of great writers and is a student of great writing. This comes through in spades on The Storied Life, as Jared shares personal stories that not only chronicle his writing journey but also provide insights into what makes writing good, specifically when it is formed by the gospel. For aspiring and established writers alike, there is wisdom here just waiting to be gained.'--Ronnie Martin, director of Leader Renewal for Harbor Network, cohost of The Heart of Pastoring podcast, and author of several books, including The Unhurried Pastor (w/ Brian Croft)