Publishes first book
Dr. Edwin Craft, Delta State University’s Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Office, has recently joined the ranks of published authors with his new — and first — book, a work of non-fiction entitled, Am eye I the Problem subtitled, “In a broken world, can we learn to lay down our stones and love again.”
The self-published work through KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing, an arm of Amazon) available on Amazon as well at downtown Christian bookstore, Delta Christian, was officially released this past Valentine’s Day, February 14. “I learned a lot about the book publishing process while preparing my work and now am discovering ways to promote it,” said Craft.
Probably best categorized as a work of Christian inspiration, Am eye I the Problem resulted from years of study by Craft, himself a Lay Pastor at First Baptist Church in Cleveland. “I’ve also been an elder at FBC for a couple of years now and have been a Sunday School teacher for a number of years,” he said. “In addition, I’m frequently asked to preach around the area and love to dive into the Word. These experiences led me to sit down and organize my thoughts into what would become my first book.”
The idea for his debut work came about around 5 years ago, said Craft.
“I was thinking heavily at the time that, often when we look at others, we ourselves carry a great deal of baggage,” said Craft of the process that jump started his writing. “All of us have so many influences, among them cultural and being absorbed through our upbringings, as well as where you have lived — geography has a strong influence on our lives and behavior. As Christians those influences come into play, too. The Scripture actually says, ‘The eyes are a lamp unto the soul” and how we see other people has an enormous effect on our lives as Christians. That, essentially, is what the chapters in my book cover from different Biblical perspectives in ways I thought more helpful or enlightening. ‘A healthy eye leads to a healthy heart’ that same quote from the Bible I mentioned goes on to say and that’s the book’s premise.”
In order to truly change, Craft said he argues in the book, we have to change the way “I/eye” see other people.
When asked who would most appreciate his book, or if he targeted it to a specific readership, Craft responded, “I think it lends itself well to Bible study groups and, in fact — going back to why I started writing the book — the idea came from a specific study group I was participating in. Certainly though, I also think individuals can use my work for their own personal study.”
Craft said it took him about 8 months to write the book, going through multiple rewrites as many authors — especially first timers — do. “I was my own worst critic throughout the process,” said Craft. “And, even now upon publication, I read things I probably could have improved upon! Still, I grew as a Christian during the whole process and my hope is that those who read my book will, as well. I’ll certainly be ‘practicing what I preach’ in my very own words with greater awareness,” he said.
A sequel is already being planned, said Craft. “And, like this book, I will have many readers go over the manuscript to ensure that it’s theologically sound. I think it’s important to note that my first book, and any others in the future, has and will have a message — or messages — that can be used by any denomination. It’s not strictly for Baptists,” he said.
Having had a book signing at Delta Christian bookstore on the very day it was released, Craft said he believes other bookstores will start carrying his title and that more signings — at retail outlets or churches — will be forthcoming.
“So far, the response I have gotten from Am I… has been very positive,” noted Craft of its reception. “If can bring just one person to Jesus Christ, my work would have been worth it.”
And his favorite personal chapter? “The one on brokenness. Hands down. It touched me to write it and others have responded to it deeply too I’ve been told.”