“I’ve a shelf at home devoted to books about writing. I’d say I might even have two shelves devoted to those books now. I’ve read most of them and some are better than others. But the best writing advice I’ve ever received didn’t come from a book. It actually occurred to me one morning when I was lying in bed, not wanting to get up and do my job. Maybe it came from heaven, I don’t know. But the advice was this: Love your reader.
It sounds simple, but it isn’t so easy, actually.” Read the rest of Don’s short post…
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I love this. The Christian Doctrine of Vocation (vocation = calling) is the answer to so many questions. As Bob Dylan sang, “You gotta serve somebody.” Your calling, if you are a child of God, is tied up in serving the world (perhaps especially other Christians). I wrote a little about this here, and it has been on my heart for a while. It’s tied to the decisions I’m making and the disciplines I’m trying to achieve in my life right now. Especially creatively.
I wonder if this idea informs why so many great children’s novels have originated with a person telling stories to delight their kids? (I hope so.)
Who do ya’ love? Who do you want to serve?
I’m not exactly a mystic, but if you feel a strong desire to serve people who need to be loved the way you feel called to serve, then that might be an indication of the calling of God on your life. And ask wise people around you, especially people like a spouse, parents, pastors, and trustworthy friends. They’ll probably be saying the same thing.
I just listened to someone talk about the purity of hymns written without the hope of making money – for love’s sake or for other’s sake.
Such a beautiful thing to do what we’re called to do.
Thanks, Amanda.
As one who just started trying to write again, those are helpful words. Thanks Sam.
I’m glad, bro. Best to you.