Why (Really) We Write - Learn How To Write A Novel

It’s the last week of September. I admit I did it—I broke out my pumpkin spice candle this morning. My husband said as I lit it, “Getting ready for your sacred rest?”

I had to laugh—he’s getting it! If you don’t know what sacred rest is, (well, we talk about it in our planner classes), it’s a way to refill what the world takes from us. I start every morning with a time of meditation, prayer, planning, worship and sensory rest.

It’s been a hallmark of my life for thirty years, and has grounded me through my years as a missionary, a busy homeschooling mom of four, a remodeler and especially a writer.

Why? Because it’s my time refilling my life, sitting with Jesus, learning, practicing gratefulness and choosing to be happy that reminds me that I am loved. Forgiven. Safe.

And I don’t know about you, but for some reason safety is on my mind these days.

We are surrounded by a world living in fear right now. Fear of soooo many things: Covid, riots, forest fires, economic struggles, the future.

But we don’t have to live in fear. And I’m not going to dive into a sermon (okay, just a little) but in John 16:33, Jesus says, I have told you these things so that in me you will have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

(Bubby gets it!)

I’m reminded of the disciples after Jesus left and the fear they had as they wondered what life would be like without him. They didn’t have to wonder long—God sent the Holy Spirit and they weren’t alone.

Acts 1:8 says, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

Power. Witnesses.

And what does this have to do with writing? I’m sure you already see it.

Being with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, fueled their power, their courage to do what? Witness.

What is a witness? A person who gives a testimony of their experiences.

And guess what a story is? A testimony!

Sure, it’s fiction, but let’s be honest—who out there hasn’t been inspired by a character in a novel? A novel is simply a “made up” testimony.

But how “made up” is it if it is drawn from the experiences of the author?

Your story matters because you use it in your story to give testimony. To arm your characters to show the power of God to redeem, change and bring joy. To bear witness…to the ends of the earth.

In other words, brilliant writer, your writing is a sacred task.

So go light yourself a pumpkin spice candle.

You have work to do.

Your story matters! Go! Write Something Brilliant