Into the Fire

My goodness. Writers and wannabes can certainly get uptight about things, you know? Just yesterday the comments about “dialogue tags” were thrown about like dueling daggers. Common sense seems to fly out the window when addressing those pesky rules, I must say.

Just like with the subject of italics a few months ago, the continuous attack on the use of adverbs and passive verbs, as if a story could be written without them, the rants of those who criticize their use rises to a fever pitch and the self-righteous claims of nevah, evah usin’ those disgusting elements of writing shout right off the screen.

I wonder if it occurs to them that multitudes of words and styles tell stories. And stories are what it’s mostly all about. Poorly written dynamite stories sell way more books than exquisitely written dull and boring tomes. So if it’s publication that’s got your focus, find a happy medium and take it easy on the dogmatic proclamations about what to do and what not to do.

Writers can take on this holier-than-thou attitude with the rules of writing, and it sounds like a whole bunch of prideful preachers banging their pens on writing pulpits criticizing those who might like something different than themselves and aren’t locked into the formulaic writing patterns of strict adherence to the rules. Take it easy and get over it. There will always be those who write differently and ignore the rules and gain publication.

For us who are Christian writers, it’s a God thing. He’s in charge. We offer it all up to Him—the inspiration, the writing, the rest of it, all of it. It’s His. He chooses. He opens and closes opportunities. It’s about what He wants. At least it should be.

Father, I rest in you. I have no other place to find that rest. You allow me to write, you give me the impetus to create stories. I write the best I can for you. Help me to continue to do it as a blessing or an offering for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

*Please remember to pray for Kristy Dykes and her family.*