The Resource of Shimmering Images by Sandi Somers

Writers occasionally talk about where we get ideas and inspiration for our writing, but we don’t usually think of them as being a writing resource. Yet they are!

Inspiring ideas are so important that the writer Lisa Dale Norton called them “shimmering images”. She explains:

“A shimmering image is one of those memory pictures you’ve had for years.” It is “a memory that rises in your consciousness like a photograph pulsing with meaning ….You have thousands of these images inside yourself.” They stay with you. You can’t get them out of your mind. “They have energy….these images flitting into consciousness are stories waiting to happen.”[i]

Let’s unpack “shimmering images” and their implications for our writing.

Shimmering images can spring from all five senses

While the idea of “images” brings to mind the sense of sight, they’re also driven by the other senses. The aroma of baking bread reminds me of coming home from school with the house filled the delicious fragrance of my mom’s baking that day, and I couldn’t wait to bite into a piece and taste it. I love the feel of the sun’s warmth on my face as I step outside on a warm April morning. I can be absorbed in my thoughts, but when a bird sings, my attention is immediately drawn to the sound of its melody. Yet these experiences are almost always accompanied by sight.

Shimmering moments take us back to the context of our experience

We see our younger selves as we were then, where we were, and the mystery that surrounded us. For example, in a spiritually transformative event in Colombia, I was debating: should I go home to Canada and stay? or should I go home for a break and return to Colombia to engage in wider mission work? I remember where I was in the missionary guest house, sitting on a rocking chair, feeling the overhead fan blow cooling breezes onto me, and hearing the parrot announce, “Tobito! To-BI-to!” as Tobito the cat strolled into his line of vision. I recalled the sacred silence that followed, and knew my place was back in Canada. It was a powerful moment.

Shimmering images can even occur in an unexpected thought

I think of Tolkien. As a professor in Oxford University, he was marking student papers, and out of nowhere popped the thought that went something like this—“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” He said he had no idea where the idea came from, nor what a hobbit was, nor what he’d do with it. However, the image went on to become a major driving force for writing The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

Shimmering images can arise from all areas of life

Everyday events, from ordinary to breathtaking, become charged with significance. My years growing up in rural Alberta, my hobbies such as reading, gardening, skiing in winter, quilting, and bird watching have all inspired shimmering images.

Farther afield, I lived in Colombia, travelled to other countries, and taught English to immigrants and refugees from 130 countries. Not only have I grown in understanding of many people, their customs, and beliefs, these experiences have given me a wider world view and new shimmering images that energize my writing.

Shimmering images have great emotional impact

It has been said that we remember significant moments because of their emotional impacts. Something startles us, makes us laugh, gives us joy or awe. Or we remember our hurts, a difficult relationship, our rise of anger when we see injustice. All these emotional impacts give shimmering images their power, and according to Norton, are the source of our most potent stories.

Shimmering images can lead to universal themes that touch the hearts of our readers

Our stories can become effective bridges between us and our readers. Readers may not experience the same situations we write about. But larger themes leap off the page and embed themselves into their lives—themes such as hope, forgiveness, healing, growth in our relationship with the Lord, answers to prayer, and more.

And that is why we write. From the heart of shimmering images to the greater themes that touch people’s lives, the Lord asks us to be His co-writers, sharing His greater story. “Go…and tell (others) what great things the Lord has done for you…” Jesus said (Mark 5:19).

In this way we share His love and redemption to a world that so desperately needs Him.

Sandi Somers’ writing passion is to help readers grow their faith in Jesus, including their vision of what God wants them to be and do. She writes in several genres—devotionals, personal essays, and Biblical fiction. Sandi lives in Calgary, Alberta, the delightful city between the Rocky Mountains and the Prairies.

[i] Lisa Dale Norton, (Shimmering Images: A Handy Little Guide to Writing Memoir, New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2008), 28-29.

Image by Yuri_B by Pixabay

Cultivating Curiosity ~ Valerie Ronald

 

When my daughter took her niece to the museum, little Hazel was fascinated by each different display. With her nose pressed to the glass, she asked the same question every time. “What does it do?” Her auntie had to think quickly to come up with answers to satisfy the curiosity of a three-year-old.

Curiosity is natural in young children˗˗preschoolers ask an average of 26 questions an hour! However, as people age, curiosity often declines due to reluctance to ask questions or reticence about revealing what they don’t know. A strong desire to discover and understand keeps the mind active, boosts the memory, and improves learning capacity. Cultivating curiosity is a way to slow down the aging process of the mind.

Curiosity is a writer’s best resource because it works as an engine for generating ideas. It drives the creative process, sending a writer down trails of inexhaustible possibilities for writing projects. It fuels the imagination, prompts research in areas of genuine interest, and brings fresh energy to the page, keeping readers engaged.

Curiosity need not be limited to the real world. It crosses over into the imagination to explore possibilities beyond our physical limitations. A prime example is the complex fantasy realm of Middle-earth conceived by author J.R.R. Tolkien. He created a highly detailed mythological world with multiple people groups, languages, histories, and environments. As Professor of English and Literature at the University of Oxford, Tolkien lived and worked where his considerable intellect and curiosity could access extensive resources to inform his epic trilogy.

If I wrote only about what I know and have experienced myself, my writing portfolio would be limited. Curiosity sends me searching for the answers to why and what if?, opening imaginative possibilities I can transform into words on a page. I may live a simple, quiet life, however, the possibilities of where my mind can take me are endless.

A short story I submitted to an InScribe FellowScript Fall Contest grew out of my curiosity about living in a church no longer in use. A Stone Ghost was written because of the following questions and the answers I imagined: 

Who would be interested in buying an old church? ˗˗ A sculptor creating larger-than-life statues requiring open space and high ceilings.

What affect would the atmosphere of an old church have on a man embittered towards God because of his wife’s death? ˗˗ He plans to sell its valuable stained-glass window, then changes his mind when moonlight through the window illuminates one of his statues, sparking an encounter with God.

What catalyst needs to be added to make the story plausible? ˗˗ A motherly woman who asks the sculptor probing questions that help him look at his own pain, then take a step toward healing.

As a curious writer, I constantly observe details and scenarios I can file away for future writing projects. People’s mannerisms, conversations, and responses noted during social interactions give me material for creating believable characters. Curiosity about an environment motivates me to investigate it further, with the possibility of incorporating it as a setting. With vast amounts of information available at my fingertips on the internet, I can accurately write about places I have not been to myself. Eye-witness observations may have the advantage of my unique viewpoint, but they are not always possible.

Trying to write without employing the resource of curiosity seems like an impossible task. Curiosity gives us permission as writers to explore wherever our imagination wants to go. Because we are writers, we won’t be labelled obsessive when we spend days researching obscure topics like the history of shepherding or symptoms of Asperger syndrome. We will be considered curious.

Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people.
– Leo Burnett

Valerie Ronald writes from an old roll top desk in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, with her tortoiseshell cat for a muse. A graduate of Langara College School of Journalism, she writes devotionals, fiction, and inspirational prose. Her purpose in writing is to encourage others to grow in their spiritual walk.                                

The Christian Writer’s Toolbox by Peggianne Wright

A carpenter learns his trade over many years. He will have begun as a novice, with little or no practical skills but a desire to create and craft and build with wood. He will quickly learn that there are essential tools he'll need for virtually every project and highly specialized tools needed when an elaborate, customized creation is underway.

As Christian writers, we will each assemble our own toolbox to aid and assist us in our craft. The basic tools will likely prove to be the most useful and relied upon in the whole kit. Just like a saw, hammer, screwdriver, level, and measuring tape, my personal writing toolbox consists of these primary tools: Mentors, Training Programs, Reference Material, Continuing Education, and Passion.

Mentors

Over the years, I have followed a number of Christian writers, artists, and personalities. Though, as I have matured in my faith, grown in my spirituality, and developed and improved my writing skills, many names have been added and then removed from my list of favourites. Just like when we meet someone new, it takes time to learn about them and to link their personality, writing style, belief system, etc., with our own.

Some have, what to me feels like, an enduring presence that shares their personal walk with the Lord in ways that help me strengthen my own. My tendency to embrace a more traditional teaching style leads me to the writings of such revered teachers as Chuck Swindoll, Henri Nouwen, and Jen Wilkin, to name a few. Naturally the writings of prolific men of God such as Charles Spurgeon, C.S. Lewis, and A.W. Tozer have filled my nightstand for years.

Training Programs

Depending on the direction our writing is leading, there are training programs available to gain practical experience in the craft. Online webinars and various workshops and courses, both free and paid, are abundantly available. One can become overwhelmed with the offerings available so it's wise to go slowly and choose carefully. My favourites include Kingdom Writers (C.J. & Shelley Hitz) and Becky Kopitzke.

In years past, in an effort to develop and improve my writing skills I enrolled in the Compel Pro Writers Training offered by Proverbs 31 Ministries (Lysa TerKeurst). When I realized I wasn't gaining the kind of practical training I had hoped, I found Flourish Writers Academy created and hosted by Mindy Kiker and Jenny Kochert. There I enjoyed a special online community of like-minded Christian women and gained practical knowledge and training in the craft of writing that helped me in my publishing journey.

Reference Material

In the 21st century, we can count it a blessing that there is an endless stream to reference material available at our very fingertips. This comes with a caution however, since we must carefully discern the source and validity of material we obtain. And now, even more urgently, it's critical to use extreme vigilance where AI is involved. I personally avoid AI whenever possible (although we all know it's embedded in and controls so much of what we do these days.)

The Bible will always be my most important reference tool; this goes without saying. But, my shelves are lined with other books including The Christian Writer's Manual of Style (4th Edition), The MacArthur Study Bible, The Chronological Study Bible, as well as several other writers' guidebooks and manuals. My trusted 40-year-old paper thesaurus has been replaced by Google, and I refer often to websites such as Bible Study Tools, Blue Letter Bible, and Bible Gateway.

Continuing Education

As Christians, we are perpetual students, as we study God's Word. Depending on the scope of your writing, further theological training may be desired. I have enrolled and participated in several online courses offered by the Dallas Theological Seminary. I've also found theology focused courses created by Jen Wilkin on the Lifeway Christian Resources website.

Passion

Without this incredibly essential tool, we are unlikely to touch the hearts and minds of our readers and even less likely to point them to God. It's imperative that we find ways to refresh and enliven our faith on a daily basis so we can share God's Word with others.

Beyond the Basic Tools

As we become skilled in our craft of writing, we may wish to specialize in certain genres and areas of Christian life. From non-fiction writing such as writing devotionals, bible studies, or other life resources to the world of fiction, we'll need additional tools to help us achieve success.

Others' Books

Reading is a lifeline for writers. It's imperative that to become a good writer we need to be a great reader. Choosing books that are part of the genre we wish to pursue, reading and deconstructing them to really understand the technical aspects of the writing will help guide us to improvement. Take care though, to avoid being a "copycat" and remain true to your own "style".

Community

Regardless of what genre we write, connections with our community will inspire us in ways we can't imagine. Taking time to just sit and write what pops to mind after a social event, a shopping excursion, a dentist appointment can be the seeds of some wonderful, heartfelt, and realistic writing.

Our church family can be of immense support in our writing careers. Having trusted friends to bounce writing ideas off, or folks to help promote your writing, or even personalities on which to base fictional characters can be invaluable. But, we must always take care to nurture our relationships in a way that doesn't take advantage of our friends and families.

Music

Listening to music, for me at least, is a multi-layered experience. Having lived to half way through my 6th decade, I have listened to—rough guess here—likely millions of tunes. Coming from a musical family, I have learned (but not mastered) five instruments and own a collection of hundreds of albums, CDs, and cassette tapes. But, the point here is that music has a way of speaking to a listener in ways we cannot understand. It will invoke memories and emotions and can even kick-start our imaginations. Using music to inspire our writing can be rewarding in so many ways.

Lived Experience

It's no secret that our writing can be inspired and/or influenced by the experiences we've lived through. I found that I had to eliminate a certain Christian writer from my bookshelf because her whole collection was based on her husband's betrayal. And, I left her writing group specifically because I felt that they focused on tragic life circumstances as a way to become a good Christian writer. Coming from a loving family upbringing, I began to feel I was "too blessed" to be the kind of writer they were training.

ALL of our experiences, good and bad, play a role in how and what we write. We get to choose what our focus will be. But, no matter what blessings or difficulties God has placed in our lives, if we can craft them into stories that benefit others and point to Him, our writing will truly be considered a success.

"Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15 NLT)

Peggianne Wright is a published author and is the founder of the pet parent ministry Paws To Pray, blending her passion for the Lord and all-things-K9 to form this unique, faith-based community. Peggianne is an ardent Bible study student, devoted dog mom, wife of 44 years, and lover of music. Her blogs Spiritual Scribbles and Fur-Kid Fanatics can be found on her website www.PawsToPray.ca and you can follow her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PawsToPray/ and on IG @Sister_In_Prayer.

Fill 'er Up by Bob Jones

This month’s writing prompt asked how I fill my creative container.

That’s an interesting query.

In a recent online discussion with a group of religious leaders, the facilitator asked us to list the reasons why we do what we do. And then to share why what we do may encounter resistance.

My writing at REVwords is inspired by people and the challenges they face. They overflow my container.

These are some of the reasons and resistance that make up my writing world.

Reasons
•  Be an advocate for others.
•  Defend others who need a friend to stand with them.
•  Be a voice of those who don’t have a platform but have a story.
•  Broaden the perspectives of those willing to stretch.
•  Raise up issues to higher importance than is often attributed to them.

Resistance
•  My content offends some readers, so they break connection.
•  Deficiency of clarity in my writing leads to misunderstanding.
•  Defensive reactions to dissenting views and critique.

During that discussion, we were challenged to think about how we could get a broader hearing on divisive issues. How could I communicate what is meaningful in a way that would draw a more diverse audience and inspire less resistance and more conversation?

Exploring that kind of thinking is going to fill my creative container. I posted my first attempt at that in the post, C-9, 18, and 5:14 (Galatians). Let me know how I did.

The prompt also asked what strengthens my craft, the writing resources I use, and my go to publications, quotes, podcasts, and other resources.

Lately, I’ve been influenced by the people I follow on Substack and podcasts. Each one of them writes with creativity and passion. They’re not tentative in taking on big issues and speaking truth to power.

Bishop Mariann Budde – Reflections on Courage, Faith and the Work of Love

Brian Zhand

Bob Rae

Beth Allison Barr – Marginalia

Anne Applebaum – Open Letters

NiJay K. Gupta – Engaging Scripture

Anne Lamott – Hallelujah Anyway

Patti Miller – Isn’t That The Craziest Thing

Kristin Du Mez – Du Mez Connections

Anne Lamott shared a story a few weeks ago in her Substack. She told it for people doing important work. People like Inscribe writers.

“The writer Mark Yaconelli told me years ago of holding a retreat one weekend where a hundred people from all over the world came to hear his teachings on how to work with disenfranchised and severely depressed young people. He spoke to the gathering for a few hours about tools that he used to create community and connection with young people suffering loss and isolation. At some point, he handed out a Mexican beach blanket to each person, and asked them to lie down and rest.

A physician who worked with young AIDS patients had flown in from South Africa the week before, and she came up to him, furious. She said that she had flown 10,000 miles at enormous expense to learn his techniques and did not want to be told to take a nap like a kindergartner. Mark nodded sympathetically and asked her to do the best she could.

When the hour was over, the woman came back to him, weeping. She had fallen asleep. She said that she had not understood how exhausted she was.”

Happy Easter. He is risen so you can lay down.

Thank you for reading and commenting. I always look forward to your engagement. It’s the best part of writing.