GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges

Episode 71 | Dudley Delffs – The Art & Process of Writing
Release Date: February 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features a deep dive into the art and process of writing books for church leaders and aspiring Christian authors. Host Pastor Chris Hodges sits down with his longtime collaborator and professional writer, Dudley Delffs, to unpack practical steps, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes realities of getting your message from mind to manuscript to publication. The focus is on calling, process, industry realities, and the importance of honesty, passion, and teamwork in Christian writing.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Importance of Passion and Calling in Writing

• Dudley Delffs opens with an essential truth:

  “If you don’t have the platform, you don’t have the name recognition yet, then you really must feel passionate about your message and getting it out there…be honest with yourself and seek God’s guidance on this.” (12:07)

  • Writing a book should be driven by genuine calling, not ego or the desire for recognition.
  • The field is crowded; passion and integrity are the foundation for the long process ahead.

2. The Book Writing and Publishing Process

• Writing for Impact, Not Ego:
  • Chris and Dudley note that even lesser-known authors can find success if they have a heartfelt message and commitment to quality.
• Traditional vs. Self-Publishing:
  • Dudley outlines two primary paths:
    • Traditional publishing, involving finding an agent, crafting a proposal, and pitching to publishers. (15:10–17:25)
    • Self-publishing, where you build your support team (editors, designers) and maintain control—ideal for entrepreneurial types.
    • Both paths require commitment and networking; neither is strictly “normal” anymore.
• Book Proposal vs. Manuscript:
  • Starting with a detailed proposal is often preferred; it demonstrates vision and feasibility and typically includes an outline and sample chapters. (17:25)
  • Chris recounts how his sermons and message series often become the foundation for book chapters.

3. Editor vs. Publisher – Understanding Roles

• Editor:
  • Handles everything from acquisitions (deciding to accept a book) to nitty-gritty manuscript improvement—organization, voice, grammar, fact-checking, and substantive editing (09:32–10:31).
  • Multiple editing rounds are standard and essential to refining a manuscript.
• Publisher:
  • Focused on the business and big-picture strategy: overall publication list, marketing, sales, and author relationships. (11:00)

4. Overcoming Self-Doubt & Finding Your Writing Rhythm

• Managing the Inner Critic:
  • Chris and Dudley agree that self-doubt challenges all writers, especially at the beginning. (20:03)
  • Chris:

    “I don’t think I’m a writer. I think I have something to say. But I don’t consider myself just this classic author…” (20:19)

  • Dudley advises just getting the ideas down, unfiltered, before worrying about editing.
• Personal Workflow Tips:
  • Chris shares he’s most creative in the mornings, using that time for new writing, and more analytical in the evenings when editing is needed. (27:42–29:10)
  • Know your individual creative rhythms to maximize effectiveness.

5. Three Steps to Get Started as an Aspiring Author

Dudley’s practical advice for beginners (21:23):

1. Get Your Ideas Down: Don’t worry about format or perfection—start writing.
2. Test and Share the Message: Use sermons, blogs, newsletters to see what resonates, then refine.
3. Build Relationships:
   • Attend conferences, contact publishers/agents, study books you admire—even email authors for advice.
   • “Look at the acknowledgments…don’t be afraid to send an email or just reach out. You never know…” (22:50)

6. The Partnership Between Communicator and Writer

• Chris describes his process:
  • Begins with outlines and “content dump” based on sermons.
  • Dudley “beautifies” and personalizes it, making the work engaging and accessible.
  • Dudley:

    “You’re so personable in telling a story, in being attuned to your audience...I wanted to try to bring that to the page.” (25:48)

• Good writing comes from teamwork and understanding both communication and storytelling.

7. The Value of Writing Even If You’re Not “a Writer”

• Writing books is both an act of service and personal development.
• Each book builds the skill for future projects (“developing the muscle…” 30:00).
• Dudley’s final encouragement:

  “Take the risk. And it is a risk…You’re going to feel foolish…But don’t let that stop you…Try to enjoy and engage and learn from the process.” (29:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If Sunday doesn’t work, nothing works. I mean, it’s not all about Sunday, but if Sunday doesn’t work, nothing works.”
  – Chris Hodges, on the importance of the Sunday church experience (01:26)

• “I think a lot of people want to produce this perfectly crafted manuscript the first time…and then when it doesn’t work that way, they get frustrated…that’s not the process as I know it.”
  – Dudley Delffs (12:57)

• “Writing a book should be driven by genuine calling, not ego or the desire for recognition.”
  – Dudley Delffs (12:07)

• “You developing the muscle then is why you’re able to write so much now…It’s not about the book you’re writing, it’s also about the books that are in the future.”
  – Matt (co-host), on the long-term value of starting (30:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [12:07] – Dudley on passion, calling, and the realities of the writing process
• [14:16] – When do you approach a publisher? Book proposal vs. manuscript
• [15:10–17:25] – Traditional vs. self-publishing; agent/publisher relationships
• [17:25] – Proposal elements: vision, outline, sample chapters
• [21:23] – Dudley’s three key steps for aspiring authors
• [25:48] – Bringing personal connection and storytelling from pulpit to page
• [27:42] – Chris’s advice on matching creative & editing rhythms
• [29:10] – Dudley’s final encouragement: Take the risk, engage the journey

Episode Takeaways

• Anyone who feels called can write a book with the right motivation, patience, and partnerships.
• Start with passion, test your ideas, pursue relationships, and don't be afraid of the messy “first draft.”
• The process is transformative—developing your message serves readers and sharpens the author for future impact.

For sample proposals and other writing-related resources, listeners are invited to email the show.