Writer's Training Notes: A Structured Overview

These notes provide a detailed outline of the "Writer's Training" program, focusing on the key takeaways from day 18/1/2023 to 19/1/2024.(JKUAT CU)

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Day One: 18/01/24 - Writing Books

Speaker: Peter Odhiambo

1. Biblical Foundation for Book Writing

Origin of Writing:

  •     God as a writer (Dan 7:10, Rev 20:12)
  •     People recording writing (Chronicles)
  •     Matthew's genealogy of Jesus

Need for Writing:

  •     Remembrance
  •     Posterity (consistent flow of ideas across generations)
  •     Point of reference (Isa 30:8)
  •     Confirmation

When to Write:

  •     Inspiration or instructions from the Lord
  •     Biblical basis: Psalm 45:1, Exo 17:4, Josh 8:8

When Not to Write:

  •     Discernment is key (1 Cor 12:2-3, Rev 10:4)

What to Write:

  •     What you see (Hab 2:2, Rev 1:1)
  •     Dependence on God


2. Building Writing Capacity

  • Clarity:
  •     Simple and straightforward
  •     Know your subject (1 Cor 7:8)
  •     Consistency and coherence (Acts 1:1, Luk 1:1-4)
  •     Orderly account (compare Mark and Luke's writing)

Authenticity:

  •     Plagiarism (Kenya ISBN number, library protection)
  •     Originalism (Jer 23:30)
  •     Acknowledge sources
  •     Peer review and fellowship as initial platform

Challenges to Expect:

  •     Lack of mentorship (find groups)
  •     Procrastination
  •     Fear of criticism
  •     Paralysis of analysis (too much consultation)
  •     Finances (self-publishing at Amazon)
  •     Marketing


3. Importance of Books for Evangelism

  • Books reach places you haven't been (Nicodemus, Luke and Theophilus)


Day Two: 19/1/2024 - Reading

Speaker: John Ng'ang'a

1. Importance of Reading

  • Improves vocabulary, focus, memory, self-esteem, stress relief

2. Literary Genres

  • Drama, fable, fairy tale, fantasy, fiction, fiction in verse, folklore, historical fiction, science fiction, horror, tragedy, romance, western, descriptive, expository, persuasive, narrative, technical, poetic, compare and contrast.

3. Benefits of Reading

  • Improves imagination, memory, empathy, concentration, reduces stress, cognitive development, vocabulary, writing skills, analytical skills, thinking capacity.

4. "Your Mind Matters" by John Stort

  • Conversion involves the brain (1 Pet 3:15)
  • Emotions without thinking are unchristian (Luke 10:27)
  • Phil 4:8: What to think (noble, pure, etc.)

5. What to Read

  • True, honest, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, praiseworthy

6. Effective Reading Strategies

  • Build on existing knowledge
  • Identify and summarize key ideas
  • Use online resources
  • Use visual aids
  • Develop vocabulary skills
  • Implement thinking strategies
  • Create question and answer scenarios
  • Encourage reciprocal teaching

7. Making a Commitment to Reading

  • Discover God's purpose through reading
  • Prepare for life's calling
  • "The Christian Man" by John Ng'ang'a: living to impact your generation

8. Reaching a Point of Diminishing Returns

  • Change is as good as rest
  •  Sweet something vs. sweet nothing
  • Be everything God wants you to be

9. How to Start Reading

  • Prioritize physical, mental, and spiritual health
  • Read the Bible
  • Read for relaxation
  • Budget for reading
  • Don't leave reading to chance
  • Consider how reading affects your purpose

10. How to Improve Recall

  • Take notes
  • Summarize in your own words
  • Speed reading (ideas worth remembering)
  • Be cautious in your reading

11. Final Words

  • Commit to reading throughout your life
  • Be aware of God's purpose for your reading
  • Share what you learn


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