Encourage, Equip, Entertain...
These three “E” words are actually embedded in my author's “mission” statement. It reads:
“My mission is to encourage, equip and entertain Christian women through stories and reflections that highlight God’s grace and redemptive power."
Articulating a mission statement is something I try to do annually as part of my strategic planning. I find it helps give me direction and purpose. So... you can see that this month's letter was a no-brainer!
I want to encourage readers in their Christian walk. Whether it be through one of my devotional books or through my fiction, encouraging others is always uppermost in my mind. At the end of every story or reflection, I hope that readers feel uplifted and strengthened to face whatever challenges they encounter, simply because God is God and He is still on His throne.
Next, I want to equip readers to grow in their faith and in Christian service. This may seem obvious when it comes to non-fiction like a devotional book, but I believe that fiction has the power to teach as well, sometimes in a more profound way than we may realize since the message is wrapped in a story.
This is a nice segue to the last point: entertain. On the surface, this may sound frivolous, but I believe it is essential. We all need an outlet for our emotions at times and a good book is just that, especially if it contains Christian values. However, a novel full of advice and Bible verses without a solid storyline that keeps the reader reading isn’t really worth much since people might not finish it. An entertaining story is a wonderful vehicle for encouragement and equipping. All three must work together.
There are so many other great E words that could be applied, like evangelize, for instance. However, my primary purpose is not to convert since my target audience is probably already saved. Evangelism is a nice side effect – and I know it can happen – but it isn’t my primary focus. This is helpful for me when it comes to my writing and why having a mission statement has helped me zero in on my purpose for writing.
What about you? Have you ever considered writing a mission statement as an author? I challenge you to take a deep dive and really drill down into your reasons and purpose for writing. You might be surprised!
Tracy Krauss writes from her home in northern BC. Visit her website to read more about her and her more than thirty books and plays in print! https://tracykrauss.com -fiction on the edge without crossing the line-
Dear Tracy, your post is spot on in reminding writers of the importance of having a mission statement and a target audience in mind.
ReplyDeleteAmen to these words of yours regarding fiction and nonfiction writing:
"An entertaining story is a wonderful vehicle for encouragement and equipping. All three must work together."
Inspirational fiction is my favorite kind of novel and nonfiction that shares stories (like Jesus did) are my favorite kind of devotional.
Blessings.
I 100% agree Wendy!
DeleteLove this concept, Tracy. Have never thought of having an author’s mission statement but I think it’s a grand idea. As , I consider it, more than just an idea, perhaps a necessity for authors of all walks but particularly for the Christian writer. And an annual review to maintain focus or to change directions where God may be leading, terrific. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI went to a strategic planning workshop when I was on Inscribe's exec. It opened my eyes to the power of this type of targeted thinking and I've been doing it for myself ever since!
DeleteHi Tracy. I like your idea of an author mission statement. I have a tag line, but I believe a "deep dive," will give more shape to my direction and purpose as a writer. Thank you for planting a seed for my mission statement. :)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I enjoy doing this type of thing so it resonates with me. :)
DeleteElizabeth Danna
ReplyDeleteWell said Tracy, especially the part about entertaining. One of the things I appreciate about _The Lord of the Rings_ is Tolkein's ability to weave his Christian belief seamlessly into his pre-Christian framework. Tolkein is subtle - there isn't a village church in Hobbiton or a cathedral in Rivendell - but his faith is there fr eyes to see that can; or perhaps I should say, eyes to see that will.
ReplyDeleteYes! Great example!
DeleteThanks Tracy
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
DeleteThanks for sharing your mission statement that so seamlessly wove into our "E" theme this month! You inspired me to refine mine--and to write a mission statement for each of my projects and articles.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! I find it helps give me clarity - even if I don't look at it often, the process itself is helpful.
DeleteTracy, your author mission statement fits perfectly in this month's E words theme. A great mission statement for your work - I see it working in life generally as well. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete