Marcia Lee Laycock |
“Let
mystery do its work – encourage the listener (or reader) to participate.”
Jeffery Overstreet
“Awaken
the questions. Tease the mind into active thought.” – C. H. Dodd
Jesus was
the master of mystery. He spoke in parables and hyperbole and metaphor. He
rarely, if ever, gave a direct answer to a question. Often he answered a
question with another one.
I imagine
his disciples were often wandering around with quizzical looks on their faces
as they tried to figure out what it was he was teaching them. And I imagine
they found that very frustrating. But I’m sure, after wandering the landscape
of Palestine with their teacher for three years, they came to an understanding
that it was as they searched and pondered and struggled to understand, that
they learned more and more about Him and His kingdom.
As
writers I believe this is something we should emulate in our work. I believe,
as C. H. Dodd said, that we should “awaken the questions” more than seek to
provide the answers. It is when we leave our readers asking questions that they
become completely engaged in our stories. They want to find the answers and it
is oh so much more satisfying when they are led to discover them on their own.
Think
about a book you love. What was it about those words that drew you in? The
poetry of language perhaps, the lovely flow of words that seemed to sing? Or
was it a deeper understanding of something that had eluded you before, the
epiphany, the discovery of that which had been hidden? In most cases our
favorites are books that were a blend of these things, books that made us
think, made us ask questions, books that led us deeper into the mystery of life
and the spiritual realm.
When our
readers are caught up with the mystery of our stories they can’t let them go.
The characters linger because there is a bit of a puzzle in their personality.
Their motivations are deep and complex, their fears and foibles real yet still
something to make the reader wonder. And then, when the mystery becomes clear,
the reader understands more about the world, more about himself and more about
the One who created both.
As David Weinberger has said, "We don't
need more information. We don't need better information ... We need
understanding ... And understanding is not more or higher information. If you
want understanding, you have to reenter the human world of stories. If you
don't have a story, you don't have understanding."
So let’s
follow Christ. Ask the questions, spin the tales, tease the mind and awaken the
soul. It’s what He taught us to do. It’s what good writing is all about.
****
Marcia Lee Laycock writes from central Alberta
Canada where she is a pastor's wife and mother of three adult daughters. Her work has been endorsed by Sigmund Brouwer,
Janette Oke, Phil Callaway and Mark Buchanan. She
was the winner of The Best New Canadian Christian Author Award for her novel,
One Smooth Stone. Her second novel, A Tumbled Stone, was recently short listed
in the contemporary fiction category of The Word Awards. Marcia also has two
devotional books in print. Spur of the Moment is now in third edition. Visit Marcia’s Website
Abundant Rain |
2 comments:
Thanks for these important practical reminders for writers, Marcia, and for the spiritual application.
Hmm, confession: I have the tendency to over-explain in life, and in writing too, and that can suck the sense of mystery out and give the impression that I think my listeners and readers are not smart enough to figure things out for themselves.
Again, thanks for the tip! :) ~~+~~
I like this! Who doesn't love a good mystery and the way you tied it to Jesus ministry was brilliant
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