Knocking out a story …
A little girl was diligently pounding away on her grandfather’s word processor. She told him she was writing a story.
“What’s it about?” he asked.
“I don’t know,” she replied, “I can’t read.”
Many of us can relate to that story. We’re busy pounding away, writing the story of our lives. But sometimes we’re so busy with the activity of it we don’t have any idea what we’re writing. Some of us can’t even read.
What is the story of your life about? Do you have it clearly pictured in your mind? Are you focused on developing the character, carefully laying in the details, and taking the plot to a specific end? Are you writing an adventure, a thriller, a comedy, a romance, or a horror story? Are you compiling a story of fiction, or lining out a compelling non-fiction?
Or are you just pounding away?
Scotty
January 8, 2010 at 12:47 am
Scotty ~
I have completed my memoirs, if you will. My story beginning from the age of seven. It has been quite cathartic and along with it brought much growth to the Author.
That being said, I agree with you completely that it is quite easy to get bogged down in the activity of the writing itself.
As I prepare my edits and to give my testimony of over 40 years, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed about how much I have to impart.
My journey to date is certainly filled with much to share. As I edit/re-write my main objective is to share…
I have washed my face and put on new clothing..new wine skins..I want to talk about the goodness and faithfulness of God.
To His Glory!
Blessings,
~ Nancy
January 8, 2010 at 1:49 am
The story is never quite finished until we are! 🙂
January 8, 2010 at 4:45 am
Guess I will have to do a 4th book then. Always on the Potters Wheel! 🙂
January 8, 2010 at 3:59 pm
If I'm honest, I've done far more banging out than deliberate writing. I'm doing my best right now to start a new book. One that has a deliberate plot and not a haphazard travel log. Writing is hard work. Figuratively as well as literally. But at least now I am convicted that there is much more to be written,
Thanks for this thought provoking post.
January 8, 2010 at 7:06 pm
I'm excited about your newly felt conviction, and your efforts at "writing," I'm sure it will be a great read!
February 25, 2010 at 12:40 am
Just to touch base on this post. I think of this post often. I think this metaphor really works for me. Perhaps even worthy of a larger work.
In part because of the reflection this post caused, I've made a number of changes and I'm actively praying about the necessity for more change. This process was already under way in my life, but I appreciate the focus this metaphor has given me. I have lost a substantial amount of weight and am on a better path in many ways. Thanks for your God given gift of calling out the need for change.
February 25, 2010 at 3:24 am
Tony, I'm pleased the content of this has resonated with you and has integrated with what God is accomplishing in, with, and through you. Keep the momentum rolling!