NANOWRIMO Tip: Embrace Your Oddity

Photo Source: VPasson

Yesterday I asked my Twitter and Facebook buddies was it weird for me to write fiction (well type on puter)with my eyes closed. I also play music that fits the mood of the scene I'm writing and before I write I think visually of the setting and how my character is working the room in that setting. Closing my eyes help me visualize the story. I become a recorder of a world I see clearer on the inside of me and feel in my heart.

I learned that many of my friends now know that I'm a wee bit weird, while I found that I was not alone. Lisa T. Bergren, author of The Betrayal closes her eyes and writes when she is in "The Zone." She even uses music to write her wonderfully written Christy Award nominated stories.

However, there was one response that stood out more than others"

"Embrace your Oddity. "

Those words empowered me somehow. As The Master's Artist we act and say things in peculiar ways to the rest of society. We choose to create stories that society tells us have little place in the marketplace,although we know that not only they need it, but they long for it. We create because our intentions for our art is unusual. Instead of seeking fame and fortune we seek to edify the Body of Christ, glorify God and add to the kingdom. We close our eyes and listen to the Best Story we've ever heard that is constantly on play in our souls.

One of my favorite books I've read this year is Lisa Samson's Embrace Me. Her story was so different, but filled with touches of God's grace, mercy and his longing for us. It is such a different,beautiful, and unforgettable love story. Mike Snyder's My Name is Russell Fink is another story that sets apart from anything I've ever read. Yet it makes me close my eyes to visual these very authentic worlds. Embracing truth, yet seeming odd.

But I would be remiss if I said that your oddity would not come with some hateration. Just as the Sadduccees took issue with Christ's teachings, some will take issue with you. But be grounded, rooted into the WORD, humbled, observant and prayerful, while you create.

So when I leave this post and return to cranking out a new novel during NANOWRIMO, my eyes will remain closed, my fingers will tickle the keyboard, and I will go back to a world that embraces all of me as God intended.

How odd are you?

Have a great Monday. Tonight and tomorrow I pray for peace and good will to all through the US Presidential Election final days.

 Hey, I'm hosting a free teleseminar on writing your book marketing plan on November 18, 2008. Register here.

Dee Stewart is a writing diva mother, publicist, inspirational book reviewer for Romantic Times Magazine, Atlanta Satellite Bookseller for Mocha Readers Bookstores, and owner of Christian Fiction Blog and The Christian Fiction Network. Her writings have appeared in: Spirit Led Woman, Gospel Today, Good Girl Book Club, The Dabbling Mum, Atlanta Christian Family, Mosaic Literary, Precious Times, Vertical Fix just a few. Visit me at Christian Fiction. Follow me on Twitter at DeeGospel. Or visit my site at www.deestewart.com

Comments

[Michelle Pendergrass]

Well. I'll tell you one thing (out of many I could choose from) since you mentioned typing/writing with your eyes closed--I sometimes write my stories blindfolded.

[Dee Stewart]

You're so funny!!

[Nora St.Laurent]

Dee - I'm just starting to write. The way you discribewriting with your eyes closed sounds very fascinating. It really makes sence. I'm going to have to try that. I can totally see how closing your eyes and blocking out all distractions to focus on what you visualize in your mind is a good thing. I'm going to try it.I'll let you know what happens!! I don't know about the music but I'm going to try the eyes closed thing. I really don't think that is weird. :D

[Madison Richards]

Taking our eyes off the world (whether figuratively or literally) is the only way to truly tap into God's creativity. It's like it's there, waiting for us to get enough tunnel vision to actually see it clearly and then transfer it to the page, canvas or instrument...

Great encouragement Dee!

[michael snyder]

First, that's a very cool picture. All you need is to Photoshop a tiny typewriter in there.

Second, thanks for saying nice stuff about my book. You made the dark chocolate I was munching taste twice as good...no small feat!

Third, (and I'm not being funny here) the few times I tried to write with my eyes closed, I fell asleep. Literally.

Fourth, thanks for the reminder for all of us to embrace our inner Oddballs. That's seriously good advice.

[Avily Jerome]

Thanks for posting, Dee!

I have plenty of oddities- I'm not sure which ones relate to writing though.

I may try writing with my eyes closed now. Sounds like it would work for me. Thank goodness for early typing lessons, huh?!

[Dee Stewart]

yes, avily. highschool typing and business machines class pays off. i can type in the dark. lol

[Dee Stewart]

Michael, i hope that chocolate was goooooood.