The Writing Life
But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. — James 3:8 (NASB)
As a writer, I make my living with words. I know how they can be used. They can comfort and uplift. They can praise and glorify God. They also can be knives against a whetstone.
While I believe in protecting one’s ideal writing and creative time, I’m an equally strong proponent of working outside those times. Challenging oneself is necessary. It teaches a person to work regardless of the external situation.
“A writer should seriously consider the use of drawings, maps, and other nonword ways to make a point. Sometimes, no mot is juste.” – Francis Flaherty, The Elements of Story
You have turned for me my mourning into dancing…
That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent.
Psalm 30:11-2 (NASB)
Writing for a client is like going to the optometrist. I turn in a draft. They send it back with requested revisions and edits. I revise the copy, return it, and ask, “Better or worse?”
“…if writing is about anything, it’s about seeing things fresh.” – Francis Flaherty, The Elements of Story