The power in story is a theme that Al Janssen speaks about at writers’ conferences and other places. When I first heard Al teach this great truth, he was head of the publishing department at Focus the Family which produced many of my books. Al, now with Open Doors, inspired me to adapt his premise in my own teaching. I believe you will benefit from knowing a little more about how you can unlock the power of story in ways you may not have thought about.
God used stories to tell us about Adam and Eve and a host of other Old Testament personalities and what we can learn from their narratives. Jesus taught in parables. Abraham Lincoln made his points by telling simple stories. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the first novel to sell a million copies. Lincoln reportedly said when he met her, “So you’re the little woman who started this big war.” I don’t believe that, but it does illustrate the power in a story.
Television advertisements frequently sell products by a short drama. Parents commonly put their young children to bed by reading or telling them a story.
I have written more than 50 novels with the primary purpose of entertaining. If the reader is not entertained, he or she will not keep reading. But each of my stories wraps around a kernel of truth that has power beyond any I personally have.
A couple of quick examples: A boy wrote me that he didn’t believe reading a book could change his life, but one of my stories changed his. An attached note from his mother confirmed that her son’s life really had changed since reading that book.
A Christian school teacher told me that every year when she reads one of my books aloud, she gives students an opportunity to change their lives, and many had done so.
I invite you to send me a true story that made a difference in your life. I may share it with our visitors, many of whom live beyond our national borders.
I have a “day job” to support my “writing habit” — and lately I’ve been feeling like well, maybe I should just focus on the “job part” — The writing adds a fair amount of stress… it’s frustrating (at times), it’s scary…. It pays poorly. In addition, I’m newly married and the writing takes a fair amount of time out of our relationship.
But yesterday, I met Lee and Cicely. They appeared like a pair of bright robins heralding Spring. They reminded me of all the great things in my life… and they reminded me that much about what makes the good things “good” is the work and the challenge associated with them.
They also reminded me that my “good things” are sprinkled with Miracle Gro because I can share them with my husband. I am so fortunate to have a wonderful family and supportive husband who is my partner and friend.
What a wonderful standard they set! Thank goodness for the Roddy’s!