Accidental Poet asked: To what extent is the novel autobiographical, specifically with regards to the writer in the novel being challenged to write something different?
LOL. No one has ever challenged me to write something different. I think most editors would like to challenge me to write something the same--i.e., to find a niche and stay in it. So that part is completely fictional. Jordan Casey wrote in only one genre, and when you're that successful, it's easy to get pigeon-holed.
Betsy asked: Do you feel compassion for those who struggle with gambling or depression as a result of writing the Novelist? (P.S. Not that you aren't compassionate already :)
Let me turn the question around a moment. If YOU were to write a story about a child molester, would you feel compassion for this character? Most people would struggle to portray that character with any compassion because they don't struggle with pedophilia.
I don't struggle with gambling or depression because I've never gambled and I'm rarely depressed. But I have struggled with overeating, self-discipline, and children who seem bent on going their own way. So what I have to do is take the compassion I would feel for people in those situations and transfer it to things for which I have little natural empathy.
I think this is why God sometimes leads us through the valley. We need to develop empathy by touching the face of Grief. He wears a different face for each of us, depending upon our situation, but we still know him. And in knowing him personally, we are able to sit quietly and comfort others who find themselves in his company. Sometimes we only have to testify to the fact that God is there, too.
If that's all the questions, thanks very much for coming along on another BOM!
~~Angie
4 comments:
Ok, this book is now on my must read list! I've really enjoyed these BOM sections since I found this blog, and I appreciate the information that you share both here and on Charis Connection.
I was moved by The Novelist. I grew up in a family of writers, my father being one of them. My father was an alcoholic and an unbeliever and my brother, their only son, also was an alcoholic for many years, so I could relate to many aspects of the storyline. I passed the book along to my mom, also an unbeliever. I think the book works on so many levels. It is great to pass along as a witness tool (why I passed it on to my mother). It is intellectual and challenging. It delves into issues so many families struggle with. It is so real, touching, compelling and compassionate. As a writer, you are able to write so many different styles. Not many writers are able to do that. Your writing is thought-provoking and challenges and encourages my faith walk. Thank you. (My mom really enjoyed the book - she thought Christian fiction was all fluff! - No conversion, yet, but I know God will use The Novelist as another seed in her heart and mind.) -Alison
Thank you, K., Connie, and Alison. Your words are such an encouragement as I begin another WIP . . . Blessings to you!
Angie
Hi Angie,
This is the first time I have read your blogs, and I am really enjoying them! I just finished the first course from Christian Writers Guild and have seen your name a few times but never had the pleasure of hearing you speak. Some day I hope to be published! After all, people who have the last name as we do have to be good writers!
Bob Hunt
wesley7@sbcglobal.net
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