I would like to recommend Jeff Gerke's book "the Art & Craft of Writing Christian Fiction" as a spiritual lesson. No, that's not a misprint. I've felt the conviction of the Lord on me for months. Finally, two weeks ago, God impressed me to stop writing altogether. It was the hardest thing I ever did. Two days after I agreed to follow the Lord's direction, I received in the mail Gerke's book which I'd ordered. With today's blog in mind, I began reading.
Thank you, Jeff, for writing about examining your reasons for writing. God dealt with me through this wonderful writer's words about making an idol of becoming published. I lacked contentment in what God wanted to say through me. I lost motivation to write, as Gerke calls it, like an invisible novelist. I wanted recognition for my stories, and I wanted it soon. This writing craft book first and foremost called me to submit to God's will for my life.
I should go on to tell you that Gerke provides excellent, practical education on our craft. I've never seen a better explanation of how to spot telling sentences. If God directs me to write more, I will definitely use Gerke's "dumb puppet trick" to best advantage and "become the filmmaker" for my characters.
Yet, all this good help pales in comparison to God's healing and guidance from the pages of a writing craft book. Thank you, Jeff, for writing for an audience of one and letting me in on it.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt is so very easy to conform to our culture's mindset of "It's all about me". However, even though submitting to God is often uncomfortable, we bask in the glory of His approval and live knowing we are living in His Will. May God richly bless you for your obedience.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good book to help with writing. I'll put it on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteInteresting perspective. You must write what is given you to write. Getting published is a long, long, road, because too many people are submitting manuscripts, but hang in there. After four years of rejections, I finally got Angela 1: Starting Over published. I kept trying because I did not want to fail for lack of trying.
ReplyDelete