Ask the Author: Rick Johnson
Answered Questions (7)
Rick Johnson
Hi Guy,
Great question. The focus of my work and ministry has always been to reach out with biblical principles in a nonthreatening way. To do that I tailor my talks and writing to fit my audience (secular venues I do not quote scripture, for religious ones I do. Same material just presented slightly differently). Several of my books appear to have a good amount of secular appeal. Certainly The Power of a Man was written a bit more "gritty" than most Christian books are. This is a constant struggle as my publishers goals and my personal goals are not often the same. The people I want to reach most probably do not frequent Christian bookstores. All that to say, I find that the truth is the truth and people respond well to it regardless of their ideology IF (and its a big if) you present it in a format they can accept. But certainly it is more difficult to get my books in the hands of non-Christians than it would be if I had a secular publisher. At some point I have to let go of all that and leave it in the hands of God. Hope that helps.
Great question. The focus of my work and ministry has always been to reach out with biblical principles in a nonthreatening way. To do that I tailor my talks and writing to fit my audience (secular venues I do not quote scripture, for religious ones I do. Same material just presented slightly differently). Several of my books appear to have a good amount of secular appeal. Certainly The Power of a Man was written a bit more "gritty" than most Christian books are. This is a constant struggle as my publishers goals and my personal goals are not often the same. The people I want to reach most probably do not frequent Christian bookstores. All that to say, I find that the truth is the truth and people respond well to it regardless of their ideology IF (and its a big if) you present it in a format they can accept. But certainly it is more difficult to get my books in the hands of non-Christians than it would be if I had a secular publisher. At some point I have to let go of all that and leave it in the hands of God. Hope that helps.
Rick Johnson
That is a difficult question to answer. Just like all the problems in life I find self-discipline and perseverance are the keys to overcoming writers block (for me). Forcing yourself to write--even when its bad stuff--eventually leads to better material. That said I write non-fiction in which writers block is probably a lot easier to overcome than it is with fiction.
Rick Johnson
My newest book is about romance and intimacy in a marriage--not my favorite or strongest subjects! I most often get inspired through prayer and by surveying many people to glean information from their experiences. In addition I do a ton of research for each book. Also, my wife claims she provides a lot of fodder for my books through her antics.
Rick Johnson
People ask my wife and I all the time how we have managed to stay married for 33 years. Despite both coming from highly dysfunctional homes, my wife and I have managed to make a good marriage that has lasted. Our experience and advice needs to be passed along to younger couples to help them succeed at the most important relationship they will ever have.
Rick Johnson
It's better than working for a living. No, truthfully the best thing is all the people who contact you and say their lives have been touched by something you wrote. There is no more gratifying feeling than helping others.
Rick Johnson
I just finished the galleys for Romancing Your Better Half due out in January. I am currently working on the rough draft manuscript for another fathering book with the working title of The 10 Best Qualities of Better Dads: Uncommon Traits of Exceptional Fathers.
Rick Johnson
Write. It sounds simple but the best advice I can give aspiring writers is just to write. Write all kinds of things in all genres. Writing is like a muscle--you develop it with exercise.
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