I can’t say, as some writers do, that I can’t not write. I’d probably survive if I didn’t, but I would be much less of a person because I’d be denying the creative spirit within me. The one that comes from God. After all, our gifts are from the Father, and we ought not ignore them. I am so thankful that God has chosen me to use words to tell others about Him.
Why do I write?
When I think back to my first book, a historical novel set in pre-WWI Russia, I saw my story as:
1) a way of preserving my family history (“Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation” Joel 1:3.)
2) a way of passing on the story of God’s faithfulness in the past
So I had an idea of the why. As my books were published and I had the opportunity to present readings, I met people who shared my history and my faith story. It was then I realized that my readers were part of the “why.” They had invested in my books, so I wanted to share truthfully and faithfully. I wanted to influence them to see the God I had met through my stories.
I often find myself working through issues, beliefs, values or personal decisions as I create my stories. As writers, we become very vulnerable to those who read what we write. And it’s only in this way that we can engage readers, through our characters, and introduce them to the Father’s love.
As Kristy Cambron wrote recently in her Novel Rocket blog, Called to Story, we need to know the “why” before we attack the “how.” My favorite quote from this post is: [The why is] “a reminder of our eternal motivation when earthly setbacks threaten to derail.”
So let’s keep in mind why we write as a prerequisite to the “how” and the “what.”
On that note: why do you write?
I guess I’d survive if I didn’t write, but I wouldn’t thrive. I’d be miserable. I write in part because God gave me this gift and I’m most alive when I’m appreciating and using that gift. (And it’d be rude to refuse it.) I write about characters who have or find faith in God, praying for those moments when He will use some of my words to touch a reader.
Oh yes. Birds of a feather. Waiting on God.
Thanks, Janice. You give an interesting perspective on the hows, whys and whats, and I agree with you about figuring out why we are writing. I know I feel better when I do write. That doesn’t mean it’s always fun, because it takes a lot of time, brain work and emotional energy to pull the ideas together into readable story. It’s a challenge for sure, but it seems to be a challenge that God gives me along with the gift and/or passion to write. I feel better when I write and when I can give back to the creator with a creation of my own.
We don’t always get feedback from our readers, but when a reader lets me know I’ve connected with him/her, I believe there are others who may have been helped by what I wrote as well. I don’t need to write to please others, but I do want to write something that is a sweet smelling offering to my Lord–something he can use to reach others with his message of love and salvation.
I haven’t written much fiction, historical or otherwise, so I admire what you do, Janice. Rather, I use my non-fiction, whether it is memoir, essay, or poetry to share a lesson I’ve learned through life, reading, scripture, or even a dream. I would definitely miss writing if I were to quit “cold-turkey.” Withdrawal symptoms, or what?
Thanks for giving your feedback, Sharon. It’s always good to connect with other writers who have the same “call” on their lives as we do. Blessings as you continue to follow the Spirit’s leading with your many genres of writing.