From Edie: Discover why hobby writers are real writers. Learn how to embrace your God-given gift, find joy in writing, and glorify Him through every word.
Are Hobby Writers Real Writers? Finding Purpose and God’s Calling in Every Word
by Lori Hatcher
If you’re a hobbyist—if you write for personal rather than professional reasons—do you sometimes feel like a second-class writer? When writers in your critique group share publication successes or new books, do you feel like maybe you don’t belong? Have you envied those who were “called” to write or hesitated to call yourself (or think of yourself) as a real writer? Have you ever said, “I don’t need to attend a conference because I’m not seeking to be published”?
Hobby writer, nothing is further from the truth.
For those who aren’t familiar with the term, a hobby writer is someone who writes for pleasure. They’re not seeking to earn a living, use their skills professionally, or publish, although sometimes hobby writers will self-publish or submit their work for publication. The definition of a hobby, any hobby, is a regular activity done for enjoyment during leisure time.
If this describes you, I like you already. You write simply for the joy of writing. No deadlines, no assignments, no stress. You recognize that God has created you with “wordly” skills and abilities, and you love to write poetry, dabble in the process of creating a story world, or write about a particular time period.
You may daydream, wondering, “What if this happened?” or “Imagine what would it be like if . . .”, and you capture your thoughts on paper or laptop. You might love to share family stories or make up bedtime tales for your kids or grandkids. Perhaps you enjoy transcribing your family history or compiling stories that have been passed down through generations. Maybe you’re writing your own life story or testimony.
Other hobby writers pen letters to friends and missionaries or write a column for their church newsletter. Some enjoy tinkering with words and grammar, writing children’s church sermons, or brainstorming jokes or puns.
Sometimes you share what you’ve written, but most of the time, you keep it to yourself or a select few.
Can You Call Yourself a Writer?
Millions of people worldwide write for pleasure, but they hesitate to call themselves “writers” because writing isn’t their career. Whether or not you get paid for what you do, rest assured, you’re still a writer. If you need objective proof, Google “writer.” The official definition of a writer is “one who writes.” Period. From now on, when people ask you about yourself, own it.
Is Your Writing a “Gift”?
The Bible tells us God uniquely created each of us and gave us certain abilities, skills, and talents. In addition to our natural abilities, God gives Christians at least one spiritual gift. While neither of the biblical lists of gifts in 1 Corinthians 12 or Romans 12 include “writer,” they do include teaching, preaching, administration, helps, giving, etc. However we’re gifted, we can use our writing in partnership with our gift to make our service to God and others more effective.
If you have the gift of mercy, writing thoughtful cards and notes to the sick and shut ins is a beautiful way to pair your abilities with your gift. If you’re a teacher, writing easy-to-understand handouts to accompany your lessons is a great way to blend your hobby writing with your gifting. James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of lights,” so yes, your writing is a gift.
Are Conferences a Waste of Time for Hobbyists?
NO.
First Corinthians 10:31 tells us, “Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all for the glory of God.” Conferences are great for professional writers. They provide opportunities to network with industry experts, pitch projects, and build their platform.
They’re also great for hobby writers. There you’ll learn techniques and strategies that apply to your specific area of interest. Instructors can help you become the very best letter-writer, newsletter-creator, storyteller, children’s church worker, hobbyist you can be—for God’s glory.
Are Hobby Writers Second-Class Writers?
No.
God calls each of us to use our gifts and talents in different ways. Maybe you’re a mom with small children, and all you can do is scribble a few lines of poetry as you’re rocking your sleeping baby. There’s nothing second-class about that. You’re fulfilling your greatest calling now. You’ll have time to more fully pursue writing when your babies aren’t babies any more.
Perhaps you’re a business man, writing a family history book on the weekends in between golf games and Sunday church. Nothing second class about that either. The NY Times best-selling novelist is accomplished, but so is the sweet lady writing thoughtful notes in birthday cards. They’re just accomplishing different things as they faithfully live out the life God has given them.
Hobby writers, grab that pen or laptop. Call yourself a writer—a first-class-writer—and write for pleasure, for your readers’ benefit, and for the glory of God.
TWEETABLE
.jpeg)
No comments:
Post a Comment