IMPORTANT INFORMATION

What  lessons  has  a  NYT  Bestselling  author  with  over  10  million  
books  sold  learned  during  his  writing  of  over  thirty  books?  Enough  
for  an  entire  course  on  writing.  But  one  of  the  most  important  
lessons  of  all,  discussed  here,  might  surprise  you.      

Before  you  listen  to  a  conversation  with  Ted  on  the  hidden  secret  to  
writing  (link  below)  read  the  summary  here  in  four  simple  points.  

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 WANT TO GO DEEPER AND DISCOVER HOW TO
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 Scratch  Pad  

Beginning  with  the  release  of  my  Hirst  novel,  15  years  ago,  writers  
have  always  asked  me  why  my  novels  sell  while  so  many  others  of  
seemingly  equal  quality  don’t  sell  as  well.  It’s  because  I  have  an  unfair  
advantage,  I  would  tell  them.  I’m  doing  it  differently  than  them.  When  
asked  how,  I  didn’t  know  how  to  put  it  into  words  so  I  would  just  
shrug  my  shoulders.  It’s  a  mystery.
Now,  many  years  later,  I  do  have  the  language  to  describe  what  I  
was  doing  and  how  to  lead  others  into  that  same  way,  regardless  of  
what  kind  of  story  they  want  to  write.  
So  many  writers  nurture  a  dream  of  penning  a  novel  and  even  
more,  writing  for  a  living.  Far  too  few  succeed.  But  it’s  entirely  
achievable.  Even  probable.  Problem  is,  most  writers  take  a  path  piled  
high  with  bodies  of  the  well-­‐intentioned  who  have  tried  and  failed  
before  them.    
There  is  another  less-­‐traveled  path,  a  much  deeper  and  more  
rewarding  way  that  facilitates  irresistible  stories  that  always  Hind  
their  audience.  On  this  path,  writing  for  a  living  is  as  much  about  how  
your  writing  changes  the  story  of  your  life,  as  making  money  from  
selling  what  you  write.  It’s  a  path  few  take,  so  then  you  must  take  it—
there  are  no  dead  bodies  along  that  way.  Success  is  certain.    
That  way  for  creative  sojourners  bent  upon  discovering  truth  
through  writing  stories  is  found  at  the  core  of  all  spiritual  teaching,  
even  if  what  we  are  writing  isn’t  the  least  bit  spiritual.  Word  to  the  
wise:  It’s  powerful  mojo.  Write  in  this  way  and  your  stories  will  
always  rise  to  the  top.  
There’s  so  much  practical  teaching  on  what  and  how  to  write,  
much  of  it  very  good.  But  the  who  of  writing  and  the  why  of  writing  is  
actually  more  important  than  what  you  write  or  how  you  execute  it.  
Indeed,  the  what  and  how  Hlows  naturally  out  of  the  who  and  why.  
Yes,  we  will  hone  our  craft  and  learn  how  to  write  stories  that  
connect  with  hundreds  of  thousands  by  employing  powerful  
storytelling  skills  that  blow  minds.  But,  truly,  the  most  powerful  way  
begins  with  something  else—something  rarely  discussed,  among  
writers  of  faith.  Indulge  me  for  a  few  minutes  and  I’ll  give  you  just  a  
glimpse  of  a  great  mystery  that  changes  everything.    
You  who  have  eyes  to  see,  may  you  see.
 TED DEKKER

1  
Story:  Everything  is  Story  

First,  some  context.  We  all  know  that  all  good  writing  is  about  
affecting  and  moving  the  heart.  When  we  connect  to  our  own  heart  or  
to  the  hearts  of  others,  magic  happens.  Wonder  blossoms.  Tears  of  
compassion  and  joy  Hlow.  Inspirations  explodes.  The  world  listens.  
So  then,  as  writers,  our  question  is  this:  How  do  we  and  our  
readers  get  from  the  mind  to  the  heart?    
One  word:  Story.
It  is  said  that  the  shortest  distance  between  the  mind  and  the  
heart  is  story.  Why?  Because  everyone  lives  in  the  story  of  their  life,  
and  it’s  only  that—a  story  subject  to  the  power  of  their  
interpretation.  All  experience  is  radically  subjective  to  perspective.    
All  good  writing,  particularly  Hiction,  seeks  to  affect  our  perception  
and  experience  of  either  the  story  we  are  in,  or  the  story  we  would  
like  to  live  in.  You  might  think  you’re  writing  to  a  reader’s  mind,  but  
best-­‐selling  books  write  as  much  to  the  reader’s  heart,  where  they  
live  in  the  story  of  their  own  lives.  
This  is  why  we  write.  It’s  the  context  of  our  writing.  
In  writing  a  Hictional  tale,  you  put  a  character  in  dire  straights  that  
mirrors  your  own  challenges  on  some  level  and  you  help  them  rise  
above  that  conundrum  so  that  they  can  live  a  new,  happy  life.  Plot  and  
character  are  important,  but  the  story  of  how  a  character  transforms  

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 TED DEKKER

within  the  plot  is  what  makes  books  connect  with  the  reader’s  own  
story.  These  are  the  novels  that  sell  out.    
In  all  stories,  our  readers  take  a  journey  of  change  using  an  
imagined  story  of  how  we  could  experience  more  happiness  and  
fulHillment  in  this  life  and  the  next.  We  all  live  in  story  and  we  are  all  
seeking  to  improve  that  story.  
Write  into  your  and  your  reader’s  story  and  you  will  affect  the  
quality  of  their  lives.  When  that  happens,  magic  happens.  Books  sell  
out.  
But  there  is  more  to  this  story…  

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 TED DEKKER

2  
Self:  Who  is  writing  the  story?  

If  life  is  story,  and  it  is,  then  who  is  the  one  living  that  story?  Who  are  
you?  I’m  not  talking  about  the  story  you’re  living  in,  but  rather  the  
one  living  in  that  story.  Who  is  that  you?  Not  in  any  esoteric  sense,  
but  really.  Who  is  the  you  living  in  your  life  story?  
Understanding  your  true  identity  will  affect  more  change  in  how  
and  what  you  write  than  any  other  single  factor,  so  follow  me  here  
even  if  all  this  philosophical  talk  makes  your  head  hurt.  You  want  to  
write  Hiction  for  a  living,  right?      
Remember,  your  objective  is  to  improve  the  story  of  your  life—
that’s  why  you’re  writing.  Therefore,  as  you  go  about  imagining  a  
new  story  of  how  things  might  be  in  this  life,  it  is  Hirst  critical  to  
realize  that  you  are  NOT  your  story  of  life.  You  are  the  one  living  in  
that  story—a  story  you  may  want  to  and  can  change,  like  changing  a  
costume.  If  you  think  you  are  your  life-­‐story,  you  will  Hind  yourself  at  
the  mercy  of  that  story.  Only  as  you  awaken  to  the  realization  that  
you  are  far  greater  than  that  story,  will  you  Hind  the  power  to  change  
it.  
Who,  then,  are  you?  Let’s  start  with  what  you  are  not.  Paul,  that  
radical  mystic,  put  it  best.  You  are  not  what  is  seen,  he  wrote,  because  

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 TED DEKKER

what  is  seen  is  temporary  and  passes  away.  Like  an  avatar  in  a  video  
game  or  a  role  in  a  movie.  He  called  your  avatar  your  earthen  vessel—
same  basic  thing.  It’s  a  beautiful  gift  to  be  honored  (something  those  
pesky  gnostics  denied)  but  it’s  not  your  unseen,  eternally  true  self  
who  can  be  known  and  experienced  as  you.  Paul  was  adamant  about  
this  because,  well…  it’s  true.  
Jesus  put  it  this  way:  The  real  you  is  in  the  world  (for  a  short  time)  
but  not  of  it.  You  are  in  your  story  but  that  story  is  not  essentially  you.    
Like  Neo  in  the  Matrix,  you  are  in  this  matrix  but  not  of  it.  It’s  your  
job  to  awaken  to  who  you  actually  are,  beyond  all  that  your  eyes  can  
see,  as  Paul  said.  
Who  are  you?  Again  according  to  Paul,  you  are  what  is  unseen  by  
earthly  eyes.  You  are  complete  in  your  union  with  Christ.  Complete  is  
the  same  word  for  perfect.  Your  story  might  need  some  help,  but  you  
are  complete,  gloriHied,  risen  with  and  one  in  Christ,  full  of  more  
power  and  peace  and  love  than  you  can  possibly  comprehend.  You  
are  hidden  with  Christ  in  God  where  there  is  no  conHlict.    
Or,  in  Paul’s  most  radical  characterization  of  who  you  are  as  the  
son  or  daughter  of  the  Father  in  Colossians  3:11:  “Christ  is  all  and  in  
all.”  Are  you  a  part  of  all?  Even  more,  as  Paul  writes  to  the  Romans,  
those  he  justi@ied  he  also  glori@ied.  That  is  who  you  are.  GloriHied.  
In  John  14  and  17,  Jesus  put  it  this  way,  no  less  radical:  I  am  in  you  
and  you  are  in  me.  Like  a  bottle  of  perfume,  where  the  perfume  is  in  
the  bottle  but  the  bottle  is  also  in  the  perfume.  There  is  no  
separation.  It  seems  impossible  until  you  think  of  them  as  one.  He  
then  compared  that  oneness  to  the  same  way  He  is  one  with  the  
Father.  His  teaching,  not  mine.  

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 TED DEKKER

Or  more  simply  put  by  Jesus,  you  are  the  light  of  the  world.  Not  you  
shine  the  light  or  have  a  light  but  your  are  the  light.
That  is  who  He  said  you  are.  Too  esoteric?  Too  philosophical  for  
your  taste?  But  you  must  understand,  all  artists  Hind  ways  of  seeing  
what  few  see,  even  if  it  seems  esoteric  to  others.  And  it  matters,  
because  as  you  connect  with  your  identity  as  the  light,  you  will  Hind  
boundless  creative  power.    
Then,  as  that  one,  you  can  write  to  change  the  story  of  your  
character’s  lives,  your  own  life,  and,  by  extension,  the  lives  of  those  
who  read  your  story.  Stories  of  transformation  transHix  a  world  who  
longs  to  see  light  in  the  darkness,  and  that  includes  ever  living  soul.  
Every  blockbuster  movie  and  or  novel  are,  at  their  core,  
transformational  stories.    
Most  importantly,  you  get  to  write  to  discover  the  treasure  in  the  
Hield  of  your  own  life.  This  makes  your  story  utterly  authentic.  
Readers  crave  authentic  stories.  Writing  your  story  becomes  a  
practice  of  Hinding  and  abiding  in  the  creative  power  of  boundless  
power,  full  of  insight  and  inspiration  to  affect  change  in  you,  your  
characters,  and,  by  extension,  your  reader’s  experience  in  this  life.    
This  is  true  regardless  of  genre.  All  stories  are  about  a  character  
(you)  overcoming  against  all  odds.  They  are  all  about  working  
through  some  form  of  darkness  (challenge)  to  Hind  light  (resolution).  
There  is  perhaps  no  greater  truth  that  we  as  writers  can  awaken  
to  than  the  truth  of  our  own  identity  and  creative  power.  It’s  a  game  
changer.  But  we  can’t  be  who  we  are  unless  we  Hirst  see  who  we  are.  
And  we  can’t  see  who  we  are  unless  we  sell  out.    

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 TED DEKKER

3  
Selling  Out:  The  Art  of  Surrendering    
an  Old  Story  for  a  New  Story  
How  can  I  write  as  the  one  who  is  complete,  full  of  peace,  one  with  and  
in  Christ,  brimming  with  more  creative  power  than  I  have  imagined?  
you  might  ask.  
There  is  only  one  way  and  Jesus  put  it  best:  Let  go  of  who  you  
otherwise  think  you  are.  Or  in  His  words,  deny  your  self.  Which  self?  
Not  the  self  that  is  complete,  risen  with  Him,  and  full  of  creative  
power,  surely.    
Rather,  let  go  of  every  version  of  your  self  is  this  not  in  line  with  
who  you  really  are.  Surrender  the  old  story  of  who  you  thought  you  
were  and  embrace  the  truth  of  who  you  really  are.  Put  the  old  story  of  
you  on  the  cross  each  day,  and  abide  in  the  vine  of  His  creative  power  
which  is  now  your  own  in  Him.    
Surrendering  is  simply  falling  out  of  a  dark  prison  of  fear  into  the  
light  where  boundless  inspiration  is  found.  So  then,  why  would  you  
not  want  to  surrender  in  your  writing  practice  each  day?  
Then  you  will  be  able  to  Hind  peace  in  the  storms  of  writing.  Then  
solutions  to  your  writing  problems  will  arise.    

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Think  of  inspired  writing  as  a  form  of  seeing  through  a  dark  fog.  
The  light  is  there,  you  just  can’t  see  it.  The  solution  is  already  there,  
like  the  sun,  but  clouds  of  confusion  and  frustration  are  in  the  way.  
Our  journey  as  writers  is  learning  to  see  more  clearly  along  with  our  
characters.  
It  is  as  Jesus  said:  The  eye  (your  perception)  is  the  lamp  (it  shows  
you)  of  the  body  (your  bodily  experience  in  this  life.)  If  your  eye  
(perception)  is  clear,  your  whole  body  (earthly  experience)  will  be  full  
of  light.  But  if  your  eye  is  bad,  the  light  within  you  will  be  dark  indeed.    
It  is  as  Jesus  said:  You  are  the  light  of  the  world.
But  you  can’t  write  inspired  words  if  you  are  blind  to  that  light.  
Fear  not,  because  Jesus  came  to  bring  sight  to  the  blind.  
Do  you  see?  Our  practice  as  writers  is  to  surrender  all  that  blocks  
our  vision.  Every  plot  point,  each  chapter,  each  book  idea,  each  story,  
every  word  we  write  is  an  opportunity  to  write  with  either  clear  
vision  or  clouded  vision.  The  only  way  to  see  clearly  is  through  that  
beautiful  process  called  surrender.  Each  hour,  each  day,  each  blog,  
each  book  is  Hilled  with  opportunities  to  Hind  the  light  in  us  by  letting  
go  of  the  clouds  that  block  the  light  from  our  vision.  
When  you  sell  out  and  write  with  clear  vision,  your  writing  will  
connect  with  readers  in  way  you  never  imagined  because  they  too  
are  the  light  of  the  world,  looking  to  see  that  same  light.  

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 TED DEKKER

4  
Sand  Castles:  Playing  with  Your  Story  
Knowing  now  who  you  are,  you  quickly  realize  that  you’re  not  a  writer,  not  really.  
You’re  just  playing  the  role  of  a  writer  for  a  short  time  in  this  life.  And  you’re  
playing  that  role  to  change  both  your  life  experience  and  those  of  your  readers.  
In  this  role  as  ‘writer’  you  have  great  freedom  to  be  as  creative  and  unique  as  you  
like,  both  in  content  and  in  marketing.  It’s  all  part  of  the  story  you’re  creating.  
Think  of  yourself  as  a  boy  or  girl  on  a  beach,  building  sand  castles.  Those  
sand  castles  are  the  articles  and  books  you  write,  the  contracts  you  sign,  and  the  
campaigns  you  run  on  social  media  to  spread  awareness.  To  be  clear,  you  aren’t  
the  sand  or  the  sand  castle.  You  know  that  a  wave  will  soon  come  and  wipe  away  
your  sandcastle,  but  that’s  okay.  It’s  not  who  you  are.    
You’re  on  the  sandy  beach,  but  not  of  it.  
Once  you’ve  let  go  of  the  idea  that  your  sand  castle  is  more  than  it  is,  you’ll  
feel  great  freedom.  Success  or  failure  in  building  that  sand  castle  doesn’t  Hill  you  
with  fear  or  worry.  You  can  always  start  over  and  build  another  sand  castle.  If  
someone  comes  and  knocks  over  your  sand  castle,  that’s  okay  too.  There’s  plenty  
of  sand.    
You’re  that  child,  playing  in  the  sand  for  a  short  time,  building  very  cool  
sandcastles  with  abandon  and  freedom.  In  that  space  of  awareness,  you’ll  not  
only  build  the  coolest  sandcastles  imaginable,  you  won’t  fear  loss,  and  let’s  face  it
—fear  of  loss  is  the  Achilles  heel  of  all  writers,  as  it  relates  to  both  content  and  
marketing.  What  if  doesn’t  work?  What  if  no  one  likes  it?  What  if  no  buys  it?  

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 TED DEKKER

What  if  I  can’t  get  a  contract?  The  mad  voices  in  your  mind  are  like  chattering  
monkeys  in  the  trees  and  there’s  no  way  to  shut  them  up.  
It’s  okay.  Remember,  you  are  complete  already.  Instead,  ignore  them.  They’ll  
quite  down  when  you  stop  yelling  at  them.  
Now,  get  back  to  building  your  sandcastle.  Go  back  to  the  cool  challenge  of  
keeping  the  thing  from  falling  over.  Not  that  it  matters,  but  that’s  the  game  you’re  
playing.  How  tall  can  I  go?  How  many  turrets  can  I  build  without  knocking  the  
whole  castle  over?  
Marketing  is  only  the  Hlag  you  put  on  top  so  other  people  stop  and  look.  Our  
problem  is  that  we  immediately  revert  to  thinking  we  are  our  work,  our  
sandcastle,  the  roles  we  play  as  writer  or  that  we  are  our  Facebook  post.  We  
quickly  court  fear  of  rejection  and  our  minds  Hill  with  limitations.    
Rather,  simply  be  the  child  of  the  Father,  who  you  are,  as  the  true  you,  
regardless  of  the  sandcastle.  Be  you,  because  any  other  version  of  you  is  only  a  lie  
that  drains  you  of  energy.  What  sandcastle  will  you  build  then?  What  story  will  
you  write?  
Whatever  it  is,  that  story  in  all  of  its  authenticity  and  power,  will  Hind  its  
audience.  It  will  affect  and  move  the  heart.  When  you  connect  to  your  own  heart  
and  to  the  hearts  of  others,  magic  happens.  Wonder  blossoms.  Tears  of  
compassion  and  joy  Hlow.  Inspirations  explodes.    
The  world  listens.  
Do  you  want  to  write  Hiction  for  a  living?  Good.  So  do  I.  And  what  an  
incredible  way  of  living  it  is.  
 
Happy  writing.    

Ted  Dekker  

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 TED DEKKER

Listen  to  the  conversation  with    

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15
TED DEKKER  is an award-winning New York Times bestselling
author of more than thirty works of fiction and non-fiction.

He was born in the jungles of Indonesia, amongst cannibals who

killed the parents of several of his friends when he was a child.
Undeterred, his parents befriended the people and made their
home with them.

Separated from his parents at age 6 to attend a coastal school for

a few months at a time, he grew up in a culture in which he was
ultimately a stranger. It is this unique upbringing that forced him to
rely on his own imagination to create a world in which he
belonged.

Now, many years after the publication of his first story, his novels
have sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Two of his novels,
Thr3e and House, have been made into movies with more in
production. Find him at TedDekker.com, on Facebook, on Twitter
(@teddekker).


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KEVIN KAISER is a writer, speaker and advisor to creative leaders who
want to tell meaningful stories with their lives and businesses.

For nearly twenty years he has advised Fortune 100 executives, New
York Times bestselling authors, Grammy-winning musicians, and
successful entrepreneurs. He is also an author and has collaborated on
a number of bestselling novels, graphic novels, and screenplays.

Along with Ted Dekker, he is co-founder of Outlaw Studios, a media

company sold out to bringing transformational stories to the world.

You can find him at KevinKaiser.co, Facebook, and occasionally on The

Twitter (@iamkevinkaiser).

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