Into the Fire

Writers face some hard choices. Sometimes the story they desire to tell falls short of publishing expectations. “Not right for us.” “Not what we need right now.” “Not interested.” Advice for writers comes in many forms and ranges from salty sarcasm to passionate pleas.

The writer must face rejection from professionals and once published must again face possible rejection from readers. One thing is for sure: one writer will not satisfy everyone. Some people are tough to please and some people like just about everything.

Writers are warned about posting on the worldwide web. Once it’s out there and someone reads it, there can be fireworks, disappointments, challenges, regrets, or there can be empathy, laughter, tears, or praise. We are told that professionals scan blogs of prospective clients, hoping not to discover something that will shoot down a potential contract.

Controversy often stirs up bloggers and elicits all kinds of commentary. Snarky rants are usually tolerated if they contain sufficient humor. Whining rarely wins much positive attention. But neither does a non-stop bubbly perfection.

Truthfulness is deemed to be essential, but yet writers are told some things are better left unsaid. And some things are. Determining what those “things” might be can be confusing.

A writer is faced with multiple choices every time he/she sits at the keyboard or picks up the pen. Who is my number one audience? Who must I ultimately please? Can I disagree with “the norm”, whatever it is, and do it respectfully? Do I dare?

Just thinkin’ . . .

Father, it’s not supposed to be about us. It’s really all about you. Help us to keep that straight and up front above all other things. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.