Tim Baker
Author of Witnessing 101
by Trisha Bleau

CS: I truly enjoyed reading through Witnessing 101 lately. I am always anxious to read more about sharing one's faith in hopes of learning new strategies for sharing. Where did the idea for the book come from? Where do you generally draw your ideas for writing from?

TB: I wanted to write the book because I’ve watched the students in my youth ministries struggle with their attempts at sharing their faith. I think sharing your faith should be a natural kind of thing. Telling someone about your relationship with God ought to be a natural extension of who you are. Hopefully Witnessing 101 leads students to share their faith more easily and effectively.

I get my ideas for books from a variety of places. Generally, my books have been aimed at helping students get more involved in God’s word. My upcoming projects are aimed more at felt needs of readers.

CS: Why evangelism? What was it about this topic that made you feel a need to write a book on it?

TB: Again, from watching students I know try to share their faith. I think many believers still try and “sell” unbelievers on Jesus instead of just talking with people about him, and their relationship with God. I also think that we live in a time when things like “the four spiritual laws” don’t really work. I don’t think that trying to convince someone of your set beliefs is as easy as “step one…step two…” etc.

CS: How many publishers did you send your book to before it was picked up? Was it rejected by any publishers? What kind of feedback did you receive from them?

TB: The book is published through Transit books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson Publishers. They suggested the idea to me. When I read their idea I said to myself, “YES! I have to do this book” because of my experience working with students. So, the book wasn’t declined by anyone.

CS: How has this book been received by the general public? Has there been positive feedback? Any negative feedback?

TB: I haven’t heard any negative feedback. The students that have read it have said that it’s a good book, and that they’ve learned more about how to share their faith.

CS: What are your next plans for writing? Can you share any other writing you may have done - newspaper articles, magazines, or other books?

TB: I’ve written (or am writing) loads of books. My first youth devotional “Extreme Faith” (Nelson, 2000) won an ECPA Gold Medallion Award. Another one of my books “Why So Many Gods?” (Nelson, 2002) was nominated for a Gold Medallion. I have two devotional books with Baker Books called “Live It Loud” and “Live It Strong” that just came out. And, a dating book with Kregel Publishing coming out in April, ’04. In the next two years I have about ten books coming out an a variety of subjects.

CS: Who are some of the authors you like to read? What do you like about them? What was the last book you read?

TB: I love Max Lucado for his storytelling ability. C.S. Lewis (especially The Great Divorce) because he’s an excellent writer.

The last book I read? Hmm. I read through “Disciplines for the Inner Life” by Bob Benson each year. I try and read The Great Divorce every few years. I still love reading the basics that most everyone reads. I’m a slow reader and I’m still trying to work my way through “A Brave New World” and Lewis’ “Till We Have Faces”.

CS: Are you ONLY a writer - meaning, is writing your full time job or do you have a job that you do full time and write on the side?

TB: I divide my time as equally as I can between three competing ministry commitments. I keep a fairly heavy load of writing projects books, magazine articles and some project development – all of that needs my constant attention. I also teach Biblical Study classes part time at LeTourneau University. And, I’m a part time Student Ministries Pastor at Hope Fellowship. Depending on the week, I have a variety of commitments that need my attention.

CS: What training do you have in writing? Did you take any writing courses in college to obtain the skills you have currently?

TB: I don’t have any formal training for writing. I started writing Bible curriculum to help pay the bills, and to exercise my creativity. I think if I have any ability at all, it’s because 1. God gave it to me and 2. I’ve had a lot of opportunities to refine and enhance my ability. There have been MANY publishers who have been patient with me and allowed me to be both creative and to learn in the process of writing.

CS: What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in writing?

TB: I think in order to write about anything you’ve got to be open to experiences. I’m not sure that you can write in a vacuum. You’ve got to have input. Live life! That’ll be your best fuel for a career in writing. Write about everything you see, hear, smell, taste and feel. Think and rethink about the best ways to express yourself, and push yourself to find your own unique voice and way to express yourself.

CS: What advice would you give to someone interested in publishing their works?

TB: There’s the old standard answers like never give up (there will always be people who don’t believe you can do it) and keep submitting your stuff to publishers (getting anything published through a large publisher who can get your message out is very difficult). Persistence and constant editing really pays off.

Here’s some advice I have to constantly give myself:
1. Commit your writing and publishing life to God. Ultimately, I want God to both fuel my writing, and be glorified by it. The only way either of those happen is for me to be in prayer about my writing projects. Ask God for help, guidance and inspiration.
2. Write your passion. Don’t write anything unless you’re passionate about it.
3. Patience. Writing takes time. It takes time to get your ideas together. It takes time to refine them. Never give up crafting your stories and ideas. Keep refining them.
4. Find honest people. It’s okay to give your writing to your parents and friends and ask them to tell you what they think. But, those people probably love you too much to tell you what they really think. Find people who will be honest with you about your writing. Use negative responses as learning experiences.
5. Find someone who isn’t related to you and ask them to read your stuff. Ask them to objectively evaluate what you write. Tell them to be very honest with you.
6. I once heard the guy who wrote the kids book “Holes” that he felt like in writing the book, he often felt that he was working aimlessly for a hour and a half each day. When people would ask him what he had done each day, he’d often say, “Oh nothing. I didn’t accomplish much today.” At the end of 18 months he had written “Holes” and that book has gone on to sell well and impact children. I think that writing sometimes feels like we’re working aimlessly when in fact, we really are accomplishing something very significant.