What is a Christian Writer? by T. L. Wiens

I have no problem identifying myself as a writer. I completed nanowrimo three times over in one year. I’m not claiming to be a good writer—just a prolific one and for that reason alone, I have no doubts about the writer side of the equation.

Christian is a much more daunting identification. in Acts 11:26, we are told the word Christian is first used in Antioch. For years, I’ve thought about it as simply a follower of Christ or a believer but this name says much more.

Galatians come from Galatia, Ephesians come from Ephesus. I haven’t gone back to the Greek on this one but in English, it’s hard to miss the form of the word Christian. Just as Galatia was the hometown of Galatians, the early Christians appeared to those around them as coming from Christ. What about the early followers of Christ inspired those around them to see them as having Christ as a homeland? Kind of goes against the Oliver Wendall Jones saying, “Some people are too heavenly minded to be any earthly good.”

I love Jesus—no doubt about that but do the people around me see me as a Christian? Or am I just a church attendee and in the world’s eyes that makes me a Christian? It’s a struggle that I think I’ll continue to fight, doing my best to live a life worthy of being considered a Christian because of my love for Jesus. I think my writing will reflect my heart, just like the overflow from my mouth. And maybe I will earn the title of Christian writer.

Spoiled by T. L. Wiens

I was at the house of an elderly couple. The husband had a severe infection in his leg and the wife was worn out from looking after him. Their daughter came under the guise of helping out Mom and Dad. The husband had a guest and was busy visiting in another room. The wife fell onto the chair next to me and leaned up against the table, gasping for breath. (I was blocked behind the table.) She’d aged ten years in the two weeks since her husband got sick.

Their daughter emerged from the room where the husband was visiting. “Mom, the men need coffee.”

Mom waved her arm and pointed in the general direction of the coffee pot. “It’s right there.” She was too tired to get off her chair.

The daughter stared at her mother and then at the coffee pot before returning to the other room. A few minutes later, she again demanded her mother to come fill the coffee cups in the next room. Finally, the guest came into the kitchen, grabbed the coffee pot and served the coffee.

I wish this was a fiction story but it’s not. When I look at this forty something year old daughter, I’m disgusted at her behaviour. But she’s only acting out from her upbringing—she’s spoiled.

I’m visiting a church. We are asked to sing a last song as a means of ending the service. The worship leader apologizes because this is a youth focused service and this last song will be a hymn. I’m shocked and appalled that there would be that much intolerance to singing a worship hymn simply because it was a hymn. But the people are just following the lead of the decision makers of this church body.

I fear for the church that has become like a spoiled child. The Bible says in Proverbs 13:24,

“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.” Discipline? The church cannot even tolerate singing a song that may not fit their style.

Spoiling is not loving as we see in Proverbs. The end result will be the same for both the elderly couple and the church—selfish children, demanding when they should be serving. From I Corinthians 13, we know love is the greatest gift. Jesus demonstrated His love for us by dying on a cross while we were still sinners. How can a spoiled generation find Truth when preoccupied with self-indulgence? How can we as writers help bring love back into focus in the church?

Said - T. L. Wiens

Recently, there’s been a movement to strike all other words that describe a spoken word in written form and only use “said.” The reasoning I’ve heard for this movement are:

1. People don’t notice “said.”
2. Other words are “telling” words.

I don’t know who decided that “said” is an invisible word but they are wrong! It’s also a telling word.

I had the pleasure, and I say this tongue in cheek, of revising a manuscript in which the author only used “said.” It was horrible! The piece read like a Dick and Jane story without pictures. I’ll admit there are other issues with this author’s writing skills but every dialogue was “he said,” “she said,” covering pages of writing. It was boring and unimaginative. Readers need to see the picture and that takes more than using “said” as a dialogue tag.

I see parallels with my Christian walk and my writing ministry. I can say I’m a Christian and quote scripture but at some point there has to be a picture—my life has to show the meaning of the words. I have to live my faith.

So whether it’s in a manuscript or in living, “said” may not always do the job and is definitely not invisible.

Said By T. L Wiens

Recently, there’s been a movement to strike all other words that describe a spoken word in written form and only use “said.” The reasoning I’ve heard for this movement are:

People don’t notice “said.”
Other words are “telling” words.

I don’t know who decided that “said” is an invisible word but they are wrong! It’s also a telling word.

I had the pleasure, and I say this tongue in cheek, of revising a manuscript in which the author only used “said.” The piece read like a Dick and Jane story without pictures. I’ll admit there are other issues with this author’s writing skills but every dialogue was “he said,” “she said,” covering pages of writing. It was boring and unimaginative. Readers need to see the picture and that takes more than using “said” as a dialogue tag. Why do we take away from the English language in the first place? It's so limited in comparison to other languages to begin with.

I see parallels with my Christian walk and my writing ministry. I can say I’m a Christian and quote scripture but at some point there has to be a picture—my life has to show the meaning of the words. I have to live my faith.

So whether it’s in a manuscript or in living, “said” may not always do the job and is definitely not invisible.

Getting Back into the Swing of Things - T. L. Wiens

After a very different summer, I find myself at last wanting to sit down and write. Yesterday, I wrote a song. That’s not quite getting at my novel or taking on my usual two thousand words a day. But it was writing.

My world has been a bit upside-down as of late. I’ve talked to others who have been assaulted and found out most of them took three years to get back into the swing of things. In that case, I am very blessed to be getting back to regular life after several months. Or at least a form of it.

Of course, there is that small complication of our business being vandalized after I pressed charges against my attacker. That has other aspects of my life stalled. Our means of earning a living has been trashed and we have to rebuild before any money will be coming our way. My mind is jumbled by it all.

So it might be another song today. It doesn’t matter—it’s writing. Painful, heart retching writing that has me weeping at my piano. A journey with God that I know will leave me in a better place in the end.

Some might say, “Don’t do it. It’s too painful—why would you want to go there?” Others may question God’s hand in all of this. I’m going to trust God and His word on this one. And who knows, I might even write enough songs for an album.

“But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”

II Timothy 1:10-12

Writer's Block -- T. L. Wiens

I decided to take the Long Ridge Writer's Group's course on novel writing. I had already completed another course they offered and thoroughly enjoyed it. And that was out of my genre. Novel writing should be a breeze.

"Should be" and "are" are two proving to be distant islands without a view of one another. The problem is that my instructor has a very definite idea of what this book should be about and he is refusing to read what I put on the page beyond that context. That's where my writer's block comes into play. I want to pass the course but not at the expense of writing a manuscript that I hate. So I sit frozen in front of the computer clicking to my favorite websites, wasting my writing time.

As I dare to enter this post--this is about the most writing I've done in a month--I realize how similar my writer's block is to times when I've experienced spiritual blocks. I want to be a witness for Christ but somehow I just remain frozen.

What is the cure? I know for my spiritual walk it's Bible study and prayer. Making sure I'm focused on the right things. And maybe that's the cure for writer's block as well. Remembering why I write--to proclaim the Kingdom of God, who  I want to glorify--Jesus Christ and the purpose for writing-- to spread the gospel is the key to making sure I stay on track and the words keep flowing. The grades will have to take a backseat.

My E-book Dilemma - T. L. Wiens

I see the offers everyday--free e-book today only! Do I like free things? Yes, but this bothers me.

When I go shopping for jewelry, art or craft items, I can't remember a time when someone just gave it to me. In fact, most of the time, these things are quite expensive. How many of these items take years to produce?

I realize for some, writing is a ministry but for many others, this is how they pay the bills. I've heard it said many times when people are shopping at craft fairs--the prices are accepted because they appreciate the time it took to produce the final product. We need to stop devaluing our time and sell our books. If not for yourselves, then for your fellow writers who need to have the income.

When Life Throws a Curve -- T. L. Wiens

This last month has gone by in a blur filled with filling out police reports and talking to school officials. I was assaulted in the school by a teacher and everything in my life changed.
Funny how one thing can change so much. I found myself re-evaluating many things including my writing. I remember watching an interview of the author of "The Perfect Storm." He'd gone into a war zone and came back feeling he no longer had the right to write about horror--he didn't feel he had adequate experience. I found myself asking the same question.

How do we know we're capturing truth if we never experience any of the things we write about or at least done a bit of living? And suddenly being assaulted is a gift in a strange way although I wouldn't ever want to experience something like this again.

Not in Vain - T. L. Wiens

Life can teach some hard lessons. This last month has been filled with them. My niece took her own life. Among her last words to her family, was the idea that she would be in a better place after death. Isn't that what she heard at funerals?

I realize well meaning Christians share these sentiments to help in the grieving process. But are we really helping? Or are we being less than honest and in the end hurting people? Proverbs 27:6 says "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Which are we--friend or enemy when we don't clarify that death is a transport to peace only for those who are faithful to Jesus Christ?

As a writer, I try hard to make sure my words reflect my faith. After hearing that words I may have spoken were a factor in my niece's demise, I find myself spurred on to more diligence in this area. Lies don't help anyone even if they give a momentary comfort.

God's Mysterious Ways - T. L. Wiens

I know my brain connects dots in a peculiar way. That was reaffirmed this past Sunday.

Our Easter Sunday message included a reference to the fact that rabbits are not kosher. Later, my mom asked if this was true. I thought it was but told her I'd look into it more closely. That night my husband did a search on the computer. Rabbits are not kosher.

But there was another fact that I had witnessed watching my pet rabbits, Zip and Tink, but never really thought much about before. Rabbits eat their poop. It's their way of getting all the nutrition out of their food and also provides them with help to keep their systems running smooth.

And here's where my unusual thought process comes in. As I thought about this, I realized there are times when I need to return to what I feel is digested and settled in my mind. When I've spent a lot of time studying a particular passage in the Bible, I sometimes don't want to revisit it. But like the rabbit's feces, there's much to be found in the way of "nutrition" in God's word and the more times you recycle these words, the better. The Bible is described as "living and active." Even when you think you've got the message, you never know what those same words will do for you the next time your read them. They are always a source of healing and growing for you soul.

Apology - T. L.Wiens

Sorry Everyone,

I thought today was the thirteenth. I blame it on the store calendar being behind.

Or maybe it's this wonderful weather that has me outside, working in my maternity ward. We aren't suppose to have any calves but we do and our sheep are ready to add a few lambs to the family.

On top of that, I have six months to get my novel to publishing shape as my publisher has released the launch date. Scary!

How many of you out there work to get to the point of publishing and then when it comes, you feel nothing but trepidation?

And now I've lost two days...I will have to put my trust in my Lord Jesus on this one.

True Love - by T. L. Wiens

There are many reality shows these days that try to “help” people find their mate. Amazing destinations with dream dates with many partners and everything sensual in nature is the new way to find love. And how many ride away with their true love?

The church isn’t much different. Seeker friendly music and messages that teach little about truth seem to dominate the North American church scene. Many people bounce from church to church looking for the next big moment in their spiritual journey. And how many find a true relationship with Jesus Christ?

In Matthew 7:2, Jesus says, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” And in John 15:10, Jesus says, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.”

Our “True” love, Jesus Christ, won’t be found in any church. We have to develop that relationship within ourselves to bring it to the church. Then “worship” won’t be about the music we like or the message that makes us feel good but about praising God.

Telling Your Story - T. L. Wiens

I'm part of His Imprint Christian Writer's Group. Every year we host a conference. It's the only Christian writers conference I know of in Saskatchewan. We decided to add a writing contest to coincide with the day. This year, the submissions are essays to theme and our theme is "Telling Your Story."

It's got me thinking about where I began this journey with Jesus Christ. I don't get to share my story often. It's dramatic and for many, unbelievable. But I lived it and I know it happened. The people who knew me before and after know it happened.

It makes me sad that I can't share some of these very special and God glorifying events with fellow believers. It makes me wonder how many others can't tell the world how incredible and amazing God is!

I hope we get a lot of stories--in all different shapes and sizes. I wish we had time to read each one aloud at the conference to share the work God has done in lives. Maybe some of the entrants will allow us to publish their stories in our newsletter. That would be nice but most of all, I hope we will all share the good things God has done and praise Him even when the story might defy our logic.

If you're interested in entering the His Imprint Contest, you can see details at http://hisimprint.wordpress.com/writing-contest/

Christmas Song by T. L. Wiens

Christmas has become a difficult time for many. Even within Christian circles, the debate rages of whether or not we should celebrate.

I know all the reasons against December 25th but I also know the world stops and considers a little baby born in a manger every year on this day. It would be sad for Christians to be the ones to stop that from happening.

Every year, I take this time to reflect in song about what Jesus Christ's birth means to me. I hope you enjoy this years.

A Long Long Road

by

T. L. Wiens

Verse 1

Looking down from the glory of heaven above

He looked at the people with love

Father, I know, I know your will for me

Seeing Mary's innocent face

Knowing her future fate

She would be part of the Father's will for me

And it's a long , long road

Chorus

Coming down from the glory of heaven

Giving of Himself from wisdom to innocence

Trapped in the frailties of human weakness

Knowing the end before the beginning

And it's a long, long road

Verse 2

Joseph will be my father

He'll need strength to stand beside her

Husband of Mary in the Father's will for me

Shepherds will worship and bow

Wise men will come from afar

Declaring to the world the Father's will for me

And it's a long, long road

Chorus

Verse 3

People will yell and say

Crucify Jesus today

Carry my cross in the Father's will for me

I must suffer and die

Bring the new covenant life

Salvation through Christ is the Father's will for me

And it's a long, long road

Chorus

Coming down from the glory of heaven

Giving of Himself from wisdom to innocence

Trapped in the frailties of human weakness

Knowing the end before the beginning

And it's a long, long road

And Jesus walked that road for you and I

Remembrance Day Thoughts - T. L. Wiens

I watched my friend, a WWII vet live on the battlefield years after the war was over. The too real nightmares never left him and his life never got beyond the horrors of the battlefield. He was a mechanic and worked on the tanks. He told me that usually when a problem arose, it was bodies stuck in the tracks jamming things up. He had to pull them out to get the thing working again. This time of the year, we're told to remember those who gave their lives. My friend me aware there are many living dead--men and women that never moved beyond the war and what they experienced.

How sad to have done the job and won the freedom for your country and never truly experience the joy.

Writing Frustrations - T. L. Wiens

I was racing down the highway when I saw the familiar orange signs--construction ahead. Soon I was driving the mandatory 60 km/hr. The truck behind me was ready to swallow my bumper over it, too. I made my way past the highway workers who were working a good distance from the highway but the law is the law. Then I came to that wonderful sign-- end construction. I hit the gas and had just about gotten back to the speed limit when two women waving red signs had me hitting the brakes once again. I tried to determine the reason for these women with their red construction signs to be there. There just didn't seem to be one.

It reminds me of some of the "construction zones" I've hit with my writing. There are those times when you know you have to slow down and re-evaluate your manuscript. It could be a character issue or a plot issue--whatever. I can handle those. It's when I get vague comment that seems to have no purpose or relation to my script. What do I do with those?

I've had this happen a couple of times when I've approached a publisher or editor. Like on the highway, I slow down, try to figure it out and eventually get back to full speed. If anyone else out there can give me a better solution, I'm all ears.

Beyond the Rules - T. L. Wiens

It was our first live classical concert and it didn't disappoint. The musicians played with exceptional ability. The audience cheered at the right moments. But it went beyond that. The orchestra members took the audience outside the notes with their antics and the singers' emotional reactions to words they had sung a hundred times reached into souls

The experience made me think about writing. As a writer, you can follow all the rules of grammar, character development, and setting but it doesn't mean you'll have a best seller. Like the orchestra members, an author must be the master of his/her art. He/she must go to the place where the tears flow, the laughter rolls and even though you've read the same piece a hundred times, still let it move you. (If it doesn't, you may want to do some editing.)

I pray that all those who are attending the conference go there ready to learn the art and return to their writing desks with passion.

Confused — T. L. Wiens

On a recent holiday, my husband picked up Last of the Breed by Louis L'amour. I started reading it and was soon wrapped up in the excitement of Joe Mack's desperate escape from Siberia as Russian officials searched for him.


Something else caught my attention: this book was published in 1986 and is still selling. How can it be? This book bounces point of view more than a tennis ball in a Wimbleton tournament. Every editor I talk to tells me books have to be in one point of view to be coherent to the reader. Publishers will scarcely consider a book written in a multple point of view.

But is this what the audience wants? I've asked myself that question a lot because my audience is saying "No." Even my critque group complained when my last manuscript remained in one POV.

Have the dictates of the publishing world hurt the quality of the books they produce? Could that be part of the problem with books sales? How do I as a writer make sure my audience is getting a read they'll never forgot if the rules stop that story from being published?

Forgotten Treasures by T. L. Wiens

He didn't hide the tears as he pleaded with her. "I love you. Why am I not enough? I'll do anything for you."
Her face remained hard. With her gaze fixed on some far away object, she refused to answer his question.
I watched from a distance wondering what brought these two people to this place. Where would they end up? His pleas seemed wasted.
How many times does Jesus Christ play out the same scenario? The church couldn't ask for a more perfect groom and yet she often rejects her one and only true love. Jesus showed His love to the point of dying to save His bride. The Church continues to seek after other lovers--lovers that will hurt her in the end.
Galatians 5:19-21 tells us, "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." The church has embraced so many of these unacceptable things as normal, absolving their guilt with excuses like every one's doing it, we can't judge or it isn't loving to confront sin.
How long will our groom wait fro His bride to figure out the truth?
The young man carries the girl off. Her attentions are still somewhere else but he's determined to win her back. I hope she realizes this man that is willing to forgive so much and love her is a rare gem.

Writing - T. L. Wiens

Writing

Standing on the precipice

I look down--

The cool water calls but

Rocks sharp enough to fillet jut out to the left

Trees wait to impale on the right

I look up and whisper a prayer

The Lord says, "Jump."

With eyes closed, I leap

The rocks scratch at my belly

Tree branches grasp for hands and feet

The plunge into the water stings

As it soothes the scratches and scrapes

But I survive another critique