An Experiment...

There are many kinds of writers in this world: journaling writers, who enjoy chronicling the events of their lives along with all the accompanying thoughts and emotions to share with those who care enough to read them; opinion writers seek to express their perspective on various happenings in society, perhaps to incite change; poets speak their hearts and minds through imagery, stanza and verse and of course, fiction writers breathe life into imaginary characters that have the ability to reach out individually to the readers who encounter them.

Obviously, these are only a sampling of the types of writers that exist today and many are fluid in multiple forms. So, the question is, what kind of writer am I? Well, I am first a fiction writer but also a poet. You may wonder then, about the purpose of this blog... Consider it an experiment in creation.

Many writers become known for their ability to produce great work born out of profound heartache. It is a way of healing from and coming to terms with deep emotional and/or spiritual pain. I, however, realized this morning that this is not the case with me and is something I need to change. My best tales have always been and will probably continue to be weaved in moments of immense joy, love and peace. Since that day in October when my heart was cracked in two and likely reshaped for the rest of my life, the characters in my head have forgotten their stories and fallen eerily silent, bringing my most personal creative work to a screeching halt. It's as if my friends have retreated back into the lands from which they came and sealed off the entrance at the first sign of trouble, as a manner of self preservation.

This is not to say that I'm still crying everyday, have stopped laughing, stopped watching over those closest to me or can't function at my new job. I can and I do. Still, the hurt and sadness remain, keeping the doors to those magical worlds hidden under cold, heavy gray fog. I know God does not want me to waste the gift He's given me by wandering aimlessly in the darkness of my mind. He created me to introduce His people to the characters with the power to work miracles in their hearts.

But, how do I coax them out of hiding when I can't even face writing out my own... story? Hence this blog experiment. Though I do journal my thoughts and feelings on my life experiences, I don't do it often enough and NEVER share them with anyone. I want to see if forcing myself to speak in and share my own voice will lift the fog so I can find my way back to my friends who need me to tell their stories.

And so, every few days I'll be posting my thoughts, ideas and random inspirations or discoveries. I hope you'll join me on this journey because I would appreciate your feedback, gentle encouragement and of course, your prayers.

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you." Deuteronomy 31:8, NLT