How God helped Natasha Woodcraft write ‘her book. The Wanderer Scorned, a midrash about Cain, the world’s first murderer, and its sequel that is out soon. Plus, her innovative book marketing strategy.
Natasha writes midrash, as I do – she takes the Bible text and enlarges on it to take the reader deeper into the story and its world. It’s a great way of connecting with God.
INSPIRATION
Her inspiration came from ‘out of the sky’ – as she was writing in her journal, although she originally thought she was being told to ‘imagine the footsteps of Jesus’. But it was a full six months before she actually began to write, time spent in prayer, reflection and more journaling.
She was also somewhat scared by the prospect of trying to get inside of Jesus’ head.
Then, one morning, she awoke knowing that Cain was the one she was to write about. This story has helped her convey the message she wants to tell, namely that we are all sinners and, as she says, “there, but for the grace of God go I.” It seemed logical to pick the worst sin – murder – and the obvious choice for that was the world’s first murderer, Cain.
RESEARCH & WRITING
There followed a lengthy process of coming back to the Scripture in Genesis again and again, while praying about what we are all meant to learn from the passage.
Eventually, led by the Lord, she drafted out a Fable-style story of what she wanted to say. The words came easily: within six months she had finished a first draft. And the process brought her ever closer to God.
The editorial process was longer and more challenging, but she had a supportive and encouraging team of beta readers that included her pastor, who ensured her work was theologically sound.
Natasha wrote Scorned together with Reborn as one book. The first is the story up to Cain’s banishment. The sequel, ‘Reborn’ examines the grief of the family that is left behind. They had lost two brothers, two sons.
INNOVATIVE MARKETING
Feedback from her readers, however, was that it should be two books. She initially resisted but, when edits on Reborn took a lot longer than expected, she felt that God was directing her to release them separately. There is a 5-month gap between The Wanderer Scorned and The Wanderer Reborn, which comes out in December.
This will allow her two goes at launch events in quick succession, potentially gaining momentum.
Her advice to otherbook marketers, however, is “Don’t do what I do. It can make you feel as if your project is just a business.” Natasha prefers to see her writing as a blessing to her to write and, she hopes it will be a blessing to her readers. She views her writing as a ministry.
Her best sales come from talking to people about her books, a new experience, after 11 years raising children. She is still hesitant to call herself an author.
HOW TO BE A CHRISTIAN WRITER
Her writing advice to other Christian writers:
- Ask the Lord
- Listen and take His advice.
- Don’t get overwhelmed with social media.
- Have a support network/ She thoroughly recommends the Association of Christian Writers (ACW) in the UK, of which Bobbie is a member, too. “They have been wonderful, helpful, supportive,” she says.
- Set aside time without distractions to write.
Good advice.
You can reach Natasha at her blog WRITES, WRONGS AND SONGS, that includes songs written and song by her Go to: natashawoodcraft.com. There is a page about her books there, too.
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