by Allen Arnold
What Does God Think of Your
Writing?
As
writers, we often take our questions to industry experts, reviewers and readers.
We want to know how they like our story, ways we can improve our manuscript,
and how best to promote our novel.
After
all, who better than the Creator of heaven and earth, sunshine and beaches,
elephants and golden retrievers to bring the deepest questions about your
creativity and calling?
I invite
you to spend some time with God on the following questions.
1) God, what do you
think of my writing?
2) You’ve given me the desire to write – so why does it often
feel like this dream will never become a reality?
3) If I’m primarily writing for you God, would I be okay if
you were the only one who ever read my novel? If not, why not?
4) God, do I mostly write alone – relying on my own skill and
imagination – or with you? How can I more actively invite you into the process
so we can create together?
5) What areas of my writing do I still approach as a “spiritual
orphan” – like it is 100% up to me to make happen? How can I move from
independence in my writing to full dependence on you?
6) Does my validation really come from you God – or from how
others respond to my writing?
7) What is your definition
of success for this calling you’ve given me?
Don’t
rush through these questions. And remember – even though you are creative, the
goal isn’t for you to create your own answers. It is just the opposite. Only write
what God stirs in your soul. His answer may be a word, a sentence, or pages of
insight. It may be playful or poetic or serious. Don’t try to filter or
re-write his words.
Whatever he says – capture it in a journal even if it
doesn’t make immediate sense. A friend recently asked God to reveal what the
next step in his writing career was and he heard the word “canoe”. He thought
he was losing his mind. Later that day, God revealed exactly what the word
meant. It brought tears of joy to his eyes. God may want to reveal more layers
at a later time...through you asking him more questions, through a situation
yet to happen, or from the help of others. Be expectant...and patient.

The
primary reason God gave you the gift of creativity was so the two of you can
create together. Because as you create together, you grow in awareness, love, trust
and awe of your Creator. And when you create from that place, you will give
birth to the kind of stories that have only been imagined in heaven.
Asking
the right people the right questions is wise. But no one’s answer will ever
come close to what God wants to share with you. Follow his words no matter what
industry trends or experts tell you.
God
welcomes our raw, emotive, burning questions because they lead to conversation,
wrestling, revelation, and intimacy. Read through the Psalms again if you have
any doubt.
So what
does God think of your writing? Great question. Go ask him.
Allen Arnold loves the epic adventure
God has set before him. From the mountains of Colorado, he leads Content &
Resources for Ransomed Heart Ministries (led by John Eldredge). Before that, he
spent 20 years in Christian Publishing - overseeing the development of
more than 500 novels as founder and Publisher of Thomas Nelson Fiction. He was
awarded the ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. But that doesn't really
describe the man. Allen savors time with his family, craves the beach, drinks
salsa by the glass, is hooked on the TV series "Once Upon a Time" and
is passionate about helping storytellers tell better stories from an awakened
heart.
Thank you for this invitation to examine our hearts with Him. Such good questions, such good reminders of the God who has purpose in each moment.
ReplyDeleteThis was an on time post for me and I'm sure others. I really got the simplistic yet profoundly eye opening point. I thank God The Father for this gentle reminder through His obedient servant Allen Arnold. Know also that Novel Rocket is a very helpful venue for me.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts to ponder. Thanks, Allen!
ReplyDeleteAmanda, Marlene and Megan - I really appreciate your comments. May you experience a renewed sense of purpose in your calling and delight in his presence as you create stories, worlds, and words with God.
ReplyDeleteI'm still floating after God answered some questions for me at Mt. Hermon--thanks to your class. There are more great questions here to ponder. If only I could take another walk in the redwood forest to ask him. I guess my neighborhood will have to do. Thanks for this great post.
ReplyDeleteHey Robin - I know what you mean, it's hard to beat the redwoods at Mount Hermon. But what was even better than the magnificent trees were the "thin places" (as C.S. Lewis calls it) that so many experienced at Mount Hermon. Those places where it feels like the gap between heaven and earth is extremely thin and God's voice is easer to hear. The good news is you don't need the redwoods for that. You can experience those "thin places" in your neighborhood or the local coffee shop or anywhere you enter into Creative Fellowship with God. I can't wait to hear where the writing adventure you're on with God takes you in the coming year!
ReplyDeleteAllen,
ReplyDeleteYou've spoken to the heart of something that's been heavily on my own heart of late. Thank you for putting it into words, and for the encouragement.
As coordinator for ACFW Novel Track Writing Loop - I put out a Monday Morning Meditation each week. I chose a verse today - "The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl." Proverbs 25:11
I asked the Trackers if they pray before putting words to a doc file, asking God to give them what HE wants them to write - and I suggested they read that verse, inserting the word WRITE in place of SPOKEN.
One of the NTW members posted the link to this posting.
Thank you so much! I LOVE God's timing and affirmation.
Blessings,
Joy - what a great real-life example of how to approach the art of writing with God. Thanks for sharing this. And thanks for all you do to help Christian writers grow in their craft and in their dependance on God as they pursue the art of story.
ReplyDelete