The Blessings of Being a Writer
By Henry McLaughlin
Yes, Virginia, there are blessings to being a writer. And it
goes beyond multi-book deals, beyond making the bestseller list, beyond movie
deals. Few writers attain these lofty heights.
But all writers can experience the blessings of being a
writer:
Learning
And not just learning a new skill such as the craft of
writing. Though this is crucial. It’s also learning about who we are as
individuals. It’s learning patience and determination and perseverance. It’s
learning to constructively receive feedback, especially when it’s not what we
want to hear. Writing has revealed parts of me I hadn’t seen before. Some of
them make me feel pretty good about myself. Others not so much. But
incorporating these lessons has made me not only a better writer, but also a
better person.
Community
The act of writing is usually done alone, but it does not
occur in a vacuum. As we strive and struggle in the craft, we meet and form
relationships with a myriad of people who share this journey with us.
Non-writers can’t relate to this as well as writers can. It’s like we have a
non-verbal language for communicating with each other. These relationships can
become deep and meaningful friendships with people who “get us.” People who share
our frustrations, our rejections, and our successes. I value my close writer
friends who refuse to let me wallow in my self-pity at my self-perceived lack
of success. They pray with me, challenge me, and won’t let me quit.
Readers
Whether we write fiction or nonfiction, blogs, articles, or newsletters,
we touch readers. And we may never know who we touch or in what way. Some
readers have thanked me because my novels brought them closer to God. Others
thank me for creating characters who give them hope that they too can change
their circumstances.
The call
Many writers will say they are called to write. And not just
writers in the Christian market. Writing fulfills a deep purpose in our lives,
deeper than just working to put food on the table. For many, writing is more
than a job. I know God has called me to write for this season of my life. So I
write. I pray over ideas and manuscripts. I pray over characters and plots. I
get to paint pictures with words, not a brush. I get to use words to reveal
Jesus to my readers through the characters who tell my stories. I need to
respect his calling and honor it through what I write and how I write it.
What blessings has being a writer brought you?
(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)
TWEETABLE
Tagged
as “one to watch” by Publishers Weekly,
award-winning author Henry McLaughlin takes his readers on adventures into the
hearts and souls of his characters as they battle inner conflicts while seeking
to bring restoration and justice in a dark world. His writing explores these
themes of restoration, reconciliation and redemption.
Besides
his writing, Henry treasures working with other writers and helping them on
their own writing journeys. He is a member of American Christian Fiction
Writers. He regularly teaches at conferences and workshops, leads writing
groups, edits, and mentors and coaches.
Visit
him at http://www.henrymclaughlin.org.
Follow
him on Facebook.
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