Write & Publish Organically: Dig Deep, Tend the Soil, Help Newness Emerge (Catherine Lawton) - A Review

WRITE & PUBLISH ORGANICALLY: Dig Deep, Tend the Soil, Help Newness Emerge. By Catherine Lawton. Greeley, CO: Cladach Publishing, 2024. 160 pages.

Being a published author myself, I know something about writing and publishing. Nevertheless, there is always more to learn. Different authors undertake different genres, which involve different skill sets. Since I write nonfiction and generally read and review nonfiction books, that is the skill set I’ve developed. Writing fiction or poetry requires a different skill set, though as a preacher, I understand the value of storytelling. All of this is to say that whether we write fiction, poetry, or nonfiction, certain skills cross over the boundaries of genre.

Catherine Lawton, the author of Write & Publish Organically, is an author, poet, and publisher. She understands the larger landscape of writing for publication that can help aspiring and experienced authors further develop their craft. In her book, Write & Publish Organically, Lawton draws on her love of gardening to lead the reader on a journey through the writing process, and then taking us all the way to publication and marketing. When it comes to marketing, Lawton understands that many authors are introverts. As such, we may feel a bit inhibited about telling the larger world about our books. We don't like people who talk too much about themselves and their achievements, and yet in this day and age, authors tend to be their own publicists. That is especially true if you publish with smaller independent presses (as I have).

Lawton offers us five chapters that take us from the beginning of the process of producing books to the endpoint (marketing). As noted, she uses the imagery of gardening to help the reader envision the process. She also shares insights from other authors, including ones she published at Cladach Publishing. At the heart of this book is a concern for sustainable publishing. Not only does Lawton turn to gardening, she points to organic gardening, suggesting that it can serve as the pathway to achieving this goal. I recognize that from her publishing list, my books might not fit her publishing objectives, but there is much here to harvest. For authors like me, she understands that writing and publishing can be and is a ministry. In her way of thinking, the books she wishes to publish offer hope to the world. That is something we need, desperately!

Lawton begins her book with the image of "Soak" (Chapter 1). The writing process starts with soaking in nutrients. That involves seeds and soil. She suggests that as writers and publishers, "we soak in and trust ourselves to, the vision for our art, work, mission, and ministry. We may soak in prayer and communion of our spirit with God's Spirit, desiring that Christ will enliven our words, actions, and presence." (p. 26). This involves several steps and activities, including surrounding ourselves with others so we can be better prepared to write. She offers three insights that can help authors soak in the necessary nutrients. The first is "the knowledge that you are part of something bigger than yourself." Second, using discernment, authors should "soak your thinking and experience in the context around you." Listen to what is going on around you. Writing requires attending to the world around us. Third, if we're going to speak to the hearts of others, "we must speak from the heart." (pp. 37-38). Each of these points is important.

Having begun with soaking, the next step in the process is defined by the word "Spoke" (Chapter 2). Here is where we begin to focus on words. After all, writing involves words. Lawton reminds us that biblically, God spoke the world into existence and that Jesus, according to John, is that Word. Lawton goes into great depth as to the power of words and how they might be used to communicate. She reminds us that in our writing efforts, we should never claim to have the last word. Her advice here is that authors need to take their words seriously and write with originality and care.

The next step in this journey, whether one is an author or publisher, is to "Evoke" (Chapter 3). The question here is: What is it that we want to say? We all know that sex and controversy sell but these are not the only needs people feel. Lawton suggests that whatever we write, it should "evoke deep wisdom, the long knowing of the mystery and meaning of life. Invoke the sacred within the mundane." (p. 75). In other words, writing that has power opens up conversations. Thus, she advises against dogmatism and embraces imagination. As a nonfiction writer, this is probably one of the areas I struggle with, but I do know that effective writing does evoke something in the reader that requires more than reason.

The next step is termed "Provoke" (Chapter 4). The point here is not that we should be provocative for the sake of being provocative. To provoke is to use our words as we write to "prod toward life and orient toward the future." (p. 95). As a historian, I draw upon the past, but readers need to see and hear something that moves them forward. We should not only seek to meet needs but we should dig deeper into the needs of the reader, leading them on a journey of hope. Here she warns against perfectionism that hinders writing, as if we need to offer the final word. Instead, she suggests "we need to communicate something real to life, relevant within context, and true to revelation and experience." (p. 109). Writing here as a Christian publisher, she offers this word of wisdom: "If we try to write and publish to provoke—in our own power—we will accomplish little for God's kingdom. If we listen to and work with God, our writing will provoke for renewal." (p. 111).

This leads us to the final step, "Stoke" (Chapter 5). This is where things come together. As the publishing process comes to a climax, authors and publishers need to stoke the interest of readers. Getting the word out often requires word of mouth. Thus, effective publicity must have "the ring of authenticity and even spontaneity." Here she offers guidance on the publishing and marketing process, which requires the input of authors. Ultimately, authors and publishers need to recognize that we're not in competition with others but adding to the conversation. Again, different genres will require different approaches, but this is helpful wisdom.

She offers us three appendices. The first describes the various publishing models available from traditional to social publishing. The second appendix describes the publishing process, from acquisition to marketing. For new authors or those contemplating writing, this appendix will be quite helpful. Finally, her third appendix describes what she calls "Marketing for Introverts." Lawton offers the reader helpful hints here that can help authors connect with their audience even if they are introverts, which is true of many if not most authors!

I appreciate Catherine Lawton for reaching out to me and inviting me to review her book Write & Publish Organically. I enjoyed her reflections on publishing. They are informative about the process of writing, while also weaving into the conversation deep spiritual sensibilities. This helps the reader, whether a new author or one who has published numerous books envision their writing efforts as spiritual offerings. This is true whether we’re writing nonfiction, fiction, or poetry. The topic might be religious or not, but it can still be deeply imbued with spiritual dimensions. As noted above, throughout this book, Lawton weaves imagery drawn from gardening together with stories of authors she has published, while mixing in a deeply spiritual vision. Now, her primary audience is people like me who are authors. However, even if you don't plan to write a book, I think readers will find this book intriguing. Not only will they gain a better understanding of the writing/publishing process, but they also will gain insight into spiritual things. For that, we can be grateful!