There is not much hidden about my agenda when I write. I have openly said many times that I want to write things that are redemptive, in the religious sense. I want people to find a nugget of hope in my writing. I write what I believe, and I believe in the hope, love, and freedom in Jesus Christ. It is very hard for me to stay away from my belief as a writer, because I feel there is no point in writing if I can't offer what, I think, the world needs to hear.
Most of the time, I try to be subtle with interjecting faith principles into my writing. I do not want to be overbearing and hit people over the head with it. I like to interject my faith with writing the truth. I understand that there are things that people have gone through, or things that people have done that are hard to deal with and hard to write. As a writer, I feel I need to write about these topics in a way that deals with them on an emotional and spiritual level. I want to show people the truth of life and that even though things may feel hopeless there is always hope. "Hopefully," I can write about this hope in a way that is compelling and not pushy. For me writing is about telling the truth, even in fiction. I believe that everyone needs the "Truth" in their lives.
Brittany -
ReplyDeleteI so deeply connected with your blog post this week. The most amazing example of this type of writing that I've come across is with the author Karen Kingsbury. There have been times in my life when I was reading her novels as an escape, only to be encouraged, or convicted even, by something happening in the lives of her characters. I didn't pick up the book to read it to be moved or have a life-changing ah-ha moment, but that is what occurred. For me, those are the best kind of reactions. I only long for that from my readers someday, if ever, to have even a fraction of the impact she has had on countless lives. I could go on and on with examples, but if you want to see her impact, check out www.karenkingsbury.com or her facebook page. She calls her fans "reader friends" because she is constantly motivated by their life-changing responses that it gives her purpose and she connects with them constantly and intimately as often as she can. It is a remarkable author/reader relationship. Truly unique and I hope that there can be many more like her. I wish you great success as you write the truth and get that passionate message to the masses.
Sincere and honest writing is the best writing there is. Keep up the good work Brittany.
ReplyDeleteAmen, sister! Let us be true to ourselves and to God, and spread hope and redemption!
ReplyDeleteAnd I believe you will do it, Brittany!
ReplyDeletebecause I feel there is no point in writing if I can't offer what, I think, the world needs to hear.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting comment. As a writer, you need to think deeply about the "the world" --- it's a big place and includes all kinds of people, from all kinds of backgrounds and all kinds of religious and spiritual experiences. Avoid the arrogance of thinking you understand the needs of such a complex audience. As a writer, you might ask yourself, instead, what the woman across the street from you needs on Thursday.