No Tale Is Too Great

Recently, I was asked by a fellow chaplain’s wife to answer a couple of questions about being an author for her daughter’s school project. When I heard what she wanted to know, I was thrilled that she chose to ask me. Though writing is fun and exciting, it requires both more and less than the average person realizes.

One of the most exciting facts about being a writer is that there is no official education or experience required except for a willing, ready and open heart.

I responded to her request with the fact that professional writing is a discipline and that transparency goes along way with people. But more importantly, I recommended defining true success. The most discouraging moments as a writer come from when we unfairly compare ourselves to others.

Ultimately, success in this field depends on who you ask. Personally, I see success in writing as touching the spiritual depths of a soul. No matter the subject, a writer must be able to connect with his or her audience in a real and lasting way. Impressions will either help or hinder your chance to influence others in the future. A writers’ insensitivity to details is little compared to ruining their opportunity. Nothing starts without a chance and nothing wields without hope.   

Though all writing begins with picking up a pen and putting thoughts onto paper, or in this day a laptop or computer, understanding others and committing to your definition will ensure your integrity remains throughout your project. More over being a master wordsmith or creative genius is the fact that at its very core, writing must come from your heart. If you aren't intentional about your goals, majority of the time, your story won’t find a climax; much less, a meaningful ending.

The idea for my first novel came from a dream and it remained just that, a vision, for many years. It wasn't until I gained a proper and healthy perspective on success that any of my thoughts resulted in powerful conclusions. Once I grasped the concept of what it truly meant to be effective, my writing ventures took on new meaning and not only that, they took far less time to complete. 

Writing is job that requires personal sacrifice and hard work. It takes time to develop ideas and research for accuracy. Though many of these things can be done all on your own, I would not be where I am without divine help from my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him, I have no measure, reason, balance, stability, or point. With Him, no tale is too great to pen.

Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established. ~ Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)

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