Many of us feel like we have a book inside us, but first we have to have something to say. If it’s nonfiction, then somehow readers need to find it valuable. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can’t force a book. If you want to write your best stuff, you need patience and perseverance.
Mine began percolating shortly after we started building the World Race in 2005 and has taken six years. I first realized that a racer has to go through six stages of initiation – a process that begins with abandoning his or her comfort zones. I finished an initial draft using the stories from the first two races we ever did in 2007.
I tried out a number of titles: “Racing to Reality” was one. But eventually I realized that I didn’t understand enough about how the initiation process worked. I knew it involved pain and I felt like it should eventually lead to a sense of calling. But that didn’t happen as frequently as I’d guessed it might. So after a while, I stopped writing.
Three years went by. I blogged about what I’d observed and eventually I got the sense that I might be able to start writing again. The whole idea of a journey as a tool for spiritual growth was a theme that had gradually pushed its way to the fore of my imagination.
I’ve always needed a collaborator with my book writing and fortunately one showed up last spring. Emily Drevets is a family friend whose natural brilliance and hard work had earned her a scholarship at Boston U. She agreed to come to Gainesville for the summer to help.
But we ran into a problem with my writing as the summer wore on. It needed someone with a narrative gift. When Emily returned to school, that person showed up in the form of my future son-in-law, Joe Bunting. Unbeknownst to me, Joe had a motive to drive all the way from California to help me – he liked my eldest daughter, Talia.
Thankfully, it worked out for both of us. He’s getting married, and the book project is nearing completion thanks to Joe’s gift for telling stories and his commitment to the project. He started in November and finished April 20.
Now
Jeff Goins and I are going through and editing it. Our title is “
Kingdom Journeys: The Lost Spiritual Discipline.” A publisher friend of mine says, “It could be a game changer.” I don’t know, but after six years, it’s gotten a lot better. And I don’t think getting a publisher will be a problem.
If you’d like to read a preview copy and give me your feedback, just let me know in the comment section and I’ll get it to the first 30 of you when it’s done in a month. It’ll be good to put this book to bed.
After reading listening prayer and warriors journal, i’d love to read this book. I’ve also enjoyed talking with seth jr. Recently. You have a great son.
Sound interesting! I’d be happy to give my 2 cents when it’s ready 🙂
Count me in!
I’d love a preview copy of Kingdom Journeys – if you want my feedback, I can give that too 😉
I think we all have books in us. It all depends on whether we have the time & calling to produce them.
I think I have at least 2…
having lived alone for about 10 yrs before I married, I’ve considered a cookbook for singles – “Cooking for 1 or Less”
And having lived a life of ministry for 37 yrs, (and after changing names to protect the innocent, & the guilty,) my working title for it is “Things I’ve Seen, Felt, & Stepped In”
😉 LOL
I’d love one Seth. Thanks.
I would love one too Seth.
I’d love a copy!
I’d love to help!
You know I’m always up to read your books. Is this the former discipleship book I read a few years ago?
It will be good to get some fresh material to work with. I’m working on a church leader’s seminar for Nicaragua. Perhaps some of it will end up there?
Sounds like it will go with the other things I’m using. Radical, When Helping Hurts, Silent Songs of Worship and maybe Kingdom Journeys?
You forgot one of the issues to writing a book – getting it published!
I’d love to read it, send it on
I’d love to help!
Absolutely Seth, I would be happy to help. I have our youth ministry boys going through your Warrior’s Journal now!
I’m soooo excited to hear this!!! And, yes, I want to read it (and in a month maybe I will actually have the time to do so!)
I would love to help out!
so excited for this! would love a copy of the book as well!
I would love to read it.
I’d love to read it! Can’t wait for it to infect the church.
You know we’d love to!
Yes, please! Nothing like years of ministry to produce books and stories. Yours are good, and you write them well.
Would love to give you any feedback that I can, Seth. It’s great to hear your story, because I’ve got the inspiration for a book, but it’s going to be awhile before the idea is ever worthy of printing. Good to know that a six year timeline is just fine! 🙂
Funny – I was proofing it last night, thinking, “Man, this is going to be so good. There is nothing like this out right now.” I’m excited.
I’m all in.
I’d love to read through it, Seth.
Seth … Please add me to your list to preview a copy and supply feedback. Sounds like an awesome book
I would love to read it, Joe has showed me some parts already and it sounds like it’s going to be great.
Would love to read your new book! Thank you!!!
yeah! go joe! and dad and jeff!:) i want a copy!:) Dostoevsky sat on “the Idiot” for seven years before he published it…good things take time sometimes. love you!
I’d like to read it
I’d love to help with this!!
would love to see a preview; and can give you honest feedback!
Thanks for the response so far. I didn’t know what to expect, but this is gratifying.
I’m going to have to cut it off here. 30 reviewers is a lot to assimilate. If any of you would like to volunteer to help me assimilate the feedback, please let me know. I’ll need the help.
For those of you who’d like to review the first chapter without obligation, just email me and I’ll send it to you.
That’s awesome, Seth! All in His timing. Every time.
Seth,
Thanks for sharing your heart on this. I agree with you, many have a book in their heart, but it is not easy to produce the finished product. I have written a book and it took me almost 2 years, but as you shared, God also raised up just the right people in my life to help me get it done. I am currently looking for a publisher/agent and I hope it is easier for you than me…
Hope God blesses you and uses this book for His glory.
Fantastic!! We continue to be grateful for the changes made in our lives by The Art of Listening Prayer. Im certain there are folks right now who don’t even know what their longing is, whose hearts will be awakened by this new book. Blessings, Seth!
Seth – sounds awesome – I’ll pray that it impacts exactly the way God wants. Must feel good to get near the end of such a huge project! Blessings.
Brett
I would love to add my name to the recipient list! Did Mark S. finally get his wish granted? Or are you going it solo? Separate email shortly. Great stuff. God is smiling.
Congrats Seth! Looks like I missed the preview copy so I will look forward to buying a copy once it is published! Thank you for your example of commitment, perseverance and a steadfastness in your passion for the Lord and for building the next generation!!
lemme know if you need some help assimilating
Looks like I’m past the fist 30 but I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy when its published! Good job bringing it to completion. Its harder than one might think. 🙂
Dear Daddy Seth,
Greetings and blessings from Pakistan.
Prasie the Lord.
I would like to read this .Please send to me and add to me in your list.May God bless you and all your mission work.
Yours son in Pakistan.
Emmanuel Sadiq.
Seth, I’m so happy for you and Joe that both your dreams are being fulfilled through each other. I’ll wait to buy a book to support both your efforts. I’m sure you’ll let us know how to get a copy, if we’re all still here after tomorrow, if not, hang on to a copy as you’re taken away!
I am so excited about your book.  I saw where you have your 30 people to review.  I would love an email copy of chapter one and one day after it is published you can autograph my copy of the book which I will buy. 🙂
I have been following your blogs for a very long time. I am so grateful to the Lord for your tenacity and faithfulness to Him. I intend to support you in prayer and purchase of the book when it is available. :”When you champion for Him, he has already championed for you.” Carolyn Fisher
Thanks, Carolyn. I appreciate the encouragement!
Seth … I would love to get a preview copy … read it and give you some input. Blessings!
i’d love to have a copy … miss being on the editing team!