Into the Fire

Is there such a thing as the "wrong" inspiration? Can competitive juices compel inspiration? I suppose they can. Think of sports. The thrill and drive of competition makes athletes strive to get better. And sometimes it's the competitive desire inspiring a performance which exceeds expectations of both the athlete and those around him.

Speaking as a writer and from a spiritual standpoint, "wrong" inspiration could be finding a dark place more interesting and stimulating than the possibilities of approaching a story from a lighter point of view. You know by my reading and television preferences, I don't mean the carefully constructed stories which illustrate evil are the basis for "wrong" inspiration. On the contrary, I believe contrasting good and evil is one of the most effective (and age-old) ways to make meaningful stories. In order to accomplish that, dark must be demonstrated. However, dwelling in that dark place can be dangerous in so many ways.  

As an author, it's important not to compare oneself to other writers in the sense of measuring abilities and claiming to be "better" than someone else. An author can easily be discouraged by the success of those he considers "lesser" writers. It's important to recognize readers often don't use the same measuring sticks for fiction that writers do. Writers are trained to notice styles, tendencies, somewhat insignificant things emphasized by some professionals as the impeccable "rules of writing" – things that make most readers' eyes gloss over with the look that says, "What are you talking about?" Comparing oneself, as in the better or worse category, usually leads to disappointment, envy, or resentment.

However, using competition as inspiration doesn't have to be all bad. Deciding to write more effectively, more beautifully, more tension-laced, because of a favorite author's work(s) compelling one to climb to a higher level? Deciding to strive for a more striking way to tell the story nagging at one's heart? Being challenged by another's prose and depth and wanting to achieve that kind of effect? Perhaps a certain kind of competition isn't wrong at all.

Father, we're all desperate for you, whether we know it or not. We need your direction, your encouragement, your support, and your presence always. Help us to discern it all to be the ones you designed us to be. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.