Writing and why I do it

I wrote this little reflection about my writing when I was writing the Touched by an Angel fanfiction and sharing with others on a message board.



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What is you that gives you the desire to write?


For fun.

To express yourself.

So that others can read about what you are thinking and feeling.


All kinds of reasons.



Is it for yourself or for others to enjoy as well?

Sometimes both.


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So what does an author do who does not hear back from others about their writing?

Wonder if something is wrong with it or why does someone get more feedback than others?


Now I know that there is a great bunch of folks here. I wonder if it has anything to do with all of us being attracted in some way to angels and the message of God’s love that they bring.


Writing fanfiction is a way of sharing in that message - in whatever way we write about the angels.


I have read lots of fanfiction and some has made me laugh and some has made me cry. Which is exactly what the program does - if you think about it.


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I know that folks have posted here about why they like to write and what they feel about writing. That is fun to read.


Do you like to read new authors or authors that you are familiar with?

Do you like long and complicated stories or short ones or continuing tales?


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So I am trying to be positive here and not complain and say - not many folks are commenting on my stories.


For me I write because I like to and I like to express myself in that way but sometimes it is upsetting when I do not get any feedback.


I know I tend to be more of a lurker on this board in general. I like the fun stuff which is probably why I enjoy writing about angels and teddy bears!!


Feedback is great but it is only part of why I write.

Touched by an Angel stories

1. Sunday morning - August 30, 2000


2. Getting acquainted - September 22, 2000


3. Missing - November 15, 2000


4. Angels in the ice - November 27, 2000


5. The choir - December 10, 2000


6. Evening visitor - December 29, 2000


7. Angels and animals - January 6, 2001


8. Snow angels - January 11, 2001


9. A father and a Father - January 27, 2001


10. Andrew on retreat - January 29, 2001


11. To be a pilgrim - February 23, 2001


12. In the Father’s eyes - March 7, 2001


13. The Shepherd and His sheep - March 18, 2001


14. No Easter bunny? - April 15. 2001


15. Welcome - April 16, 2001


16. A bear named Andrew - April 20, 2001


17. Andrew bear and Bishop - April 29, 2001


18. Trial by fire - May 13, 2001


19. Andrew bear and the donkey - May 20, 2001


20. Andrew bear takes a trip - May 22, 2001


21. Prayer meeting - May 27, 2001


22. Andrew bear and the panda bears - June 7, 2001


23. Andrew bear and the Musical Ride - July 1, 2001


24. Happy Canada Day Andrew bear - July 1, 2001


25. The party - July 6, 2001


26. Teddy bears picnic - July 21, 2001


27. Interview with the angels - August 1, 2001


28. Making a splash - August 8, 2001


29. The angels, the bear, the goat and the ponies - August 14, 2001


30. Up, up and away - August 22


31. Visit from an angel - September 8, 2001


32. Season premiere - September 11, 2001


33. Call to prayer - September 12, 2001


34. On a wing and a prayer - September 19, 2001


35. Search and rescue dog - September 20, 2001


36. A time for healing - September 30, 2001


37. Help from a friend - October 6,2001


38. Come to a party - October 8, 2001


39. Prince of peace - October 30, 2001


40. Lighten the darkness - November 4, 2001


41. Let the sunshine in (co-written with Yvette Jessen) - December 5, 2001


42. Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus (co-written with Yvette Jessen) - December 24, 2001


43. Andrew takes a dip - December 31, 2001


44. Matters of death and life - January 8, 2002


45. Going for gold - January 13, 2002


46. You are loved - February 6, 2002


47. Tess’s toys (co-written with Yvette Jessen) - February 25, 2002


48. And the greatest of these is love - March 2, 2002


49. Spring special - April 3, 2002


50. The children play - April 6, 2002


51. Molly’s story - April 15, 2002


52. Angels watch and wait - June 23, 2002


53. Angels at work - August 15, 2002


54. And they were safely home - February 1, 2003

Journalling

I started journalling at a time of my life when I wanted to hold onto what was happening. I wanted to be able to go back and remember what I was feeling and thinking.


When I look back now at the first ones I wrote, what I was writing about then is very much what I write about now.


Who is important in my life at the moment - my friends, my colleagues at work, my family.


How is God speaking to me - in my own prayer time, in what I am reading (in the Bible and otherwise) , what I read in the newspaper (and I am not a regular reader), what I see on television.


What I am struggling with and trying to find God’s way for me - a lot of that.

- Prayers and reflections and questions
- Lord, why is this happening?
- Lord, what I am supposed to do now?


It is a real outlet for feelings and thoughts, etc. When issues are particularly difficult I do write more.


I am very free when I write - about anything and everything that I feel I want to. Sometimes I have to force myself somewhat. If I do not want to write about something, it is probably an unresolved issue in my life just then. The best way is to be patient and to pray about it and to write what I can and then quite often the rest will flow more easily.


I always add the date and the time to what I write. If I wake up during the night and feel I need to write I will do that.


I recently went through a week where a lot was happening and I just had to get through various situations. When I had more time on the weekend I reflected on what had happened and I wrote 5 pages!


When I go on retreat, I usually write a lot. A silent retreat is great for that.


I enjoy writing and I do it for fun. I also find it to be a very spiritual exercise. A lot of prayer goes into my journalling.