Seth Godin writes, “Free doesn’t make something a gift. Free might be a marketing strategy, free might make a generous present, but free doesn’t automatically make something a gift. Gil Scott Heron’s album isn’t free, but it’s a gift. He’s exposing himself. Taking a risk. You listen to the album and you feel differently when you’re done…”
When I wrote my memoir Thin Places, I felt the deepest fear, the most profound worry I had about any book I’ve ever released. I felt naked when it published. I felt exposed when folks email their own stories of tragedy. I’ve risked and wondered if that risk was necessary. But then I realize that my story–my painful, redeemed story–is a gift to readers. It’s a risky gift, one that I wrote so that others wouldn’t feel alone anymore.
Seth Godin continues:
“The way I understand gifts is that the giver must make a sacrifice, create an uneven exchange, bring himself closer to the recipient, create change and do it all with the right spirit. To do anything less might be smart commerce, but it doesn’t rise to the magical level of the gift.”
So my question to you is this: How are you sacrificing in your craft? How are you creating an uneven exchange? What aspect of your artistry involves risk? How is your endeavor creating change in you, and in those who experience your work?
This has long been a point of frustration for me, particularly in the book realm. So few books are new. So few wow me. So few show this risk. Like recent movie releases, the industry tends toward looking back and capitalizing on someone else’s risk that panned out years ago that garnered commercial success. We rehash other’s genius, fearing our own risk. We like the safety of sequels.
It’s time we step out of the shadows of fear as writers.
It’s time we view our art not only as art, but as a risky gift. Something that costs us. Something that worries us at night, makes us tremble in the day. Breaking the mold and innovating involves that kind of sacrifice.
The question is, are you willing?
What is a “Christian” Book?
Cancer’s got the upper hand,
its manner cold and brisk,
but in helping people understand,
I’m not taking a risk
because these days are just my life,
so ordinary and mundane,
and yes, of course, there’s constant strife
with unremitting pain,
but I still be-bop through each hour,
a happy clown on speed,
and though I’m in the looming tower,
I do not feel the need
to seek out pathos, tragedy,
for they don’t abide in me.
The ‘looming tower’ is a Qu’ranic reference; ‘Death will find you, even in the looming tower’. Don’t offhand recall the sura and verse.
I had thought you were referring to this excellent miniseries. https://www.hulu.com/series/the-looming-tower-9c6fb433-c101-445e-a535-3cac9887547d
I’ve read the book, but didn’t know it had been made into a miniseries.
We don’t have cable, but I shall try to find it on DVD.
Yes. The risk is more apparent in my old manuscripts that didn’t sell and in the blogs that I write for the Bible camp where we work. But this is an important reminder as I outline in preparation for NaNoWriMo next month, to be purposeful and bold as I put some of my journey into the stories I’m preparing to write. Thank you, Mary.
Hmmm … now that I think about it, the last picture book ms. I wrote had a great deal of risk for me as I had to relive hard times to write. It sure showed when the feedback started coming in, too. It is tough to decide what isn’t and is going to work in the risk department, but perhaps, I’m better at this than I think, ha!
That’s so lovely you’re doing nanowrimo!
Dear Mary, thank you for your generous art. I read Thin Places and was comforted and encouraged by it. It helped me believe God can work through my writing too.
This post is inspiring me to pray, “Make me willing to be willing.”
I have a story hiding in my Word docs because I am waiting for the right moment to share it.
Maybe when my agent and I are finishing up with a present project, God will nudge me.
Again, thank you, for giving hope to so many readers.
Bless you – Wendy Mac 🕊️
That prayer of willing to be willing is one I’ve prayed many times.
Writing Suddenly Single Mom was a huge risk for me. Like you, Mary, I felt naked and exposed and wondered if reliving that dark season of my life was a good idea. It was totally worth the pain and exposure, knowing I had an opportunity to show other overwhelmed women that they weren’t along. Now I am risking in two areas: writing fiction and allowing others to see my attempts at creating art. Both require exposing my heart and who I am in a new way. All of this is teaching that putting something valuable out there is never easy. And it probably shouldn’t be.
That was a brave book! And congrats on writing fiction. I, for one, love seeing your art!
I feel like a do alright in this regard. It’s funny, because some of my newsletters are very risky, but those are the ones that are best received. People know transparency when they see it, I guess. It does open up the doors for other people to feel safe to share their own stories, as my email inbox will attest to.
Yes, that’s so true, Chris! I appreciate your humble authenticity.
Wow! What a wonderful perspective, Mary! Consider me inspired 🙂 Thank you.
So grateful for that, Hallie!
Thank you for taking a risk and telling your story, Mary. I’m doing your Bible Study, Into the Light, with a group of ladies from my church and God is using your story to impact lives in a positive way. The fiction books I hope to publish someday are all inspired by true, hard stories from my own experience or those of others I know. It’s always risky to put our truth out there, even in fiction form. May God continue to bless your risky steps and lead us all to take risks for His glory.
Oh that’s so lovely to hear! Thanks for letting me know.
I agree: fiction that reflects truth is hard to write but so important.
Loved this post, Seth. What a great reminder! We must be brave enough, not only to send our work our, but send part of ourselves along with it. I’ll try to keep that phrase, “uneven exchange,” in mind as I create. Thanks!
I’m so glad it was helpful!
“It’s time we step out of the shadows of fear as writers.” This line of yours spoke directly to me and what I am writing. Thank you!
I’m so glad. It’s amazing to me that God uses our words to encourage others! Write on, Patricia.
It’s always scary to reveal our vulnerabilities and failures. I’m a guest blogger for a friend tomorrow, doing just that, and I’m terrified some will say I shouldn’t feel that way, think that way. It’s a risk. And I’m including a very painful time with my mother in my correct work-in-progress, getting real and vulnerable, sharing failures. It’s what emotional people like me do.
I pray it ministers to many who may feel alone.
Your comment about how sacrifice brings us closer to the reader is insightful. Our story bridges the chasm and creates a powerful connection, which makes the power of the art even more engaging to the recipient. Thanks!
Thanks for your kind comment, Bruce. Keep bringing that sacrifice to your writing!
I appreciate this post. It’s spot on. We’d rather stay safe and invisible than put it out there, but that would be like hiding our light under a bushel. We need to say the hard things. I like everything you have said but would like to suggest one more thing. Don’t get ahead of yourself by jumping before you’re ready. Have something to say that gives hope to the reader.
Yes, that’s a really good point. Heal. Temper your words in order to help others.
Thanks Mary. I just finished reading THIN PLACES and yes, you took a huge risk in writing that. Thank you for your openness and vulnerability. I pray that my writing will also reflect that kind of risk, to the glory of God and the encouragement and strengthening of others. Blessings!
Thanks for your kind words, Carol. Thanks for reading the memoir! I do pray your words bring authentic refreshment to the world!