Writer, Don’t Stifle Your Creativity

 

By Andrea Merrell


I have been part of several discussions lately about finding your writing niche and staying in your lane. In other words, decide what kind of writer you are, and don’t deviate. If you’re a poet, novelist, devotional or children’s writer … that’s probably where you should stay. Don’t color outside the lines.

But what about creativity? When God—the Master Creator of all things—gives us gifts, does He limit us to only one expression of them?

Creativity, like anything else, begins with an idea. Sometimes a small one but when put to use, can multiply and flourish. Maya Angelou once said:

You can't use up creativity. the more you use, the more you have. Sadly, too often creativity is smothered rather than nurtured. there has to be a climate in which new ways of thinking, perceiving, and questioning are encouraged.

Another writer tells us that "God is the giver of great concepts, truth, and ideas. So when He gives you one, don't let anybody talk you out of it."**

Here's what the Bible says:

  • He has filled them with skill to do all manner of work. (Exodus 35:35 NKJV)
  • Every desirable and beneficial gift comes out of heaven. The gifts are rivers of light cascading down from the Father of Light. (James 1:17 MSG)
  • I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions. (Proverbs 8:12 KJV)
  •  I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] (Philippians 4:13 AMP)

The Message translation of Exodus 35:35 says, “He’s gifted them with the know-how needed.” Needed for what? To do whatever He called them to do.

When I first started writing, I knew little about the craft or the publishing industry. I only knew what was in my heart and that God wanted me to pen those words. My first attempt was a series of funny devotions/articles about getting older. Then He started giving me poems—something I am not even slightly passionate about. I believe He was showing me I could write whatever He wanted me to write.

Convinced I was called to be a nonfiction writer, I never considered fiction—until the day my head was filled with fictional characters begging me to tell their story. Rather than say, “No, Lord, I’m sorry. That’s not what I write,” I continued to pen all the words He gave me. Now, some twenty-odd years later, I can say I’ve written—and published—hundreds of devotions and blog posts, numerous articles, and three nonfiction books. I’ve contributed to over a dozen anthologies and am currently working on three novels.

All that to say, if someone told me I couldn’t be a diverse writer and insisted I had to choose one genre and stay in my lane, it would be very uncomfortable and virtually impossible. I think my insides would implode. 

When the light bulb comes on and inspiration hits, that's the time to act.

The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “Whatever you do, do well” (9:10 TLB). I say, whatever God gives you, write. Write what’s in your heart. Write what you’re passionate about. Never limit yourself or stifle your creativity. You never know how, when, or where the words you write will touch someone’s heart and point them to the Lord.

What about you? Have you been told that writers should stay in their lane? We would love to hear your thoughts.


**Taken from The Word for You Today.

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Photo by Ameen Fahmy on Unsplash


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