Thoughts Of A New Author

Writing and speaking are fraught with peril. As the scripture says, "Many words mark the speech of a fool," and "The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint." (Ecc. 5:3 and Prov. 17:27). Not encouraging when one puts pen to paper, but apt is its warning. 

I have been asked by a few if I would start blogging again. My hesitation is obvious, but my inclination is to express what God lays in my heart. So, with trepidation I venture again into the eddies of thought and peer into the recess of my own mind to share with you what I find. Sometimes it may be interesting other times a little frightening, and in lucid moments, perhaps a inspiring. 

Today I venture to reflect on the question, " Why do I write at all?" In each of us there is a story, a tale of redemption that must be shared. We pass them on to our children and grandchildren in hope they too will be inspired by God's work and retell their own story. They are stories of love and loss, anger and forgiveness, of pain and sorrow and the bud of hope that opens to drink in the son. 

Some stories are thrillers keeping us on the edge of our seats. There are stories that are funny and sad; tragic comedies that cause our emotions to rise and fall, leaving us exhausted at the telling. Some tales are full of drama, stories rich with detail and color. They are stories of the every day man and strive for a happy ending. These are the stories of our lives.

Writing fiction is an avenue to wrestle with issues in an creatively and helps me to struggle with uncomfortable topics in a real way. My hope is that my characters won't be trite or stereotypical. I strive to give them depth from an unusual perspective. I want their dialogue to be real, their questions to be meaningful and the conclusions unpredictable. Not an easy task and not always achieved. 

The art of story telling is fun and challenging. To begin with a blank piece of paper and fill it with words that move, motivate, and surprise. Though there is an outline it sometimes changes as unexpected characters appear and change the course of the story. The challenge is not to follow a minor character into their own story. 

God has written and is writing his story in our hearts, and I find the creative process and expression of His heart. I hope that all my stories are redemptive in some fashion, and if not overtly at least lead in the right direction. 

So I will blog of everyday events, reflections of the scripture, and at time some insight into on of my books. And to the two people who will read these many words --- enjoy.