I was up in Grand Marais this weekend, at the writing cabin, hanging out with some girlfriends from church. No writing, just great fellowship. And quite a few HOT SEATs.

What?

You know how, when you get together with a group of friends, and you share your challenges, those friends show up with ideas and help?

That’s you, in the Hot Seat.That’s your friends, putting out your fires.

It was interesting to me, however, that every piece of advice came with a story about how God had first intervened in their own lives, taught them the lesson that they then passed on. Oh, you need wedding help? This is what happened to me—try this.Oh, you’re trying to give up sugar?This is what happened to me—try this.Oh, your child is turning into a man, and you don’t know how to talk to him?This is what happened to me—try this.

It’s called a testimony.

In fiction, we call it a character journey. And when your character goes on their journey, it should inspire our readers (“try this!”) with truth and hope.

But in order for your character (fictional) to go on their journey of truth…the author must do it first.

Two weeks ago I attended the Northwestern Christian Writer’s Conference. Our keynote speaker was Sheila Walsh. Brilliant speaker. Because she spoke from her own brokenness…her own “this is what happened to me…try this.”

Some of the nuggets reached in and touched my soul.

• When you come into the light, with nothing, and you discover how much you’re loved, it is overwhelming. It changes everything.
• Jesus is here…you just need tocall his name and he will reach in and pull you free.
• You’re not the good news…Jesus is!
• Don’t be ashamed of your scars…they are tattoos of triumph.
• Where your scars are, there is your authority.

But the one that dug deep was… “Your brokenness is a bridge to others.”

Huh?

But, yes. We connect in our brokenness…and give a bridge to hope. To triumph. And most importantly, what will God do with a broken life, when we give him all the pieces? What will God do with your story, when you give him all the pieces?

I’m not sure where you are today, but be encouraged that you were not broken needlessly.

Sheila: Christ rose from the dead with his scars. They were visible. Let me say it again: Jesus was made whole and alive, with the scars.

Susie: When you write with your scars and with triumph, your stories will not only ring with authenticity, but dig into the hearts of those still on the journey.

Give your character scars. Let him experience triumph. Be authentic. Tell the story.

Give God all the pieces and see what he will do.

Your story matters. Go, write something brilliant!

Susie May

P.S. We JUST opened our very last Deep Thinker’s retreat for February 2019. There is a payment plan. And it’s going to be amazing—so much awesomeness planned for the finale! If you ever wanted to attend a Deep Thinker’s Retreat…this is it. Check it out here: http://learnhowtowriteanovel.com/product/deep-thin…