I love to write. Well . . . I enjoy thinking about what I want to write, and I love to finish a writing project, but the actual writing process can be a bit . . . well . . . challenging . . . overwhelming . . . tiring . . . frustrating . . . therapeutic . . . energizing . . . surprising . . .
Anyway, I digress.
Because I like to write, I love to read about how to write. I have many books by writers and publishers that provide nuggets of insight, words of encouragement, tricks of the trade, and pitfalls to avoid.
For instance, if a writer decides to take on a historical novel, she needs to be sure her facts are correct. Nothing can destroy a reputation or a good read faster than shoddy research. People who love and know history and read historical novels will pick it apart.
One of the more fascinating books I have read was How to Write a @#*% Good Mystery, by James N. Frey. (character substitution by me) All of it was fascinating, but the most intriguing chapter was Chapter 3: “The Plot Behind the Plot.” Basically, what is the motivation behind the potential murder and what has happened previously to make murder the answer.
Then, as you set up your story, you little by little, layer by layer, begin revealing this information. This approach is why mysteries are so captivating. We don’t know everything, and we are biting at the bit to learn more.
Backtrack to a Sunday a few weeks ago. One of the songs we were singing was Waymaker by Sinach, a Nigerian gospel singer. The version we were singing was an adaptation by Michael W. Smith, who inserts the following lines:
Even when I can’t see it, you’re working.
Even when I don’t feel it, you’re working.
You never stop.
You never stop working.
And, oddly, those words took me back to the “plot behind the plot” chapter. We don’t see our story all at one time. But God does. He has written a wonderful story for each of us. This is not to be confused with an easy story. One without troubles or difficulties or tension. But one that if we stay focused on Him, will be revealed little by little, layer by layer. And even in times of uncertainty when we don’t know what the future holds, we can have that same excited expectation of learning what the Master Writer has written just for us.
I have provided Michael W. Smith’s video for your enjoyment, but Sinach’s Youtube versions are marked private so cannot be attached, but I would encourage you to go to Youtube and enjoy them.
(According to Sinach’s website, Waymaker has been translated into over 50 languages and covered by many artists all around the world. It is also the theme song sung in many languages to bring hope and faith to those in distress.)
Anyway, I digress.
Because I like to write, I love to read about how to write. I have many books by writers and publishers that provide nuggets of insight, words of encouragement, tricks of the trade, and pitfalls to avoid.
For instance, if a writer decides to take on a historical novel, she needs to be sure her facts are correct. Nothing can destroy a reputation or a good read faster than shoddy research. People who love and know history and read historical novels will pick it apart.
One of the more fascinating books I have read was How to Write a @#*% Good Mystery, by James N. Frey. (character substitution by me) All of it was fascinating, but the most intriguing chapter was Chapter 3: “The Plot Behind the Plot.” Basically, what is the motivation behind the potential murder and what has happened previously to make murder the answer.
Then, as you set up your story, you little by little, layer by layer, begin revealing this information. This approach is why mysteries are so captivating. We don’t know everything, and we are biting at the bit to learn more.
Backtrack to a Sunday a few weeks ago. One of the songs we were singing was Waymaker by Sinach, a Nigerian gospel singer. The version we were singing was an adaptation by Michael W. Smith, who inserts the following lines:
Even when I can’t see it, you’re working.
Even when I don’t feel it, you’re working.
You never stop.
You never stop working.
And, oddly, those words took me back to the “plot behind the plot” chapter. We don’t see our story all at one time. But God does. He has written a wonderful story for each of us. This is not to be confused with an easy story. One without troubles or difficulties or tension. But one that if we stay focused on Him, will be revealed little by little, layer by layer. And even in times of uncertainty when we don’t know what the future holds, we can have that same excited expectation of learning what the Master Writer has written just for us.
I have provided Michael W. Smith’s video for your enjoyment, but Sinach’s Youtube versions are marked private so cannot be attached, but I would encourage you to go to Youtube and enjoy them.
(According to Sinach’s website, Waymaker has been translated into over 50 languages and covered by many artists all around the world. It is also the theme song sung in many languages to bring hope and faith to those in distress.)
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