Those involved in Christian publishing can wear many hats–for Gretchen Abernathy, it’s at least three! She’s an editor, translator and book coach (as well as engaged in her family, church and community). “Helping authors improve in their craft is a humbling privilege and a two-way street of learning and collaboration,” Gretchen says. This story is part of the Journeys in Christian Publishing: Stories from LittWorld series.
In what ways have books played a part in your coming to faith and/or spiritual growth?
I came to faith as a young child raised in a church-going home, so books themselves did not play a pivotal role in that regard. But they have played an enormous role in my spiritual growth. Wise, realistic, knowledgeable, and humble authors are guides for me in various ways. I need guides to push me beyond cerebral questions and into heart-connection questions, as well as into the kinds of questions being asked by people who are different from me, questions that hadn’t occurred to me.
Please share with us a little about your ministry.
I am the Managing Editor of the Journal of Latin American Theology, an English-language publication of the Fraternidad Teológica Latinoamericana (Latin American Theological Fellowship). I also work as a freelancer with Biblica and their NIV/NVI-related materials, and help independent authors develop their materials in Spanish or English across fiction and non-fiction genres—from theology and study Bibles to children’s books and thriller novels.
What are some of your favorite books and why?
“La culpa es de los tlaxcaltecas,” a short story by Elena Garro. I read this in college and was captivated by the interweaving of cultural and historical themes through a magical realism lens. I’ve reread the story multiple times since then and continue to find it captivating, some 20 years later.
Anatomy of the Soul by Curt Thompson. Thompson uses neuroscience to explain how and why Christianity at its best draws humanity into deep-hearted healing from emotional wounds, for fullness of life as God wants it to be.
The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling. They are fun, well-written, and infinitely deep. Reading them aloud with my kids prompts all sorts of important conversations.
What are some of the things the Lord has taught or shown you in your publishing journey so far?
Helping authors improve in their craft is a humbling privilege and a two-way street of learning and collaboration, especially when the authors have had little Westernized education and writing training.
Publishing is a noble venture that is marked by sin just as much as every other human venture. High-quality work often goes unpublished or unread; poor-quality work often gets published and sold.
My perfectionistic personality, which is unhelpful in so many realms of life, is ideal for editorial work!
I often cling to a line in a Keith and Kristin Getty worship song, “How I love the voice of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. He declares his work is finished. He has spoken this hope to me.” Though my toil is in line with the “sweat of the brow,” the real and most important work (redemption of all creation) is taken care of. So I can rest in the fact that Jesus isn’t flustered and up in arms about getting his work done; this calms me and gives me the presence of mind to faithfully plod away at my responsibilities.
How might we pray for you and your ministry?
Pray for the grace to complete my work and be a present, engaged wife, mother, and church and community member. Pray too for discernment as one of my main projects re-envisions its future and comes up with a viable strategic plan.
