(Caveat: I know that The Message is a paraphrase and not a translation. This verse reads quite differently in the NIV and the KJV)
Do you ever feel like a second-class citizen for preferring to read or write fiction over nonfiction? Because they're just made up stories, after all, not real "truth."
Almost two thousand years ago, the disciples asked Jesus the same question: "Why do you speak in parables? Why do you tell stories?"
Jesus's answer gives me all the motivation I will ever need to write (and read) Christian fiction: "to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight."
Some authors, notably John Grisham, do write for that dream, the "crossover market."
Other authors, while I am unaware of their faith, write strong stories of morality or portray Christians in a positive light, such as Dick Francis and Sue Grafton.
My books have been read by Hindus, Muslims, and Atheists--who wanted to read more. (oh, yes, Christians, too, of course!)
I pray that my stories will create readiness for the gospel.
Take heart, fiction writers. We tell stories for the same reason Jesus did.
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2 comments:
What an amazing translation of that verse.I might just print out for future inspiration and motivation. Thanks for sharing your insights, Darlene!
Isn't it beautiful! That belongs on every novelist's wall. :)
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