Called to Write

by Jeanette O'Hagan

Called to Write

So God has called you to be writer. He's given you a special story or message to tell which you know will be a blessing for others, Or He's given you the passion, the talents, the opportunity to write. It should be easy, shouldn't it? We write the blog posts, article and books and the readers will come.


Last year I shared the following parable on Australasian Christian Writers (ACW). I believe it is just as relevant today.

One day, the CEO of a large company goes on an extended international trip. She gives each of her three area-managers funds to invest while she is away. When she returns, she calls each of them into her executive office to report on their outcomes. Stephen made a killing in renewal energy futures, Zoe more than doubled the seed-investment in property developments.
The third exec is obviously nervous as he enters her office. He fidgets with his tie, fumbles the sugar spoon as he stirs his coffee.
'So Philip, how have your investments prospered?'
The young man clears his throat and pushes a folder across her desk.
Her eyebrows shoot up. 'What's this, a bank statement? Two per cent interest?'
'Yes, boss,' he mutters. 'I knew you can't stand failure. So, I put your money in the safest place I could think of.'
'You knew I can't stand failure? You could have least put it in a growth fund.'
The next day, the CEO made Stephen and Zoe partners of the company, while Philip received a redundancy package.

I've changed a few details but you probably recognise the gist of Jesus' parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30). No doubt we could draw different lessons from this biblical short story (dare I say flash fiction) - but one thing seems clear to me. The CEO (or master) expected his managers (or servants) to invest and multiply his money. Perhaps even take risks with it. The one thing that got the boss' blood boiling, was playing it safe, failing to invest wisely. It seems, God expects us to invest, certainly in the sharing the gospel message, but also in the gifts, abilities and passions He has given us.


Think about it. If God calls us to missions or to the ministry, wouldn't we need to prepare, train, connect with a support base, work with others? It is no different with writing.

If God has called us to be writers, then surely He wants us to invest in our vocation. To take risks even. To give it focus, time and effort. Whether we wish to write as a ministry, as a hobby or hope to earn a living from our writing, it is usually not enough just to write without investing in the craft, in knowledge and connections.

How might we invest in our writing?

Make time to write

The first step is to make writing a priority. This can be hard when we have other responsibilities and demands on our time, and there can be seasons, fallow times, when our focus needs to be elsewhere. Still, if we are serious about writing, we need to write.

It helps to make a regular time and place. It might be weekly, or perhaps daily. Even if it's half an hour when everyone has gone to bed or before anyone rises, or in your lunch time at work or waiting in the car at soccer practice. You fill in the blanks.

Don't wait for inspiration. Don't worry too much whether what you writing is good or bad (you can edit afterwards). If you are really stuck, maybe do some writing exercises to warm up, or read over what you wrote in the last session. 

I'm convinced that sitting down and writing on a regular basis helps creativity to flow.

Learn how to write

'Anyone can string a few words together.' 

Yes, but that doesn't mean the words will connect with readers. Which is fine if we're writing a journal or as therapy (and there is nothing wrong with that). But if we we are called or have the passion to share our story or stories, then we need to learn how to hone our storytelling. 

This includes the basics like spelling and grammar, but also includes what makes a compelling blog post, or, for fiction -- genre, story structure, plot, compelling dialogue, point of view, character arcs and world-building. Non-fiction and memoir can use some of these elements and have their own skills to master.

We can learn a lot of this as avid readers. Even so, while some of these elements might be timeless, there are different style and story telling preferences in different eras. What may have worked in the nineteenth century or even in the 1990s may not be as accessible to readers in 2019.

Courses, workshops, conferences, critique groups, blog posts, podcasts, books are all resources we can access to improve and develop our writing.

Get relevant feedback.

Iron sharpens iron. 

As hard as it may be, getting feedback from critique partners, beta readers, and editors help us to see our writing with new eyes, to identify rough spots or plot holes that will pull readers from the page.

Feedback is invaluable part of writing, with two caveats. Choose your feedback partners wisely and remember you are the writer. You are not obliged to accept every piece of feedback you receive. A critique partner who writes historical romance may not like fantasy aspects in your epic fantasy and vice versa. Not all editors are experienced or understand more recent expectations in fiction or non-fiction writing. 

Even so, if a beta-reader or editor flags an issue, it's worth taking note - even if you find a different solution to the one suggested. And understand the 'why' of the rules, before you decide break them.

Look for opportunities

At some point, our novel or memoir or blogpost is ready to be launched into the world. 

So, how will we make it available to readers? Do we put our writing up on somewhere like Wattpad - where a lot of content is provided for free - or on our own blog or someone else's or share it in a newsletter or specific group (a support or interest group, extended family)?

If we decide to publish, then should we seek a traditional publisher or got the Indie publishing route (while avoiding predatory or vanity publishers)? Either way we will need to promote our work (look for ways to make our work visible and to connect with potential readers).


And while we wait, we can keep on writing, learning, honing and giving back to the community by encouraging and supporting other writers. 

To last the distance as writers, we need Commitment - not to give up, but to keep on going despite setbacks and obstacles - and Covenant - the willingness to keep God at the centre of what we do, to honour Him and trust Him with the results.

Whatever we do, let's not be like Philip in our re-told parable and bury what we've been given through fear or complacency or pride.

****
Images © Jeanette O'Hagan 2017

Jeanette started spinning tales in the world of Nardva at the age of eight or nine. She enjoys writing secondary world fiction, poetry, blogging and editing. Her Nardvan stories span continents, time and cultures. They involve a mixture of courtly intrigue, adventure, romance and/or shapeshifters and magic users. She has published numerous short stories, poems, two novellas and her debut novel, Akrad's Children and new release Ruhanna's Flight and other stories.

Jeanette has practised medicine, studied communication, history, theology and a Master of Arts (Writing). She loves reading, painting, travel, catching up for coffee with friends, pondering the meaning of life. She lives in Brisbane with her husband and children.


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'The Artist' - A Blog About Time

The Artist: Oil on canvas by Avril Thomas.
Used with permission 

My husband, Marc, and I recently celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. We booked a gorgeous B&B at McLaren Vale and snuggled together in the warmth as the wind blasted rain against the windows. It was great to spend quality time together in this cosy retreat.
      When we checked out on Sunday morning we decided to look at some art galleries. We considered a list of local galleries but in the end we only braved the weather to take in one exhibition, that of South Australian artist, Avril Thomas, at Magpie Springs winery in Willunga.
     Avril’s works are striking. I immediately liked the large portrait of South Australian politician, Alexander Downer, and a series of paintings commissioned by the Flinders Medical Centre. These are unusual: Oil paintings of medical professionals, including doctors and nurses working in an operating theatre.  I enjoy Avril’s ‘tonal realism’ style and the humanity that seems to imbibe her work.
     But there was one painting that stood out for me. The Artist (pictured above) depicts a woman in the act of creating. Colours on her palate stream onto brushes and onto the canvas as the woman paints an image of herself in the act of painting. On first impression I thought it a passionate, unusual work, but then I saw the small hourglass in the lower right quadrant of the painting.
     The beauty of art, whatever its form, is that it can pierce us in that place which is the core of who we are. It doesn’t matter whether the medium is oil paint or music or words, art can get inside us and bring conviction. The small hourglass in the painting suggests that time is passing. The notes to the side of the painting explain that the hourglass symbolises the finite nature of time – the artist only has so many days to do the things they’ve been made to do.
     As I looked at this painting I sensed that God was speaking to me. ‘Are you doing what I made you to do?’
     The conviction didn’t come with judgement. There was no, ‘Come on Susan, you need to do more. MORE!’ It came instead with a sweet sense of grace. I’m in the middle of my life and God has spoken things over me along the way: A call to ministry, a call to write and I think to visual art as well. He has given me some wonderful promises that have budded but are yet to fully flower and fruit.  Am I tending those promises as fully as I can? God reminded me that the time available to do that is finite. I need to seek his face and make some tough decisions.
     In Ecclesiastes 3:1 it says there’s a time for everything under the sun. So I don’t think Jesus wants us to drop everything and make our art the sole priority. There’s a right time and place for everything. But I sense that for some reading this, like me, God is saying, ‘You’ve been patient, you’ve waited, now it’s time to do the things you've been made for.’
     What things has God put on your heart to do?

Sue Jeffrey was born in Scotland but moved to Brisbane, Australia with her family when she was just a wee lass. After a childhood spent reading, drawing and accumulating stray animals, Sue studied veterinary science and later moved to Adelaide where she worked as both a vet and a pastor. After a sojourn of several years in the Australian Capital Territory, Sue returned to Adelaide with two dogs, a very nice husband, and a deepdesire to write. Sue has a MA in creative writing and her short stories and poems have appeared in several anthologies including Tales of the Upper Room, Something in the Blood: Vampire Stories With a Christian Bite and Glimpses of Light. Her e-book Ruthless The Killer: A Short Story is available on Amazon.com. Sue also paints animal portraits.

A Method to her Madness

I’ve been working under duress during the past few months. My life seemed busy enough when something extra turned up; like water gushing into an overflowing brook when the spring rains fell. Like a hundred more customers lined up to be served, when the store had been busy enough. Like a thousand seagulls swooped near me as I enjoyed my lunch – each saying ‘Feed me! Feed me! Feed me’!

The Director of the church organisation where I work, left suddenly and I’ve been filling in his shoes since (in a voluntary capacity). I am passionate about what we do – blessing our community. But 24 hours never seems enough now to do all I need to do. And so, I’ve been straining towards reaching three major deadlines. The first deadline was the 6th birthday party of a Support group I run and that was held yesterday. I loved preparing for it. Lots of shopping. Lots of buying. Lots of wrapping. Dreaming up games. Buying a cake. Blowing balloons. Writing twelve letters to the twelve special ladies who would attend. Making cards and awards. Yes, it was fun. But a lot of work too.

A big bold Tick on that deadline. Now I have 2 more. Every Christmas, we at CareLink (where I volunteer) make and deliver 50 Christmas hampers to needy people in our community. It’s been one of the best parts of Christmas for me each year. I love making the hampers – knowing there will be recipients whose Christmas is brightened by our TLC. This Christmas I am extra-immersed in it. I’m amazed as to all I have on a daily basis to ensure the Christmas Hampers will be done well. I need to rally our volunteers for the task. Get the church community behind us. Ask for help in numerous ways. Organise gifts for about 100 children. There’s much to do.

A wonderful lead up to Christmas. But I will be glad when I tick the boxes on that deadline too. My 3rd Major Deadline. A Writing Deadline! Does that sound familiar?

I was thrilled to be a finalist in a Christian writer’s competition this year, by an American publisher - Write Integrity press. The book I’m writing is one I am passionate about. One I would love to hit the bookshelves soon and make a difference in our world.

And that’s what this blog is really about. Deadline 3 – to be completed by 31st December! Ever since I returned from the Writer’s Getaway, I have been doing my utmost to devote sufficient time to writing that book. I need to write at least 1000 words a day in order to get my quota done. I rolled up my shirtsleeves and got to work. But did it happen?

I did try. Very Hard. But life kept getting in the way. Help! Meals had to be made (too often), the men in my life need to be looked after (not that I'm complaining), the Christmas Hampers need to be taken care of (I like it!), friends to meet with, extended family to connect with, ministry to do, other Christmas events to attend, Carols to practice….. you get the gist? No – the 1000 words a day did NOT happen. And there I was getting more and more pressurised by the minute.

And then it struck me. I was doing it all wrong. Perhaps I should approach the problem differently? When I am in full flow, writing 1000 words is easy. I realised that I need to tap into that creativity. And so, I decided that instead of writing 1000 words a day, I would write 4000 words one day of the week and 3000 on the other. I’d do the other important things on the remaining 5 days each week. I’d meet my week’s quota and get my other work done too. Right?

Right! This new method worked like a charm! The words got done – effortlessly, well…. almost effortlessly, shall I say? I also stopped feeling pressured. Wonderful. So yes, there was a method to my madness. I was now able to boast not just 7000 words a week but even more that that. Yay!

I wonder what “methods there are to your madness” in your writing? Have you found what didn’t work for you? Have you your own beautiful plan of a Writer’s life?

As a Christian writer, there’s one thing I am determined not to change. And that’s my time with God each day. Even if I am too busy for it. Especially if I am too busy! Some years ago, I realised that the secret to living a life that pleases God is to have time with Him every day – not a rushed 20 mts but a solid chunk of time. It is my meat and drink.

In order to be a writer of integrity, I need to have my spirit bathed in Him. My worldview washed in His Word. So if there is one Method to my madness as a Christian Writer, is that my time with Jesus is never compromised.
It’s one that brings rich dividends.

Now, it’s your turn. Do tell.
What are the special methods you employ to your own brand of Writer madness?
I’d love to hear about it!

Anusha is a writer with a passion; a passion for Jesus and His beautiful world, a passion for people and a passion for life. You can meet her at her website,
Dancing in the Rain at http://anusha-atukorala.webnode.com/