Defining a Writer

Mission Possible Monday
by Carla Gade


How do you define a writer?
The American Heritage Dictionary puts it simply:

writ·er
n. One who writes,
especially as an occupation.

And to be occupied? The above terms clearly states as a vocation, otherwise it is how one chooses to occupy their time, thoughts, and attention. And for a writer, pen in hand.

Like many of you, from a very young age I have been compelled to write. Stories, poems, newsletters, reports, articles, lessons. You name it, I write it! Being a writer is quite naturally who I am. It is not all of who I am, yet all of who I am seems to yearn to be expressed through creativity. Especially writing.

When my Mom moved to her retirement home she handed me a folder. You know the one. The folder mother's everywhere create as a portfolio of such containing samples of school papers, reports, art work, letters, what have you. When I looked through it something funny happened. It occurred to me that I was a writer. I knew I liked to write. Yet now the evidence was there before me. I had a history of writing. I still wrote. And surely I would continue to write. I was a writer.

It still took me some time to consider myself a vocational writer; even though I had already passed that threshold. Something significant eventually took hold. A metamorphosis occurred when I chose to come out of my little cocoon and fly. It was then that I truly became a writer, because I at last believed I was one. Now with a vocational portfolio of my writing material, there is no more denying it. A writer I am.

The other day, I traversed down a beautiful river with a group of 30 on a float trip. There I was, in my inflatable boat, imagination soaring. I couldn't help myself. And oh how tempted I had been to bring along a pen, although I thought better of it to avoid a potential risk of a puncture in my otherwise seaworthy vessel. As I floated along I began plotting. Oh, the inspiration! I also pictured scenes from the book I'm currently reading which mentions that very river. Someone had written about it. I shall too, I thought. It cannot be helped. You know why. Because you, too, are a writer.

Blessings,
Carla


To Consider:

"How do you define a writer?"

When did you first know that you were a writer? How did that realization impact your life?

What experiences have you had that have encouraged you as a writer?

"I lived to write, and wrote to live."
Samuel Rogers (1733-1855)

Set the World on Fire

by Carla Gade

The Britt Nicole lyrics to "Set the World on Fire" always remind me that I have a special purpose to my life. My purpose is to glorify the Lord in whatever I do. It also reminds me that he has given me special talents and abilities with which I can honor him.

My utmost desire is that I would be faithful and honor him with the dreams and goals that I have. That he would take those dreams and indeed "give them wings".

The Lord has used Britt's lyrics to encourage many. Could it be that he might use me and the words he lays on my heart to be a light to others? Lord, may it be! Give him your dreams today.

Blessings,
Carla

To Consider:

"Set The World On Fire"

I wanna set the world on fire
Until it's burning bright for You
It's everything that I desire
Can I be the one You use?

I, I am small but
You, You are big enough
I, I am weak but
You, You are strong enough to
Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with You
Nothing I can not do
Nothing I cannot do

". . . whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
1 Corinthians 10:31b

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
Philippians 4:13

Handling the Word of Truth

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" ~ 2 Timothy 2:14-19

The Bible has been a source of hope and inspiration through the ages. Yet sadly, throughout history the Scriptures have also been misquoted, misunderstood, misconstrued, and misapplied. So-called "proof texts" have justified many atrocities, been foundational to false doctrine, and have abused many believers and would be believers, all in the name of Christ. Some writers have even misused scripture to meet their own ends.

It is critical not to misuse scripture by taking verses out of context to support what we have written. We must be cautious not to take creative license with our ideas and then randomly find scripture to support it in an effort to justify our own opinions. Rather, we should incorporate the Biblical principles to our work and let our ideas form and flow from them. Then we can be assured that the work is supported by scripture. How do we do this? By becoming intimately acquainted with God's Word and thinking on His precepts continually.

The ability to correctly handle the word of truth is important for every follower of Christ, both in understanding God's Word and communicating it to others. As Christian writers we have a particular responsibility to administer the truth of God's Word correctly and appropriately as we convey those truths to our readers.

Imagine developing a plot using the theme "Money is the root of all evil." This misquoted Bible verse implies that all money is bad, which it is not. It is a useful tool of which we are instructed to be good stewards. How might the story change if the correct verse is applied to the plot, "The love of money is the root of all evil." Now we are talking about greedy people and the consequences of that greed. Clarity is everything.

Yes, we need to have a good handle of the Bible ourselves. We need to spend time in the Word devotionally, in study, and in life application. It is good to be equipped with the proper tools to handle the Bible. Concordances, reliable commentaries, lexicons, and most importantly prayer. The Holy Spirit will help illuminate the truth to us if we seek his guidance throughout the writing process.

Our characters need also to handle the Word correctly. Recently I was reading from Molly Noble Bull's book Sanctuary. A non-believer came right out and asked what the sited Bible verse meant (Psalm 91:1). She was on her road to discovering faith and had honest questions about it. Another character had invited her questions and responded with a correct answer, although it was mentioned that even as a devote believer he still was growing in his faith and knowledge of the Bible. The key concept continued to be reinforced throughout the novel. The truth was presented with such authenticity and accuracy that it would surely bless a seeker as well as a committed Christian.

I cannot tell you the countless times that I have been touched, challenged, and grown in my faith walk as a result of reading a book written by a Christian. I hope we can all rise to the task and handle God's Word with skill and sensitivity. The Bible is an essential and effective tool in the hands of a writer. As we continue to polish our skills, let us remember that as Christian writers the ability to properly handle the word of truth is vital.

Blessings,
Carla

To Consider:

Am I growing in my understanding of God's Word? Am I accurately able to handle the Word of Truth?

Bible study tips: prayer is essential for discernment, scripture interprets scripture, context is key, obtain proper definitions of words and idioms, seek the full counsel of God's Word on topics, and again pray for correct application.

Key principles:
Examine the truth in content, context and concept. Confirm the truth, consider the truth, confess the truth, care for the truth, correctly apply the truth, and accurately convey the truth.

"Studying the Word of God
is something that demands diligence
It is a craft that calls for craftsmanship."
~ John MacArthur

Thoroughly Equipped to Write

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 Timothy 3:16-17

"Every good work." Yes, even your writing. Especially your writing.

When we think about being equipped as a writer several obvious things come to mind: having the necessary tools and research materials, learning and improving our craft, and so much more. Though as Christian writers, the one thing that will equip us the most is God's Word. The Bible is not only a wealth of knowledge, but it connects us, provides for us, and inspires a deeper faith in our Lord and Saviour. It is the fabric of who we are as persons and as writers has a profound influence on our writing. The more we nurture our relationship with God, through prayer and the study of his Word, the more our experiences and thoughts will be impacted with his Truth. And the better equipped we will be as writers.

We've all heard, "Write what you know." In non-fiction, it is not advisable to offer medical advice if you are not a medical expert. In fiction, well, if we must "know" everything then I ask, "what is imagination for?" But to know is to be intimately acquainted with something. Be it fiction or non-fiction, one who knows grief or loss or redemption can certainly write about it. And please do. The overflow of your own relationship with the Lord and your own unique experiences can bless others through the sharing of your words.

As master storyteller George MacDonald said, "A true imagination is beholding a truth of God." Even in fiction one can impart spiritual truths. It is essential that we convey these truths clearly as we pen our words. Yet, it is not necessary to preach, rambling on with great discourse. The story itself can reveal God's intervention in the plot, a character's growth, and insights for the reader.

In essence, the story is a sermon, but without "sermonizing". Christian romance writer and author of Writing the Christian Romance Gail Gaymer Martin puts it this way, "We are to show that despite our flaws, fears, weaknesses, doubts, and sins, God loves us and keeps His promises. If we weave this into our story just as these same elements are woven into a Christian's daily life, then an author will not be preachy but will just create a lovely tapestry that will make an impact and be remembered."

The Biblical principles that are shared will be interwoven throughout the pages of our work. And what is our work? Well, that is worth considering.

To Consider . . .

Do you have a motto, a mission statement, that conveys your purpose in writing? Mine is "Sharing the truth of God's redemptive love." I've seen many others on Christian writer's websites. I challenge you to pray about this and set it before you in a prominent place.

What do you know? Are there any major themes in your own faith journey that equip you to write on certain subjects? What are they?

What are you doing to nurture your relationship with the Lord today?

Blessings,
Carla

Other Plans

Mission Possible Monday
by Carla Gade

Every bloggers nightmare . . . internet down! Last night I was finishing up an entry for today's Mission Possible Monday theme and yes, every writer's horror, the happy little lights on my modem started dancing. I wasn't - happy or dancing. I finally gave it up and hoped for a brighter tomorrow.

Tomorrow came and still no internet and for me that also means no broadband phone service. So where am I going with this you ask? That's what I wanted to know. I had to get in touch with my ISP. Grateful that my husband forgot to take his work cell phone with him today, I wondered how his day was going.

Hands tied and waiting for our technical issues to get resolved, I took a little walk. To the mailbox. Maybe there I would find some contact with the outside world. Sure enough the mail had come, although it was only a bill for my son. No, I already paid for him. It was an invoice my son owed. At least it wasn't for me, things were already looking up.

I used to live on a busy corner with no trees in my yard at all. All my inspiration for writing had to be mustered up as I traversed the world wide web. I soon became subject to RWS (reclusive writer syndrome). Although this was acceptable to some degree for a time; it made my world much smaller, especially here in rural Maine. This was so frustrating for me as I am really an outdoor girl. As soon as the Lord opened a door for a new home for our family we were outa there! I had been praying for some time to live out in the country with a yard with trees! It meant so much to me, I just had to ask.




Today, as I headed down our long tree-lined driveway, I was bathed in a brisk cool breeze. I uttered aloud a spontaneous response to God's amazing creation, "Infuse me with your spirit Lord."

A little while later, I grabbed my camera and decided to capture some of the moments I was enjoying on this beautiful spring day. I only wish I could have captured the sounds, as well. The rustling of the breeze through the leaves, a feathered choir singing in the treetops, the whispers of God sharing secrets with my soul. But that's what words are for.

I stood by the fence enjoying the horses on our property. They were grazing. Taking in nourishment. And I, too, was receiving unexpected nourishment for my spirit. Basking in the warm sun, I soon felt tiny droplets of rain sprinkling down on me. A sun shower. A Son shower.


Jesus, thank you for this precious time with you today. It wasn't what I planned, but you had a plan for me.



To Consider:

Sometimes we need to step away, change our environment, change our pace to be infused with new material to write. Are you receptive to the "other plans" that happen in your life? Do you realize that they are new opportunities for you to find writing inspiration?

Go to that place. Bring the Lord along. Describe what you hear, what you see, what you feel.

We need to be filled in order for the words to flow freely.

What nourishes your soul?

“In his heart a man plans his course
but the Lord determines his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9

Carla Gade is an aspiring writer, avid reader, adult literacy tutor, and website developer. She is the Program Coordinator for a Literacy Volunteers organization and is active in women's ministries. Carla writes inspirational fiction and non-fiction. Visit her online at Carla's Pathways ~ Journaling the Journey.