Doubt crawls up my shoulder and whispers: “Writing make-believe stories is a worthless occupation. What good can fiction possibly do? And romantic fiction? Ha! What a joke.”
And then I walk down the hospital hallway to the coffee room, past artwork and photographs of my genre – the West.
Cowboys saddling horses. Log cabins. Barns, corrals, extravagant sunsets.
I want to climb into those pictures. Escape for a while. Smell the dawn sifting through a forest, hear the nicker of a horse at feeding time. Run my fingers through the rough hair of a good cow dog.
Someone took those photographs and painted those pictures, someone with a creative gift that touches my heart and offers me respite.
And I finally see why readers write to me and say they “escaped” into my stories.
I get it. I see the restorative value in the gift of story—whether told in words or pictures.
Thank God He poured creativity into His children. Thank God He lets us walk in His image and share in His touch.
How gracious He is.
“Let us make man in our image.”
Gen. 1:26
Photo by AJ Spencer
Very well put. We all need an avenue of escape sometimes. I hope someone escapes into my book and dwells in a different time and day for awhile.
Absolutely, Karen. I’m sure many people will enjoy your books.
Amen, art is for a reason, no matter which type we enjoy. I do the same at the theatre, just get lost in what ifs and parables. Art is art and I’m glad you’re a writer.
Thanks, Linda. I’m so glad God included art in His plan.
Thanks, Davalynn, for your insights. Always appreciated.
Thanks for reading, Marjorie.
I loved this article. I’m so glad God gave us diverse talents that we can share with one another. We all have a purpose. Love your writing. Don’t let “the thief” discourage you!!
Thank you Karen. Creative expression is everywhere – music, art, literature, decor, landscaping … the list is endless. It’s such a comforting touch from our Creator to see his expression shared in ours.