An Ordinary Writer by Wendy L. Macdonald

 Sandi gave the following prompt for July: 

"My Writing Path Defined

In November 2021, we wrote about defining moments in our lives and writing. Brenda Leyland combined a number of defining moments in her writing life and posted, ‘A Writing Path Defined.’ 

Combine key moments/events that were crucial in defining you as a growing and/or proficient writer (no matter what stage you are at now).

Weave them together into your writing path."

The writing tapestry God weaves for each of us is as unique as we are. Mine hasn't had and probably never will have flashy colors in it. I'm an ordinary writer whose goal is to inspire faith that overrides fear.

The first thread that hinted I was going to be a writer was my fascination with writing poetry at a young age. My poems still aren't fancy nor worthy of being traditionally published. But they help me sort out my thoughts and feelings. I began writing poems and puppet plays when I was a preteen. My puppets were created using paper mâché and scraps of fabric from my mom’s stash of leftovers. My first poem was written on a piece of paper that blew into our backyard while I was watching my mother hang out laundry.  

The next thread that stands out in my past is a comment my grade seven teacher said when I described something through my love of nature. She said, “Wendy, you’re good at making metaphors.” Since I was experiencing bullying that year, I treasured her words and tucked them into my heart. 

The third thread was a bookstore gift certificate I was awarded by my grade 8 English teacher. She was strict with the class and taught us well. While she didn’t tolerate shenanigans, she was generous in rewarding hardworking students. She never shamed anyone. But she smiled warmly when we followed the rules. Several years later I found out she was a Christian. Interestingly, I bought the book Christy (by Catherine Marshall) with the certificate she gave me. 

The next thread woven into my journey to writing was in my grade nine English class when we were given the task of creating an anthology of our own poetry. Although I adored this project, I wrote depressing poems. Since I wasn’t in a close relationship with Jesus, and my family life was stressful, it’s no wonder the cover I chose for the assignment was dreary too.

Over a decade later while living in a remote seaside village with my husband, I was introduced to Catherine Marshall’s nonfiction books when a pastor’s wife highly recommended them. The author—though gone to heaven by then—quickly became my mentor in studying the Bible. She also inspired me to write deeply and honestly in my journals. Catherine Marshall’s willingness to let readers know she struggled along with us made me trust her and love her more. It was while reading her books that I realized I wanted to be an inspirational writer too.

But life got busy. 

Although I kept writing in my journal, my hopes of becoming a writer were set aside as work, house renovations, a move to the country, and three babies took most of my time and attention. Thinking I needed to return to college first before I could become a writer, I gave up my dream. And when I discovered there was a Christian writing course I could do through the mail, my plan was intercepted by plans to homeschool my children instead. (I’m sure all those classics I read aloud to my family helped me almost as much as a course would have.)  

Eight years later when I joined Facebook, my craving to write was stirred once again. So, I started blogging. Blogging led to taking online classes and to reading how-to blogs and books about writing and the publishing world. 

I don’t know what the future holds for me. But I do know God already knows which additional threads will be woven into my writing life. He asks His writers to abide in Him so that a steady flow of His inspiration flows through their pens. That’s enough for me to know for now. I know His plans are always good. 

I look forward to reading your posts, dear InScribers. Hearing how a writer began his/her journey is always a delightful read. And by the way, I enjoyed reading all the other posts you’ve done too. Reading is one of the best (and most fun) ways we can improve our writing.

Blessings ~ Wendy Mac