Several months ago I came to the conclusion that I should not write another paper book. I already had plans for a number of new book projects. But something didn't seem right to write a book. Ever since I ordered the first run of Organic Faith, my first book, I have felt like books are just not a fluid enough medium to convey the revelation that I am receiving. At first, I thought that my perfectionist nature just didn't like the fact that books can't be changed later if I discover an error or decide of things that I would like to add. I was not happy that there were a number of grammatical errors in the first print run. Also, I don't even know if I fully agree with everything that I wrote in the first edition. I have learned a lot since then.
The more that I have thought about it, I have realized that my writing is not static. It is evolutionary. You are getting a glimpse at my process to answer the question that Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" But once the presses roll, you can't change a print book without shelling out a lot more cash. And I didn't want to try to get my work published by a "real" publishing company because I want to retain control over it. Who knows if it is even good enough to get a second look. And that's not really the point any way. The objective is to share what God is doing and revealing to me to whoever will listen. I would rather see my work get in the hands of a lot of people by remaining free rather than pocket any money from my efforts. I feel that free online distribution is the best way to get the message out in a timely fashion. I thought about just publishing e-books that anybody could download as a PDF.
Then, I realized that there is a new dynamic in publishing. Blogs can actually be used for more than just a running commentary on a person's daily life or one person's view of whatever is happening in the world. Blogs can be used to create a living book, one where the reader gets to see the process. Like the DVD with all the bonus material and the d scenes, you get a change to go behind the finished product. It's in the process of the writer that sometimes the greatest truth springs forth. And I believe that a lot of readers get robbed of the essence behind the work because they don't see the process.
As a result, my latest book project is going to be my first ever living book. It will be done on a blog format where readers can make comments and I can make revisions. The final project will eventually be published as an e-book on this Web site. The book will probably take six months or longer to complete. The project is called The Petrified Soul. It is a personal study/commentary of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus based on the life of Simon Peter and his relationship with Jesus.
Everybody can at some point relate to the apostle Simon Peter. Zealous at one moment and acting like a coward the next, Peter’s life depicts what most people face as they struggle to follow Jesus. Peter loved the Lord, but he struggled with his own sinful nature. He had a knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Trying to keep in step with the Spirit yet overcome by the sinful desires of the flesh, Peter always knew how to get into trouble.
Yet Jesus never seemed to get tired of Peter. Sure, the Lord sternly rebuked him on occasion, but Jesus never gave up on him. Jesus saw what Peter could not see – the end result, Peter the apostle. The relationship between Jesus and Peter gives us one of the best examples of discipleship in the Bible. From mountain top highs to the deepest lows, Jesus’ interaction with Peter provides a guide for those who want to follow the Great Commission.
The Petrified Soul is not a Bible study or even a straight Bible commentary. It weaves my interpretation of what was going on with the things that the Holy Spirit has revealed to me about how Jesus molded Peter as a fragile stone. I take some artistic license with it. Please keep that in mind as you read.
If this works, I may even try to use the Web as a medium for a collaborative book exercise where a number of authors work to finish a novel or spiritual discovery book. I don't even know if such a thing would ever work given how different people are. But that is for another day.
Visit The Petrified Soul to read my new living book project. May it inspire you to know that if Jesus can make Simon Peter a rock, He can do anything with you.
