Friday, October 18, 2024

Why Writers W.R.I.T.E


by Crystal Bowman

Writers write for a variety of reasons. For some it’s a hobby, for some it’s a ministry, for others it’s a career, and for many it’s all of the above. We write because God has called us to write. We write to process our thoughts and emotions. And we write because we have something to say. 

Let’s look at the word WRITE and dissect it letter by letter.

W – WORDS

As a writer, I love words. I love the rhythm of words, the sound of words, and the playfulness of words. As we string words together, we create phrases, sentences, paragraphs, and stories. I often think of words like the pieces to a jigsaw puzzle. Every word needs to fit perfectly with the word before it and after it. Extra pieces are unnecessary, and missing pieces leave the project incomplete. 

A skilled writer uses words to evoke emotion and offers scenarios that the reader can clearly visualize. Words are powerful, sensitive, harsh, or tender. With an endless supply of vocabulary words, writers must choose their words carefully as they create their masterpieces and share them with others.

R – REACH

Written words have far greater reach than spoken words. Even if my message is recorded, my spoken words may only reach a handful of people. Written words, however, can reach hundreds, thousands, and millions. 

Many of my children’s books have been translated into foreign languages with global distribution. I am unable to travel to all these places to share the Bible stories and devotions God has put on my heart, but my books can go anywhere and everywhere. Whether you write books, magazine articles, blog posts, or newsletters, the words you write and the messages you share through your writing will reach more readers than you will ever know. 

I – INSPIRE

Our words can inspire others to do better, try harder, love deeper, be more empathetic, and draw closer to God. The morning devotion that arrives in an inbox can be just what someone needs to start their day. A magazine article may motivate someone to step out of their comfort zone and tackle something on their bucket list. A blog post might convince someone to reach out to restore a broken relationship. And the book you wrote on finding joy may inspire someone to face their day with a smile no matter the circumstances. 

T - TEACH 

As a former preschool teacher, I appreciate opportunities to teach children through my books. From alphabet books and counting books, to Bible story books and picture books, I can help children learn and grow academically, spiritually, and emotionally. 

As a reader, I appreciate opportunities to learn from my fellow authors who write books on soul care, healthy habits, Bible studies, and hospitality. I enjoy learning and growing to become the person God created me to be. I also enjoy historical fiction since history was not my best subject in school. I recently read a novel that taught me about the Halifax Explosion since the event was woven into the setting of the story. 

E – ENTERTAIN

After a long, busy day of facing daily demands, there’s nothing I love more than sinking into a comfy spot and reading a good novel to escape my reality for an hour or two. Romance, humor, suspense, mystery, adventure—you name it! Anything and everything is possible when we open a book and turn the pages. Books that entertain us are gifts from the author, and I appreciate those who use their gift of writing to create stories for pure enjoyment. Reading is affordable, comfortable, exciting, and effortless. 

IN CONCLUSION

I am grateful for the opportunities God has given me to write, and I am grateful for all writers who use their gift of writing to reach, inspire, teach, and entertain the world with their chosen words. 

TWEETABLE

Crystal Bowman is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 100 books for children and families. She also writes lyrics for children’s piano music and is a monthly contributor to Clubhouse Jr. Magazine, Arise Daily, and Christian Children's Authors. She enjoys coaching children's writers as well as teaching at writers conferences. When she is not writing or speaking, she likes going for walks and spending time with her huggable grandkids. She and her husband live in Michigan and Florida and try to avoid snowstorms.

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