Use your intelligence

I recently came across a blog that I found quite interesting which deals with creationism. on 'Schansblog', he discusses both the 'Young Earth' model and the 'Old Earth' model of creationism. Of course, there is evidence for both and when listening to either argument, one could be easily 'convinced' due to all the so called facts. Of course, my novel "And The Beat Goes On" deals with this topic as an archeologist has to sort out what he thought he believed and what the new evidence he's found seems to say. For myself, I think I'll remain neutral as to the actual time frame of creation. I've always been one to let God be God and not try to figure everything out. I think we may all be surprised one day, if and when He chooses to reveal all those secrets. I guess what I really hope to accomplish through my book is to raise some questions. Too many people believe blindly in evolution and its so called 'evidence' simply because no one has ever pointed out that there could be a plausible alternative. Actually, that's not exactly true - most people who do question evolution are labeled as religious quacks and discounted before even getting a chance to present anything. It's really so unfortunate, because if anyone with any brains at all stopped for a minute and just looked at the world around them, there really is no other alternative than to believe in some kind of Intelligent Design. The probability is SO great that it literally could not have happened. Yet, for some reason, if we throw in the magic element - time - people will believe anything. How does stretching our thinking past comprehendible time limits make it any more likely? As a long standing fan of Science Fiction (okay I admit it, I was a Trekkie) it seems like even that genre can at least embrace the possibilities, even if not in the strictly 'religious' context. (Any one remember 'Q'?) Intelligent Design is so sensible, with or without the aspect of Diety, although I suppose it does finally lead to one conclusion: If someone or something out there has the capacity to create the universe in all its complexity, then they are probably worthy of some kind of allegiance, if not worship. As a believer in creation from a Christian perspective, I suppose God in his wisdom chose to let some things remain a mystery. If we could figure everything out then there wouldn't be any room (or need) for faith. And so I am content to know that God made the universe in His own time, whatever that might mean. Meanwhile, I will continue to offer what little thought I might have on the subject and hope that there is someone out there listening.

Encouragement Along The Way

Writing can be a very risky business, especially on an emotional level. Most people who write do it almost as a compulsion - I know this is true in my case. I write because I have to, regardless of actually getting something published. I am just compelled to do so in some wierd cathartic way - part of that need to 'create' that I've talked about before. Having said that, most of us do, however, want someone to read what we've written. But there in lies the risk. We're basically laying ourselves out there, metaphorically naked, hoping that someone will notice us, yet afraid that they will.
Our stories are like children. We get emotionally attached to what we've written, and sometimes its not that easy to be objective. We spend months - years even - weaving this thing together; hours in front of a computer screen, forgetting to eat or even go to the bathroom; writing and rewriting and writing yet again.
So, when somebody does read what we've so lovingly and laboriously poured ourselves into, its natural that we might feel just a little bit apprehensive. Maybe defensive, even.
I remember the first time I was brave enough to submit my writing to scrutiny. (And I don't mean friends and family. I rarely shared my writing even with them for fear that they wouldn't like it but would be too nice to say so.) I sent off several samples to an agency that critiqued aspiring writers (for a fee, of course) hoping, praying - yes, maybe even expecting - that they would respond with "This is supurb! We want to recommend you to a publisher!" Boy was I wrong. The criticism, even though done in a tactful manner, cut like a knife. I was shocked, defensive and hurt, ready to quit this writing thing all together. What was the use?
Well, my compulsion kicked in very soon afterward and back I went to my computer. I went back to my work determined to fix what needed to be fixed, add what needed to be added, and - worst of all - DELETE what needed to be deleted. It was the best thing that ever happened to me, in terms of my writing. Suddenly, all the things they said were 'wrong' seemed so obvious. Why hadn't I seen that myself? I had been too emotionally attached.
That was about six or seven years ago. I have since become much more ruthless in my approach to my own writing. Just because I've spent good sweat on a passage (or a whole sub plot for that matter) doesn't mean it will be safe from the cutting room floor. I highly recommend using the critiquing/editing services that are out there. The cost is well worth it. Feedback of any kind - even negative - is invaluable. Then, when you get rejected by agents and publishers, your heart will be ready and you'll know its not necessarily because your writing isn't up to par. It's just a really competitive world out there and everyone wants their piece of the pie.
Before signing my contract about a year ago with Srategic Publishing for my debut novel And The Beat Goes On, I decided to blitz the publishing world with pitches for all four of the novels I have finshed to this point. I sent out 120 packages, some via email, some via snail mail, each carefully adherring to each agents/publishers guidelines for submissions. From that lot I came away with three interested parties, eventually leading to signing the contract with Strategic. I guess my point is, it takes tenacity, despite all the rejection.
Somehow along the way, I have rabbit trailed from my original thought, which was all about exposing one's self on an emotional level when writing. In any case, despite having my fair share of 'pain' in that regard, I am SO encouraged by the positive reviews I am receiving now that my book is 'out there'. Not to say that there won't be critics of a more negative turn, but it is very validating to receive genuine praise from people other than family or close friends. It reaffirms my sense that this is, indeed, what I want to spend time doing. And yes, maybe I really do have something valid to say. (Thanks Will!)
So for all you authors still waiting to see your words in print: be tenacious in your pursuit of a publisher, detach yourself emotionally as much as possible from your own precious words, learn from criticism, and keep on writing!