Writing & Our Eternal Call to Worship Christ
If you've been getting nowhere along the crowded highway paths offered by most commercial programs: Congratulations! You're probably a true creative.
Creativity innately opposes easy packages of numbered action steps. What worked for one author will not work for another. Creativity defies our best-laid plans—to (in the end) deliver something far better than we could have imagined: adventure culminating in personal growth and a sense of accomplishment!
Any writer who has seriously pursued publication quickly learns it's not one clearly-marked, well-paved highway. It's more like a winding path that varies by individual writer—and often requires the use of a machete!
“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
Tolkien totally nails the sense of danger felt lurking behind the call to adventure that faces every creative. If you’ve followed me this far, you’re either a creative yourself or a mentor to one (or more), so now, a decision lies before you. “Two roads diverge,” as Frost famously penned.
Road 1: The well-traveled path is used often because it is most easily found. Students take classes that introduce them to the unique terms, techniques, and skills of writing by studying the works of published writers who have trod the path ahead of them. There is no shame in continuing down this path. It has proven to be paved with loveliness.
Road 2: I liken Anistemi to the path less traveled because we take a uniquely creative approach to English instruction. Having traveled the well-worn, timeless path described above, our leadership team knows the need for writers to learn the content along the traditional path. As publishing professionals, though, we know there’s a better way: a road less traveled.
The Anistemi path is not intended for everyone. It was carved out for those called to create (or more accurately sub-create with Christ to the glory of his name)! Each step was plotted to help young writers master application of the traditional terms, techniques, and skills. By master application...we mean that our writers learn the work of writing and publication by doing it, real time. It's a key switch in mindset. While most courses encourage students to study famous writers so that they can become writers, Anistemi courses recognize that God gave our students the ability to write—you were created a writer.
Along the Anistemi pathway, you're not just learning to imitate past writers; you're being equipped to join them in the literary conversation that stretches back through written word. Each work studied in our pathway was chosen—not only to induce awe and respect for the old masters—but also to inspire committed action on the part of tomorrow’s masters. We don't want to keep quoting Tolkien and Lewis; we want to start equipping and quoting YOU!
That's why we immediately start equipping young writers enrolled in our premium courses for leadership positions...and then place them in those roles as we understand their gifts and calling! (More on this key difference to come, but if you're interested in how our young authors are serving, check out their work in our free, online library and much of our blog!) Anistemi's pathways guide you through the work of writing because we understand our students are already writers with God-given voices. All we need to do is come alongside and offer practical, proven support in work that systematically equips you for joining the modern world of publication—which is an exciting place that can be a bit daunting when navigated alone. We know working within publication is best learned through mentored apprenticeship.
Anistemi's pathways were also designed to supplement your life goals because we believe the best stories are those that help readers experience truth, a higher reality that is sensed more than seen (see Psalm 46:10, Hebrews 11:1, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Romans 8:24-25, etc.)! Writing is thinking, and creative worship is our enduring, eternal call before Christ! So, why settle for writing programs that tempt us to chase after empty publication goals—instead of integrating that desire into the pursuit of our eternal purpose?! The Anistemi team reads actively and listens to understand the individual goals of all writers in our program, especially those in our premium courses.
There’s no telling where your creative call will lead, and every aspiring author will face challenges, twists, and turns. That’s another reason why community and mentorship are key elements built into Anistemi pathways. Your individual journey is your own—but the Spirit of Christ reaches beyond borders through fellowship. Online formats are used as tools to support this God-made principle. The premium courses aren't the best fit for every writers, so we also offer a self-paced version that still supports motivated writers in accessing publication opportunities, building a portfolio of published work, and graduating our program with proven experience!
Thus, Anistemi offers multiple pathways and multiple levels of support for the committed young writers we serve. Our goal is threefold:
encourage young authors to view their call to creative writing as worship
offer supplemental resources that come alongside the life goals of young authors
serve Christ faithfully by serving our fellow creative members in the body of his bride!
The place you enter, the path, or paths, you take are not super important. Start where you like!
Pursue publication with Anistemi:
Anistemi Authors Academy - Strategic Pathway for Serious Writers
(Anistemi Authors Academy is also a great option for writers who just want advanced creative writing courses!)
Explore the resources we offer:
A Muse: Edifying Inspiration for Christian Authors - Our Blog
Behind the Book: Author Interviews - Learn from those who DO
Write for Us -Learn how you can submit works for publication
Open Access Library - Family-friendly story & resources (free!)
And even if the Anistemi pathway isn't for you, we want to cheer you on by way of the free resources we offer. So, be encouraged today (and always): God has a sovereign plan for your writing; if you'll commit each step to him and move forward consistently, He will make the path before you! To quote Paul in 2 Corinthians 13:14, May, "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
