Into the Fire

Once I read most—or some—or the majority—of current writing “rules” it was difficult to read novels for awhile. For several reasons. First off, there are the glaring exceptions to each one of those rules in black type on the printed pages in front of me. Secondly, there are those novels which have seemingly been written according to every rigid rule penned in the generally recommended/flaunted writing “manuals”, and these novels somehow display an indefinable sameness which I construed as “formulaic” because they all “felt” similar in spite of being about different things. I blogged about this in the past(http://hopeofglory.typepad.com/into_the_fire/2007/09/the-problem-wit.html).

I tended to read what I had previously read to enjoy and experience with a new critical eye. To what end? To prove to myself that I had learned the rules? To prove to anyone who would listen that the rules were being bent by the professionals who purported to adhere to them? To accuse the publishing crowd of a double standard?

And then one day, it was over. I think it disappeared about the time I realized I wrote “sagas”. With that epiphany I gained the insight as to who I was as a writer and along with that came the revelation that I no longer cared about the rules or the trends or the claims of the professionals. Not because what they have to say or teach or offer is invalid. No, not for that reason at all because it’s all valid in its rightful place. It was more a matter of being categorically unable to abide by the subjective opinions of what is right writing and what is wrong writing.

I still recognize the rules in action—especially when they appear strained and unnatural, forced upon the page to indicate the author knows how he’s supposed to write.

I’m not uneducated, and grammar has always been important to me. English and literature were where I focused my attention in my schooling years. I’ve been a reader and a “writer” all of my life. So I have learned the general rules of the trade. The more one reads, the more one absorbs, identifies, and separates his writing from another’s. It’s really not that complicated.

There are so many ways to write, so many styles and types of stories, a plethora of subjects and now the number of genres has multiplied to genres within genres within genres. There are query, synopsis, and proposal instructions on various agents’, editors’, and authors’ sites. Never mind that they’re probably each somewhat different.

As a writer of novels, one realizes the intense competition for publication. Some writers excel for that very reason. Competition inspires them, and they ready themselves to get down and dirty or up and coming or set to go . . . whatever it takes, they’re in the race! Years ago my passion would’ve driven me that way, I think. Now my passion is driven to produce what God has for me to do. We all know how sometimes that journey can be difficult to determine as far as specifics go and sometimes disconcerting as we bump our noses on the closed doors we could’ve sworn were open. However, what truly matters in this life—whether it be in seeking publication or going to war—we must know we are where God wants us. Only then can we achieve the desire of His heart which by now should have become our own.

The bottom line is we all have our favorites—books, authors, styles. Mine might or might not be the same as yours. And for that very reason how can anyone lay down invincible absolutes for rules in writing? While necessary and useful for the beginner and for the individual who seeks to learn the basics of creating a story, there are so many exceptions that those who are really called by the Lord to write will eventually spot them and question the “absolutes”. Yes, there are parameters, literary IDs, patterns, trends in style and form, but always there are exceptions and thank God for that. His creativity is endless and boundary-less. Why should we demand that all writers contour to some stiff box-like form which cannot contain them?

It’s not really that complicated, is it? It’s just a matter of opinion based on one’s own interpretation of “the rules”.

These thoughts and observations are not the voice of prideful defiance to the publishing masters. I hope instead you see them as common sense notations or even as encouragement if you tend to write in another mode which can’t be crammed into the allotted instructions for getting published. Even still, it is a decision for everyone who taps at the keys or writes with the pen in the office of creative writer to arrive at a solid-as-concrete precipice willing to jump with abandon into their commitment to either please God or to please a publisher if such a separation must be made. If God decides no such differentiation is required, go for it, hard and strong.

Father, let us see your leading as individuals, knowing you custom make our paths to mesh into yours if we are willing to follow you. Thank you for the patience you show us, for your gentle but firm guidance. Thank you for all that you are, and may I serve you always. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

*Please pray for Kristy Dykes.*