Why Write, when cost is so high?

This morning I met with a group of passionate writers. We come together under the banner of Omega Writers Sunshine Coast. Sharing with like-minded people is an encouragement. We laugh, celebrate our wins and share the load.

 As I drove home and mulled over our conversations, I asked myself again. ‘Why do I write? Why spend the hours and the dollars to produce another book that I love, but few read?’

 At home I opened the emails. My publisher confirmed that she’d love to publish, El Roi, my third book next year. How exciting! One more book in the birthing canal. Another opportunity to spend hours editing, pouring over words that they may skilfully portray the story to a reader. Another opportunity to spend dollars, lots of dollars, on professional editing and printing. Why? So a few people pick up the book and absorb it, be inspired to walk and talk with our amazing God.

 My question extended. ‘Why do feel such excitement and satisfaction out of a project that would horrify any business person?’

 The answer comes in a quiet idea that sneaks into my mind. ‘I have food to eat that you know nothing about.’ (John 4:32)

 Jesus, when he walked with men, was more satisfied by a conversation with a Samaritan woman than he was by the bread the disciples had obtained for him. It reminds me of the opportunities I’ve had to preach. A sermon where I watch revelation awakening in a listener is so satisfying. In one way. In another it often left me depleted, craving a good steak. Even when my physical body wanted food, my spirit was deeply satisfied.

In the gospel John goes on to explain. ‘My food is to the will of him who sent me an to bring it to completion.’ (John 4:34) In other words, following God’s leading was Jesus’ source of satisfaction. Jesus broke a lot of the current social rules and religious expectations as he walked among men. His obedience came at a cost. Yet he delighted to do ‘the will of him who sent me’. 

Writing comes at a cost, so why continue? Unlike Jesus I’m not called to save the world…but I am called to inspire others to experience Jesus. I preached for a season and that was satisfying, but writing is the same call with a different look. Written words can reach multitudes. The possibilities are endless.

 

I write stories because Jesus told stories. If God wants me talk about his light touching lives of those he loves, I could write a teaching book. Or I can write a story. A story can hide new ideas and theology in fast moving action, demonstrate who God is and how much He loves the people of the world. A good book can display the love of God to a protagonist. A reader who relates to the question the heroine struggles with will receive the new truth.

 

There lies my answer.

My time is the Lord’s. My money is the Lord’s. The Spirit fills me, and brings stories. I continue because the call of God is on me and really there is nothing else I’d rather do.

My next book, El Roi, is coming soon. Dan is trying to find light… and he needs a good father. Here’s a short insight into Dan’s search, if you’d like to get a taste.

“On the end of his bed, near the open window, he sipped coffee and opened the Bible at random.

'Our Father in heaven...'

There's a father in heaven? Dan shuddered. Whose father? His father wasn't there. One thing he knew; he wasn't going to heaven if he had a father there. He read on... 'hallowed be your name.'

Dropping the Bible, he gulped hot coffee. It didn't even make sense. Why was his grandmother so fond of the book? He preferred a God who claimed to be the light of the world, rather than anyone's father. How he could he find more about light? He needed light. The darkness was freaking him out. Flicking through the book, he looked for light, reading bits here and there.

Jesus went up the mountain to pray... why would he do such a thing?

The disciples started to argue... Well, that sounds normal.”

 

What about you? What inspires you to continue following God, even when it’s costly and time consuming?

Jo Wanmer is a story teller. But struggles to put those stories into accepable prose. She writes with the help of the Holy Spirit. Without His inspiration there would be no books. Though the Bud be Bruised was published thirteen years ago. Last year El Shaddai was released and it's prequel, El Roi, is just been published. 

She lives with her husband of fifty-three years just north of Brisbane. Family, God and writing are here three passions. Eleven great-grandchildren (under 5) now fill their home with love and chaos.