Overwriting

I found time to read a novel recommended by my mother-in-law. It’s called Unwritten by Charles Martin. He isn’t a Lutheran so I’m not reviewing the book here, but I enjoyed the read and was thinking about something he added to the end of the book about overwriting.

Charles Martin talked about how he had a friend and a mentor who really tore through his writing in his early days as a writer, and, to be honest, sometimes I really wish I had that experience. Someone who would see potential and push & shove until that potential is met and exceeded.

It may be too late for me to have a mentor like that anyway. Who would I listen to at my age?! Ha haa. Except I had this thought. Want to know what can keep us from “overwriting”? Scripture. As many styles and genres as Scripture contains, as achingly familiar and achingly foreign as God’s Word can be, it reminds us to say our piece. Don’t get enamored with flourishes that would conceal what you’re actually trying to convey. Think about who you’re talking to. Think about what needs to be said. Use your words & use them to the best of your ability.

Anyway. 🙂 I found it comforting and thought maybe you would, too. 

On a secular note, I also admired Charles Martin’s gumption, sticking to writing what he wanted to write. That was encouraging, too.