Adorning the Dark

Thoughts on Community, Calling, and the Mystery of Making

By: Andrew Peterson

Narrated by: Andrew Peterson

Making something beautiful in a broken world can be harrowing work, and it can’t be done alone.

Over the last 20 years, Andrew Peterson has performed thousands of concerts, published four novels, released ten albums, taught college and seminary classes on writing, founded a nonprofit ministry for Christians in the arts, and executive-produced a film - all in a belief that God calls us to proclaim the gospel and the coming kingdom using whatever gifts are at our disposal. He’s stumbled along the way, made mistake after mistake, and yet has continually encountered the grace of God through an encouraging family, a Christ-centered community of artists in the church, and the power of truth, beauty, and goodness in Scripture and the arts.

While there are many books about writing, none deal firsthand with the intersection of songwriting, storytelling, and vocation, along with nuts-and-bolts exploration of the great mystery of creativity. In Adorning the Dark, Andrew describes six principles for the writing life:

• Serving the work
• Serving the audience
• Selectivity
• Discernment
• Discipline
• Community

Through stories from his own journey, Andrew shows how these principles are not merely helpful for writers and artists but for anyone interested in imitating the way the Creator interacts with his creation.

This book is both a memoir of Andrew’s journey and a handbook for artists, written in the hope that his story will provide encouragement to others stumbling along in pursuit of a calling to adorn the dark with the light of Christ.

©2019 B&H Publishing Group (P)2019 B&H Publishing Group

Excellent, Engaging and Interesting!

Loved this book by Andrew Peterson. My husband and I love his music already so this book was a must read. His easy to listen to voice and flow of words keep you engaged and not wanting to miss anything. I want to share this book with family and friends and plan to listen again. Encouraging for anyone, but especially those who feel a pull to write songs, poems, books or prose of any kind.

Positive, humble and helpful

I didn’t know what to expect when I decided to give this book a try. Honestly I was not at all familiar with the author’s work. The whole book is so sincere and loving, it is like a breath of fresh air in a world of vapid televangelists and mass produced media. Thank you, Andrew!

Gorgeous, comforting and hopeful

I read this book in the middle of a move and the author’s descriptions of settling on to his home (The Warren) were timely and gorgeous. This book ministered to my soul and it will point you to The Father as well as let you get to know more about Mr Petersen’s personal journey. It was like having coffee with a new friend and overstaying my welcome because I’d gotten so comfortable. I did t want it to end.

Absolutely love this book

Such a beautiful book, just wonderful writing and imagery. Describes a lot of what our story is like, it’s like reading a book about ourselves. Can’t recommend this book enough if you are creative in any way and need some encouragement.

Stunning

I have enjoyed his music and his fiction, so this was a true delight. As a writer myself, I struggle with a lot of the typical struggles that plague authors. I found great encouragement from Andrew’s words, particularly from his emphasis on the importance of community for writers. I’m feeling motivated and envisioned to finish the novel I’m currently writing.