I've spent quite a lot of time, over the years, thinking about this question. The simple answer is, I feel called to write. I suppose I view writing as a form of ministry, even though my primary avenue is fiction. A few years ago I attended several one-on-one sessions with a marketing coach. One of the first things he had me do was fill out an extensive profile about myself - genre, target audience, marketing plan, future goals etc. It was an excellent exercise in learning to focus instead of using what he called the "spray and pray"method of marketing. Among the questions was, "Why do you write?" I came up with five reasons:
1. Entertain – I write to entertain and provide an escape for the reader. Although some may not find this to be the most noble reason, I believe entertainment has value - even spiritual value. Proverbs 17:22 - A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (NIV)
2. Encourage – Through my stories, I hope to encourage others in their Christian walk. I write primarily for a Christian audience, so the expectation is that most are already saved. However, people still need encouragement along the way and that's what I want to do. Philemon 1:7 - Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people. (NIV)
3. Enlighten – I like to bring a potentially difficult or controversial issue to each book I write. Examples include racism and prejudice, native spirituality and cults, pornography, substance abuse and addiction, and physical and sexual abuse. Every one of these topics is relevant in the church. My experience in ministry has taught me that Christians still struggle with each one of these issues, although not always openly. Galatians 6:2 - Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (ESV)
4. Expand the reader’s viewpoint. This is tied to number three, since my purpose is not always to offer a definitive answer. (Other than Jesus !) I try to stay away from a ‘hardline’ legalist viewpoint and focus instead on grace. I intentionally try to leave some loose ends and unanswered questions for the reader to ponder. 2 Corinthians 12:9 - But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (ESV)
5. Evangelism - not my primary focus since my assumption is that my target audience is already Christian. However, the gospel message is there, so someone could potentially come to Christ. Romans 1: 16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (ESV)
The above list focuses on writing as a ministry, but I do have more selfish reasons as well. As an artist, writing is one avenue of self expression and fulfills that need for a creative outlet. As well, writing - specifically journalling - is a way to make sense of my world. It helps me to process my thoughts and feelings and I often use it as a form of prayer.
So there you have it! Do any of these 'reasons' resonate with you?
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing why you write. It’s interesting that we downplay the need for humour. Yesterday we were reminded that learning takes place when there is humour, movement, and connection. Thanks for answering God’s call to write and sharing your gift with us.
Thanks Ruth. The whole exercise of purposefully thinking about this question was a very good one - something I recommend for all writers.
DeleteThank you for sharing your reasons for writing, Tracy. I can relate to the five reasons that focus on your writing ministry. I especially like that you're not afraid to address difficult issues in your writing. Faith isn't a magic eraser that eliminates all of our human frailties. Your "selfish" reasons for writing, as a means of self-expression and comprehension, also resonate with me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for recognizing your call to write Tracy. It is so wonderful that you gave us some points related to your reason for writing. You do it well.
DeleteThanks to both Nina and Alan for your comments. I think a lot of writers feel that same compulsion and use writing as a means of self expression and as way to reflect and make sense of their world.
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ReplyDeleteYour reasons resonate with me, too, Tracy, including your "selfish" reasons. I like how you included Scripture with every single one of your points, and I like the photo of you that accompanies the piece :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Susan!
DeleteGreat reasons to write, and I must add that your comments on our blog post always encourage us-so a big Thank you for those finely scripted lines as well!!
ReplyDeleteI certainly try! :)
DeleteI like your five reasons, because they do resonate with me. Even though you might consider yourself a fiction writer while I consider myself mainly a non-fiction writer, I do concur with what you say. You have said each of these points succinctly and I appreciate the suitable scripture reference you have selected for each of your points.
ReplyDeleteWhy is it, I wonder, that we think it is "selfish" to express ourselves in an artistic way, to fulfill ourselves through creative endeavours, to examine life, to process our thoughts, and to pray on paper or walls or wherever we write? I am asking this of myself as well, Tracy. I also love the picture of your pensive pose.
When Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel, I am sure he was being fulfilled, examining life, praying, and focussing on God and his plan of salvation. When the artist dismounted the scaffolding at the end of the day, he must have been both exhausted and exhilarated by what he had accomplished. Then the next day he would continue.
Thank you for sharing your love of writing and the call you feel to write--whether that be to edify and entertain others or to enrich your own being.
Your encouragement is always so appreciated, Sharon.
DeleteLove the "spray and pray" phrase. How did you know? Thank you for your writing and leadership, Tracy.
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