Writing With Purpose

Storms gather on the horizon for many teens today......

In a recent interview, I was asked how I came up with the idea to write The Warfare Club series. This is my new YA Christian Supernatural Fiction series I started late last year.

I came up with the idea when I walked through our local public library and noticed all the books for teens. This was back in 2008 at the height of the Vampire-werewolf-paranormal craze in YA Fiction.  As I  browsed through the books and graphic novels, I was startled by the common theme of darkness, sorrow, and just plain hopelessness running through all the books.

So, I asked myself where were the books for Christian teens?  Where could a Christian teen read about what it takes to make it in this world amidst all the darkness, sorrow, and hopelessness?

You know what they say....write the book you would like to read!

After prayer, starting, restarting, and restarting yet again...the first book in the series is almost finished. I decided to make this series of books about battling the principalities of the world and knowing what it means to be Victorious in Christ....with a teenage protagonist.

Let's face it, teens today have significantly more distractions than we did when we were kids. I write curriculum for a university, and one course we are working on is a Psychology course that discusses the many issues teens face today:

Anorexia

Dating violence

Bulimia

Internet porn addiction

Internet gambling addictions

Social media addictions

Sexting

Alcoholism

Drug Addictions

Gender Identity Crises

Cyber bullying

...and the list went on and on and on. I sighed heavily just thinking about the weight on the shoulders of teens today. With all this pressure, they are still expected to get good grades, win scholarships, and become responsible citizens.

I can see how the pressures can overwhelm someone. And that is why I write with a purpose in mind. Do I long to sell thousands of books all over the world? Of course. I'd be lying if I said otherwise. But I also long to send a message to the teen reading my book: there is an enemy out there who wants you dead...but you also have someone who already defeated that enemy for you and His name is Jesus. Therefore, there is HOPE amidst all the darkness and sorrow and pressures of the world. You can be victorious in Christ!

Simple message.

I suppose I have a calling to teach young people. I have a heart for them and all that they endure. I know some kids who are going through a lot at this time in their lives and others who have been spared much pain. But the message is the same to both: 

Only God is the answer and there is no other way!

For me, to write means to write with a purpose: to entertain, yes, but also to educate and encourage.

Colossians 3:23-24  "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve."

Your turn:  For what purpose do you write? How can your story be an ecouragement to those who read it? Is that important to you?

Remember.....Just Write!

Blessings,

Ruth