"If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?"

In honor of Holy Week, picture of Via Dolorosa.

These past few months I have been teaching a Creative Writing course to a small group of nine and ten year olds. 

I spent hours grading the students' portfolios and I felt the Lord leading me to write a note to each student upon the conclusion of the class, sharing their strengths.

I don't think I will approach my writing life in the same way after working with a group of preteens.



What can we learn about writing from critiquing (or in this case correcting) other's work? 



Persistence.  One ten-year-old girl wrote three versions of her fairy tale.  She was encouraged when I shared that award-winning writer Hannah Tinti wrote 15 drafts of her story.  She wasn't pleased with her results, so she started from the top to change the story around.  Then she decided to try writing the story from the antagonist's perspective. I was surprised by her efforts since the students only had to hand in a rough draft and final copy.

Can you look at your story from a different perspective?  Would it benefit you to literally write a scene in first person or from a different character's perspective? Is there something you sense you need to change in your draft to improve?

Galatians 6:9 Let us not grow weary of well doing for in due season, we shall reap if we faint not.



Hard work often takes us much further than talent.  I was surprised to see which student had turned out the most outstanding project.  At the beginning of the class, I was given a heads-up that he might struggle because he has a learning disability.  I had a great big grin on my face when I completed his paper. He had consistently worked hard all semester and it paid off for him.

How often have we heard the story about an author who was persistent through many rejections? If God is taking us on the scenic route to publication (or maybe not that route at all)...let's remember He can use our writing for His glory in whatever way He chooses.  Are we so focused on wanting to be published that we may be ignoring the word of correction he may be giving us along the way to teach us about walking closer with Him?

Proverbs 12:24 He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.



Ask questions to help others with their writing (and to help yourself).  The girl who wrote several drafts was spurred on by circle time where we asked "what if" questions to help her find a new vision for her story.

Likewise, the best critiques I have received ask questions in order to show me areas I can improve. Do we take the time to help others by asking the key questions about their work? When I ask questions about my own work, I have seen the quality of my work improve.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourself.



"If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?" As one student proclaimed with a proud grin as I handed the papers back, do we need the reminder?

We need to build humility, but we can still praise God for our victories and save up those great comments for the days when we have the writing blues.

Job 1:21 And he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there.  The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.


What have you learned from critiquing others' work? Or what have you learned about craft from reading other writers?

My Characters, My Teachers

What do your characters have to teach you about yourself?  About God?  About life?

I've spent a lot of time lately creating lesson plans for a Creative Writing class I'll be teaching for preteen homeschoolers this spring.  

As a homeschooler, it comes naturally for me to see events, people in my life, books, and even my own stories as my teachers.  

So when I reflected on a recent question Casey asked about our motivations for writing, learning is what primarily came to mind.

What have I learned from my main character?

I'm a people pleaser.  Although I already realized my sinful tendency to place other's opinions too highly, watching my character Rachel only reinforces this conviction in my heart.  As my main character makes the choice to enter into an ill-advised relationship I realize the times in my life I have faced the temptation to place man's opinion before God's.

Resilience.  My main character, Rachel, escapes a cult.  As she enters the outside world she must face many pressures.  As she bravely weathers each of these I am inspired by her perseverance which reminds me I too can stick through tough times.

Courage.  Rachel continually shows bravery whether its escaping the cult or finding a job for the first time with little education.  Her life reminds me that with Christ's help I can find the necessary courage to fight fear and complete all the tasks he has for me.

Be thankful for those who help you along the way.  Without the help of rebellious Aunt Alice and a godly widow named Lily, would Rachel have found the courage and resilience to not only leave the cult but to seek a life of faith?  Rachel reminds me to be thankful for the "helpers" in my writing life, in my family, and in my church.

What have you learned about life or God from your main character?