Into the Fire

Go to any readers’ or writers’ forums where opinions are voiced and tallied. Both readers and writers will have an objective to be accomplished, either by their reading or by their writing. This is known as “the desired effect”. That’s not to say it won’t or can’t vary by book or article or e-comment.

Objectives. We all have them. We all use different methods to achieve them. What is your primary “weapon” to get the desired effect? Humor? Drama? Sarcasm? Self-deprecation? Whimsy? Emotion? Rage? Passion? Insistence? Parody? Any and/or all? There are so many means to get to the goal.

The desired effect of readers (of fiction here) ranges from being purely entertained to being severely challenged either morally, spiritually, or emotionally. And there are just as many writers who wish to arrive at precisely those objectives for their readers.

So, when it comes right down to it, the nitty gritty of either reading or writing, what is “the desired effect” you want the most?

Lord, so many intentions . . . help us to achieve your most desired effect in our writing. Help us to hear your voice, Holy Spirit. To obey your leading, Jesus. To absolutely follow you, God. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.