New Academic Plans

                                        ''History is the story of events, with praise or blame.''*1

                                                                   -Cotton Mather 

Over the prior months, I've been adjusting to having graduated with a bachelor's in English. As I've noted before, majoring in English has made me a greater writer. Today, I've decided to switch from the MA in Christian Apologetics: Thesis to the Master of Arts (which I had switched to from the MA in Biblical Studies) in Theological Studies. From there, I hope to pursue a PhD in history. I want to finish my seminary degree soon and prepare for a career in academia. 

I've been a major history buff throughout my life. Whether it is the American Civil War, World War II, the Crusades, or Ancient Rome, I enjoy studying history. In fact, there is something about the study of the past that often does my heart good. With a master's in theology, I will be able to pastor a church in the near future (should I desire this). 

Switching to history has been an exciting choice. As I proceed, I ask for prayers from everyone. 

Notes:

*1-https://alphahistory.com/history-quotes/

Publishing and Writing Plans

 

                                        ''Publication is the auction of the mind of man.''

                                                         -Emily Dickinson

Between May 11 and 15, I finished the remainder of my undergraduate coursework, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in English and Writing with a specialization in Christian literature. Now, I am also a seminary student. In many ways, 2024 has been an exciting year for me. 

While I enjoyed my program, I am relieved to have finished the degree. Being an English and Writing major taught me much about what to expect and make out of literature and creative writing. On the other hand, being a seminary student is preparing me to take on ministry roles as I attempt to write my books. Currently, I am getting a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies with a concentration in New Testament and Early Christianity. I desire to be a professor of New Testament. Contrary to what many modern people believe out of ignorance, theology and literature are not entirely separable as many of the past British and American writers were Christians who wove themes of Christianity into their works. Furthermore, it's also possible to know both subjects well. For instance, G. K. Chesterton wrote both theological works and novels. The study of theology is not a subtraction from creative writing. If anything, it can often benefit the aspiring writer whose stories broadly fall into Christian literature. 

Having studied English literature and Early Christianity throughout 2024, I continued to learn more about the publication process both within and outside the classroom. I know all the essential ingredients for the beginning process of getting a novel published. Right now, I am largely revising some of the novels I've already written. While it is easy to start feeling burned out, I appreciate the words of Margaret Atwood in writing: ''If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.'' 

For me, writing my books (and eventually publishing them) has been a lifelong goal of my adult life. Though I've had different preferences between traditional and self-publishing over the years, I intend to bring my book down the path of the former. 

In general, I have many aspirations about getting my books published. With my undergrad done, I can now concentrate more of my time on my writing. 

Finally, as stated earlier, I'm writing a series of books set in the Regency era. I've been striving hard to complete one of them. 

                              ''You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.''

                                                                   -Jack London

Creating a Brand and Identity of Myself

 There are many ways that I would like to propel my work on social media. Between blogging about my works for those who follow my writings online and emailing friends about my latest stories, I realize that selling a book requires advertising from either the publisher or the author (if not both). 

I have a brand to bring to the world of publishing. My brand, which I shall expound upon in a moment, concerns novels of romance and adventure, historical fiction, and espionage. In general, my books are not over 100,000 words. Since a brand is what many readers associate with an author's books, I would like to share some about my own. 

I like the colors blue, gray, and green for my novels. I would prefer that my books be printed in medium hardcover or softcover. When my books are published, I would like them to follow the appearance of the dust-jackets of J. R. R. Tolkien's first-edition hardcover novels. I don't prefer bulky hardcover books, however, and I am not a fan of Mass Market Paperback. More about Tolkien's early editions of The Lord of the Rings can be found here:

https://www.rarebookcellar.com/pages/books/178279/j-r-r-tolkien/the-lord-of-the-rings-the-fellowship-of-the-ring-the-two-towers-the-return-of-the-king

I greatly esteem the external artwork of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings novels. I love the emphasis on trees and greenwood in these pictures. I would like my novels to follow these designs. I am hardly a fan of the typical American romance novel with models posing on the cover, often in sexual form. If something more romantic is to be included on one of the covers of my books, I would prefer that it be a painting of the past. 

As to my identity as a writer, I first identify as a Christian. Secondly, Jane Austen is remembered most often for romance, Ian Fleming for espionage, and Michael Shaara for historical fiction, three genres that I mostly concentrated on. Some of the projects that I am currently most known for are my theological and Medieval history posts online. Some describe me as a talented storyteller and articulate theologian (I have recently been accepted into seminary as well!). I am different from most writers today, not only in the diversity of what I write but in my commitment to Christianity. I am passionate about storytelling, strong openings, emotional endings, historical accuracy, memorable characters, and consistent plotlines. 

I would like my logo to be the image of a sword. I have loved Medieval literature for many years, and Medievalism is just part of who I am. 

While I would be open to having a pen name as a writer, that is not my priority right now. If anything, I will probably have my name on the front of my early novels. 

Creative Writing and Publication

Commencement at Liberty University is just around the corner. This year, I will be graduating with a degree in English and Writing. While my English classes help further my love of literature, my creative writing classes have geared me toward my work as a writer. 

Right now, I am completing my final creative writing classes for my bachelor's degree. I am also working on a series of books set during the Crusades, a series concerning the Regency era, and a 1960s espionage novel. In my final classes, I have learned more about editing, editing for publishing, and the process of a book's publication. 

In today's world, it is not only necessary to write well but to know the process of publication. Literary agents can help a great deal. And while books can be self-published, I have long desired the publication of my works through traditional publishing.

If a writer were to ask me if English classes or creative writing classes are more beneficial for them, I would say that both are. The former directs the writer to what literature should be, while the latter teaches one how to do it. Certainly, English and writing cannot be totally separated. 

For me, I have learned the beauty of literature and the craft of creative writing from my degree. I purposefully delayed the latter for the end of my program as I wanted my knowledge of publication to be fresh while I am pursuing contacts with one or more literary agents to publish my first novel. 

What do I hope to gain from my knowledge of publishing? How to advance my books and prepare them as manuscripts for the world to read! 

 

Last English Class Done

 

I recently finished my last English class, which covered Biblical literature. I also have completed two creative writing classes this semester. For graduation, I need to complete three more creative writing classes. 

I have one last semester left, and then I'm done with my bachelor's of English. This has been a relief in itself, and I expect to feel even more relieved once my degree is finally done. A lot of the reason that I ever majored in English was (1) because I wanted this major to improve me as a writer, (2) to learn about the process of publication, (3) because some of my heroes majored in English, such as J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, (4) and I love the study of English literature. 

Sometimes, people today make fun of humanities majors, but there has been a lot of research demonstrating that majors in humanities do better than most say. And most importantly, the same college major is not for everyone. Majoring in English has developed my writing skills and advanced my literary knowledge. 

Right now, I'm trying to discern what master's degree I intend to pursue. Since I have some ministry interests, I am conflicted between Biblical Studies, Apologetics, and Theological Studies.  However, I'm also open to continuing studies in either history or English. Please keep me in your prayers, and I ask that you invoke God on my behalf. 

Christianity: A Faith Like None Other

 

My passions are studying theology, reading history and literature, writing, and watching movies. The latter four interest me because I enjoy them. Theology, though, is essential for knowing how God views view, how I should view Him, and what my purpose is within His glorious creation. I've often said that even people not aspiring to become theologians or pastors should study theology. In general, theology should concern every Christian, as what we believe about eternity, salvation, and sin will affect our everyday life and whether or not we are conforming to the image of Christ. 

Recently, I have been investigating the claims of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Eastern Orthodox Christianity retains many aspects of the ancient church lost in Western Christianity. For example, the Orthodox Church doesn't have many of the liberal ''woke'' issues of the Western church. Likewise, the Orthodox Christian emphasis on Christ as the great physician (Mark 2: 17) is a Biblical one, though often forgotten by Westerners. Perhaps most importantly, I am drawn to the Eastern understanding of salvation, that salvation is not simply about God rescuing us from damnation but saving us from sin, even from ourselves, as we become more like His Son, Jesus Christ. 

Tragically, many Christians need to become more familiar with their distinct traditions. Many Roman Catholics tend to be unaware of John Wycliffe's attempt to translate the Bible for the common man. Likewise, many Evangelicals know nothing about the church fathers and the early church councils. 

Not knowing church history has led to further ignorance of theology. Meanwhile, the grand divisions of Christendom still continue. Protestants and Evangelicals now comprise 38,000 denominations in the United States. Evangelicals add more denominations every year due to their frequent splits over doctrine. Perhaps most worrying is of the 38,000 Evangelical denominations, whether Reformed Baptist, Presbyterian, or Church of the Brethren, each thinks they are right (even though they never existed before the sixteenth century). Considering that there was essentially only one church before 1054, it's hard to believe the many existing barriers that prevent Christians from visible unity (and formal communion). And while some of the blame is on Evangelicals and Protestants for adding to current divisions, some of it is also on Catholics and Orthodox for ever having split the church in the Middle Ages. 

Still, despite all the theological differences between Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox, C. S. Lewis was right about the importance of Mere Christianity. Although theological differences are often prioritized between Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox, the three traditions of Christianity agree more than they disagree. Whereas Western Christians occasionally disagree when discussing topics like Purgatory and justification, they agree that Jesus was Incarnate, that God is eternal, that there are Three Persons of God, and that Christ saves man from his sins (and eternal damnation). Although there are significant differences between mainstream Evangelicals (especially Baptists) and Eastern Orthodox on topics ranging from baptism to the Eucharist, both uphold belief in the Heavenly realm that someday, God will make all things new. 

Often, we hear more about the differences in Christendom than where the great traditions of Christianity agree. We should emphasize the differences and challenge each other in light of Scripture. However, it is unfortunate that many forget there is more that the three traditions agree on than where they disagree. 

For context, I am not speaking about ''liberal Christians'' in this post who deny the Virgin birth, defend homosexuality and abortion, and claim that Christ was not incarnate. Instead, I wish the reader to be reminded that the traditional Protestants, Orthodox, and Catholics agree with the teachings of the Nicene Creed. I am also not speaking of Independent Baptists and various fundamentalist and restorationist sects, who preach heresy by asserting that the creeds have no purpose, that the church held heresy for two thousand years, and accuse our Lord of lying when Jesus said in Matthew 16 that the gates of hell would never overtake the church. 

Learn Literature as You are Learning Writing

 Today, many aspiring writers major in creative writing. They want to learn about publishing, editing, and the process of becoming a recognized author. 

I support the creative writing field. Indeed, taking these classes has benefited me as a writer. One can read books from the English Department all day, yet being corrected by other writers enhances one's ability to improve their own compositions. Furthermore, in the complicated world of literary agents, editors, publishing hours, etc, it can be beneficial for aspiring writers to learn about the process of publishing a novel or play from experts in the field. 

I have some concerns, however. Some modern aspiring writers think that they can delve into creative writing, without having read the great classics of the past. In many ways, all writers should have to read several books of Classical literature before seeking publication of their works. Homer, Virgil, and Ovid remain among the greatest writers to ever have lived. While I encourage a new generation of writers to seek the creative writing field, I also encourage them to study the literature of the past. 

As an English and Writing: Christian literature major, I have had the benefits of studying both old literature (English classes) and how to make new works of literature (creative writing classes). I think every novelist should attempt to be familiar with both the literature of the past as well as how to make a good story for the present. 

Take what you will from my post. It is my opinion that aspiring writers should familiarize themselves with Chaucer, Shakespeare, and Austen, while also gaining helpful feedback on their writings from peers and professors.