Young Christian Writers as Esthers: The Power of Brazen Audacity
It was Stephen King who said in his memoir, On Writing, “You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.”
Reading On Writing some years ago, sat in my warm, humid West-African home, a cup of cold soda drink in one hand, left me with two things: a deep-seated awareness that I had a message to tell and a stubborn belief that my message would be heard by not just a few, but in the global space. I was a fresh graduate from the university still living with my parents and enjoying my mum’s freshly-cooked meals, a newbie writer with a lot to learn on the craft, but I was also very convinced that at the right time, in no distant future, I would be able to skillfully share stories people would love to read.
On Writing is one book I would recommend to young writers like myself. If not anything, that book will infuse you with brazen courage to know that your writing is worth a lot although you are just starting out.
My writing journey though personal, I believe, reflects the journey of many others. Like a toddler, dreading his first few steps, tottering and occasionally tumbling, through the early uncertain phase of writing you wonder if your writing is good enough or not. And honestly, without mincing words, your very first drafts won’t be your most-appealing.
But there comes a time when years of preparations collapse into one significant moment of announcement. This could be an elevator pitch, a change in marketing trends or writing competition. Or it could be a simple idea to share a post on social media, or to share a story idea with a friend or acquaintance who might know someone in publishing. We’ve heard about eureka moments with world-changing inventions. What if your eureka moment was hidden in your routines—your showing up everyday to faithfully hone your craft?
Like Esther, Everyone will have the Opportunity to Stand Before the King
While many could be repulsed by the unpleasant truth in this statement, it stands as a reality. We may be disadvantaged one way or the other but the Bible says time and chance happens to everybody. We might need to work a bit harder than others who may be privileged by their parentage, heritage or whatever fortune allotted to them by their network or networth, but like Esther, we will all have the opportunity to stand before the king. We are never entirely incapacitated by life. We might be disadvantaged in some measure but not entirely incapacitated. And as christian writers, we’ve got an advantage in God—the real advantage that makes up for regrets of what should have or could have been.
Let me give you a brief summary of Esther’s story in the Bible.
The king’s wife had been rude and to ensure that other women didn’t do the same, the king’s advisors asked that the king put away his wife. This led to a call for a new wife for the king. Esther was one of the young girls who was prepared for the king. Esther, though an orphan, having been raised by her uncle, ended up becoming the queen because of an opportunity that was properly leveraged.
When is the Right Time to Get a Story Out?
Now, for fear of sounding extreme, permit me to add a caveat. If you’ve spent some time honing your craft, you will know when the time is right. Call it intuition—that childlike knowing of when it’s time to walk after a period of crawling (or sitting). Call it a dissatisfaction—that insatiable hunger for more and refusal to coast. Call it a nudge in your spirit—that beckon from the Father to be all He has called you to be. Regardless of what informs your knowledge of this timing, I would say to strike as the opportunity presents itself.
What if Esther felt she was too young, not properly prepared? What if she didn’t optimise the opportunity to stand before the king?
I remember starting the Christian Fiction o’ Clock podcast. It began with an idea to make audio versions of my short stories but it has now grown (and still growing) to hosting author interviews. I remember my very first manuscript which hasn’t still seen the light of day because of how badly written it was, but it helped improve my craft. I remember my many “unfortunate emails” which provided constructive feedback or networking opportunities.
The journey to becoming a christian writer isn’t an end in itself. It is one to ensure that you also become a better person. It is to ensure you are thoroughly prepared by the Father to be a vessel for His glory.
Strike when it’s Hottest or Forever Live in Regrets
Think of the regrets of what should have been. Think of the many ways your book could be a blessing. Remember as young Christian writers your writing isn’t just for you but thousands of people eagerly searching for a story like yours. Although they might not articulate their inward needs as you expect, a longing remains —one only your type of books can meet. So when your next opportunity (golden or grimy) comes, will you chicken out for fear of the unknown or will latch onto it knowing fully well you were made for such a time?