Our Mission Statement
8 Owls Publishing is a vehicle that seeks to be a conduit of light within the publishing community. We help novice writers tell their redemption story, or write other kingdom-minded material while working together to create a finished product with excellence. Through coaching and other mentoring services, our goal is to create a community of Kingdom-minded writers who might not think of themselves as evangelists but have a heart to share the love of Jesus through creativity and compassion. We seek to produce literature, in every genre, that combats the darkness by reintroducing the ideas that preserve and build strong culture based on truth and Biblical principles.
Our Leadership
The leadership at 8 Owls Publishing believes that momentum for a true Kingdom-minded Renaissance is sweeping across our nation. Through art, books, music, and other artistic mediums, we are poised for a move of God that speaks to this entrepreneurial generation. The current mantra being touted in 2020 is a return to authenticity and truth. The rise of influential podcasts, blogs, e-courses, etc., is only expected to increase as the social media generation seeks to connect with and follow those they see as mentors and leaders. This growth in the realm of communication is a conduit for sharing the gospel in greater capacity and a creative avenue in which righteousness and truth can be reintroduced into the culture around us. The days of those who name the name of Christ sitting back and complaining how dark the culture is becoming needs to be over. Instead, we need to understand that we are the ones entrusted with eternal light. If we do not shine that light within our culture, the darkness will only increase.
With this in mind, many believers feel compelled to write their redemption story. They are not seeking a platform or notoriety, nor are they knowledgeable about the publishing world. They simply want others to know the love of Jesus in the same manner in which they have experienced him. They are ready to share the rawness of their pain and the beautiful way that Jesus saves, heals, and delivers.
It is obvious while perusing any local bookstore that well written literature, which strengthens the moral fiber of our nation, is essential. Every genre is in need of books written with a Biblical worldview in mind. Bible Studies and other theological works will and should continue to be produced within the Christian world. Thankfully, testimonial memoirs are on the rise. However, what would it look like if Christian writers were to create tremendously compelling stories that rival the success of YA books such as The Hunger Games or the Harry Potter series?
The Story Behind the Name
I am often asked how the name 8 Owls Publishing came about. It is an interesting story and one that will only be told as time unfolds.
During a confusing and painful season of transition, I was asked to help my pastor with a book he was writing. Immediately, after accepting the assignment, I had an unusual encounter. Within two days, I literally saw 8 owls in various places around my quaint Texas town. The first one was sitting atop an electrical pole and turned its head completely around so that it could watch me as I walked by. I then experienced one that flew across my windshield as I drove down a fairly busy street. Six more were highlighted to me in various ways over the span of two days. Obviously, God was using his creation to get my attention.
The subject of my pastor’s book was on hearing the voice of God, so I began to study what the significance of owls might be in relation to that subject. I learned that owls are fierce predators. They do not rely on their eyesight to hunt, but rather their acute hearing. The shape of their face acts something like a satellite dish that amplifies the frequency of the sound waves their intended prey exudes. Once locked onto the sound, it takes something dramatic for them to be drawn away from the hunt.
I am often asked how the name 8 Owls Publishing came about. It is an interesting story and one that will only be told as time unfolds.
During a confusing and painful season of transition, I was asked to help my pastor with a book he was writing. Immediately, after accepting the assignment, I had an unusual encounter. Within two days, I literally saw 8 owls in various places around my quaint Texas town. The first one was sitting atop an electrical pole and turned its head completely around so that it could watch me as I walked by. I then experienced one that flew across my windshield as I drove down a fairly busy street. Six more were highlighted to me in various ways over the span of two days. Obviously, God was using his creation to get my attention.
The subject of my pastor’s book was on hearing the voice of God, so I began to study what the significance of owls might be in relation to that subject. I learned that owls are fierce predators. They do not rely on their eyesight to hunt, but rather their acute hearing. The shape of their face acts something like a satellite dish that amplifies the frequency of the sound waves their intended prey exudes. Once locked onto the sound, it takes something dramatic for them to be drawn away from the hunt.
During a conversation about how this information about owls might be added to my pastor’s book, I received a gift. It was a wooden puzzle in the shape of an owl. I was encouraged to pray as I put the pieces of the owl puzzle together. Upon doing that, when asked what I thought the significance of seeing the 8 owls might be, I responded, “I think it’s a publishing company.”
Here is an excerpt from my pastor’s book:
“Tenacity, singularly-focused, and the ability to completely surrender to the Holy Spirit are defining characteristics of one with inner ear hearing on a spiritual level. A person hearing at this degree has hyper-sensitive processing when it comes to listening to God’s voice. Just like the owl calmed down when he heard my voice, a person with inner ear hearing has learned to surrender to God’s. There is a single-minded approach of locking onto the frequency of heaven that drowns out all other noise. These people have been schooled in the ways of the Spirit and can bring forth God’s directives with clarity and precision. Inner ear hearing, in essence, is tuning out all demonic or earthly distraction in order to understand and bring forth the deep revelation of the Spirit. This revelation brings heavenly strategy to either rout demonic forces or decree the will of God.” Inner Hearing by John Bates.
If this resonates with you, Kingdom-minded writer, email me and let’s talk.
It was such a joy to be a guest on A Savage Perspective. We covered creativity, the Renaissance, presenting truth through the personhood of Jesus, writing as a process, and the importance of community for writers. This is a great podcast episode to help you decide if 8 Owls Publishing is right for you.