From Three Words to a Book Deal: How "Jesus Was" Started with a Facebook Post

In this episode of Writing at the Red House, Kathi Lipp sits down with author (and soon-to-be Dr.) Susy Flory to unpack how a quiet, three-word Facebook post—“Jesus was non-violent”—became a 30-day conversation and, ultimately, a coauthored book with pastor Scott Johanningsmeier, published by Kregel. If you’re a writer who wants to test ideas without adding to the online noise, this story offers a practical, hope-filled roadmap. Listeners will hear how Susy used micro-posts to invite gentle dialogue, watched for authentic reader engagement, and let the idea simmer before shaping it into a proposal—despite industry hurdles like not being a megachurch pastor and pitching a compilation. You’ll learn how to create safer spaces for thoughtful discussion, discern when an idea has legs, and embrace unexpected partners and publishers who truly “get” your project. If you’ve ever wondered whether that one post might be the seed of your next book, this episode will help you listen to your readers—and to the Spirit—as you write.