In this book, veteran preacher Sondra Willobee shows preachers how to enliven their sermons by using the techniques of great writers. The book includes three sections: (1) "hook"-how good sermons begin with something that grabs listeners' attention; (2) "book"-how to shape a sermon with narrative pulse and ascending emotional intensity so that listeners experience the gospel; and (3) "stone"-how good sermons use specific, concrete language. By explaining these techniques, offering many examples, and reflecting on her own successes and failures, Willobee has provided a resource that will rekindle the creativity of experienced preachers and help new preachers develop their own compelling voices.

Sondra Willobee is Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church in South Lyon, Michigan.