Writer’s Desk with Andrew Farley

Writer’s Desk with Andrew Farley

I’m so excited to have Andrew Farley featured on this week’s writer’s desk. On Monday afternoon, I had the honor of interview Andrew, and you guys are in for a treat with his new book, The Perfect You.

Andrew is a bestselling author of eight books and his writings have been featured by media outlets such as Fox News, PBS, and Showtime.

Andrew serves as president of Andrew Farley Ministries and hosts Andrew Farley LIVE every weeknight on Sirius XM.

For sixteen years, Andrew served as a professor of applied linguistics at University of Notre Dame, where he held an Endowed Chair position, and at Texas Tech University where he earned a university award for excellence in teaching.

Andrew received his B.A. from Furman University, his M.A. from University of Georgia, and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Andrew lives in west Texas with his wife Katharine and their son Gavin.

Be sure to stick around until the end of the post for more about The Perfect You plus a chance to win a copy!

Q&A with Andrew Farley

Do you have a writing routine? When/Where do you write?

I am a man without a routine. I write when I’m inspired, and I don’t write until I’m excited about the next idea. I tend to move at two paces: Mach speed or a standstill. It’s all about catching the wave.

When are you most productive?

When I’m driven to get a particular idea out. If there’s something on my mind that I want to share with the world, then I get to it without delay.

What do you snack on or drink while writing?

My wife Katharine (a world-renowned scientist!) bakes fresh bread almost every day. All kinds of bread. Cinnamon bread is probably my favorite. We’re spoiled around here.

How do you overcome writer’s block?

I remember that I’m under no pressure to make the message of God’s grace more than it is. It’s already all that it needs to be. I just have the privilege of showcasing it and passing it on to other people. So, the pressure is off.

What is your outlining process?

I decide what Scripture I want to put in the book and for what reason, and then I build everything I want to say around that. Without God’s Word, there’s no message worth delivering.

When/Where do you get your best ideas?

My wife is incredibly smart, and she helps me sift through my ideas and pick the best ones. And sometimes I’ll get an amazing idea when I’m sitting on an airplane with nothing else to do but think.

Best advice for someone who is just starting out.

My best advice is to start. Start writing. It doesn’t matter where you start. Start in chapter 8 if you’d like. But start. Write from the heart. Put the pieces together and build the book later. I see too many authors that are frozen in perfectionism. Toss the idea of doing it perfectly, and just do it. If you’re particularly jazzed about one topic today, then write on that one. Figure out where exactly it fits later. Just write.

What is the last thing you binge-watched: “Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee”

Favorite book(s): God’s Astounding Opinion of You by Ralph Harris

What book is currently on your nightstand: On My Worst Day by John Lynch

Favorite song right now: Flawless by MercyMe

Favorite thing to order at Starbucks: mocha latte with 2 pumps of vanilla

Enter to win a copy of The Perfect You*

Be sure to catch the video interview with Andrew HERE!

More about The Perfect You:

Do you — as a believer — have a “deceitful” and “wicked” heart? Should your heart be tested, not trusted? If that’s what you believe, your spiritual experience will be one of duty and obligation, only a faint imitation of what Jesus promised.

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