What a joy to introduce you to my friend, author, speaker, and sidewalk theologian, Cheri Cowell! Cheri and I have been friends since our early writing days. Be sure to read her complete bio below, but let me just say Cheri is passionate about discipleship and challenging the body of Christ to holiness of heart and life.
(I know we’re a week early for the regular author interviews and book giveaways, but since NEXT TUESDAY IS CHRISTMAS (YIKES!) I thought we’d better post this a week ahead. That way you’ll all have time to read about Cheri’s new book and get your own copy, too!)
Be sure to leave a comment for Cheri and you’ll be in the drawing for her new book, Parables & Word Pictures.
So, welcome to the Christian Writer’s Den, Cheri. Let’s jump right in. My first question (and one I’m sure all the readers are interested in): How did you get the contract for this study?
This is an example of why attending writers’ conferences is so important. I was sitting next to the editor from AMG at the general session and I’d pitched to him for years so we had a relationship. We were talking about his kids and camping—not about books. We were laughing and having fun, when I asked in a light-hearted way, “So, when are you going to publish me?” He replied, “When you send me something I can publish.” I smiled and said, “Touche’.” I asked, “What do you wish someone would send, something you don’t have, but would love to add to your line?” He smiled. “Great question.” Then he thought for a minute before he answered, “You know, we don’t have a parables study in our Following God line.” I nearly fell out of my chair. “Really, that’s for me.” He grinned. “Send me a proposal.” Six months later I had the contract. I am convinced it was because I’d developed a relationship with this editor through the years of attending writers’ conference.
The title of your study is Parables & Word Pictures; just what is a “word picture?”
There are some teachings of Jesus, such as when He says, “I am the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep” that aren’t technically parables but are what I call parable word pictures because the image tells the whole story.
What passion drove you as you wrote your new book?
I LOVE the Word and I love storytelling and I want others to fall in love not only with the Word but also with the concept that they can become a living parable, a living story pointing others toward the Ultimate Living Parable––Jesus Christ.
What do you hope readers will gain from your book(s)?
That the parables are not isolated stories only used for sermon illustrations, but when read together they give us a picture of how we are to live as kingdom people. Through the parables we learn how to become living parables in a world desperate to “see” God.
Storytelling is a big part of our culture. Everywhere you turn there is a new story; how can we use these parables to reach our neighbors and friends with their story-telling power?
For me, this is what studying the parables is all about. It is about shaping our lives after Jesus that when other “read our lives” they see Him. How we treat others, how we respond to sorrow and obstacles tells a story. When asked how and why we are able to be at peace, or turn the other cheek, we don’t need a canned presentation. We simply share our story of how God’s story has changed us.
The study concludes with a look at the Parable of all parables. Tell us about this because this is the heart of your study.
I remember the moment when in preparation for writing this study I received the revelation that Jesus not only taught parables, but He was a parable––a living parable. In fact, He was the Ultimate Living Parable who lived His life as an example of what a life shaped by the truths taught in the parables should look like. Likewise, you and I have been invited to live parable-shaped lives so we, too, might become a living parable in a world begging to see God.
I love that word picture! What life experience, education, or training helped you become an author?
I am a writers’ conference fan, having attended and taught at more than 40 over the last ten years. I wouldn’t be where I am today as a writer without them. I also received a Masters in Theological Studies from Asbury Seminary, where I learned the Inductive Bible study method I used in writing the parables Bible study.
What is God teaching you right now?
That we all have a story to share and in sharing our stories we hear how God is moving, in listening to others’ stories we begin to see how our own story is shaped by the interweavings of so many stories to form a God-story.
What advice would you give someone wanting to publish Bible studies?
Sounds crazy, but be in the Word. You can’t write if the Word isn’t speaking to you daily. Second, teach. If we aren’t teaching the Word, then we don’t know the kinds of questions readers are asking. Lastly, attend writers’ conferences and build relationships with the editors. Get to know them as people. Don’t just pitch, but talk with them. Then when the Holy Spirit nudges, you’ll be in a position to obey.
Thank you for joining us today, Cheri. I know you’ve encouraged many Christian Writer’s Den readers today.
Cheri’s bio: As the author of two books, Parables & Word Pictures (AMG) and Direction: Discernment for the Decisions of Your Life (Beacon Hill, 2007), and over 300 articles, Cheri’s love of story and the Holy Word shines through in her writing and teaching. In 2009 she was one of six journalists chosen for a tour of the Holy Land by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, a blessing that only deepened the love of the parables Jesus told. Cheri is a graduate of Asbury Theological Seminary where she learned the Inductive Bible study method used in this study to encourage, challenge, and equip the body of Christ to live story-shaped lives. To learn more about Cheri, her ministry, and her books, check out Cheri Cowell’s website here.
And friends, if you’d like the chance to win a copy of Cheri’s new book, simply leave a comment and you’ll be in the drawing. Be sure to check back next week to see of you’re the winner!
Christmas blessings as we celebrate the Gift and the Giver!
Vonda
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It’s the 4th Thursday and time to take a quick look at upcoming conferences for writers, and to see who won a free copy of Cheri’s book!