Be More Barnabas

 

Writers can easily become discouraged. Spending hours hunched over a laptop with only a bottle of gin large mug of coffee for company, we often wonder whether our words will ever take on a life of their own beyond our computer screen. And if they do, will anyone apart from our nearest and dearest bother to read them?

 

That’s why every writer needs a Barnabas or three. (What is the plural of Barnabas, anyway?) For the benefit of those of you who’ve not come across him before, Barnabas appears in the book of Acts, and his name means “son of encouragement”. He lived up to this label by supporting and encouraging many of the early Christian believers, including the Apostle Paul.

 

There are many individuals who’ve encouraged me on my writing journey, particularly within ACW. I think of my local writers’ group, who listened to the first rambling excerpts from my novel and still managed to find something positive to say. Then there are those who’ve persuaded me to keep trying even when I’m wallowing in self-doubt.

 

Even more valuable than finding a Barnabas, however, is learning to be a Barnabas. This is where the writer needs to look beyond the confines of their cobweb-ridden garret – or in the current climate, open up the Zoom tab – and engage with others. So, how can we encourage other writers?

 

·       Give positive feedback – this doesn’t mean fabricating compliments to make them feel good, but saying you enjoyed their book/blog post/letter to Woman’s Weekly can be a real boost.

·       Posting a favourable review will earn you their undying gratitude.

·       If you feel criticism is needed (or asked for – writers are a weird bunch), do it constructively. “I liked the basic story, but felt you needed to use more dialogue” is helpful. “Your book really sucks” is the sort of response you should keep to yourself.

·       Provide regular cups of tea and bars of chocolate. If that doesn’t hit the spot, try wine. 

·       If you know they’re working on something, take time to ask how it’s going – and be prepared to listen and make sympathetic noises when they dissolve into tears.

·       Take an interest in what they’re writing – and offer to pray for them.

·       Did I mention wine? (Cake is also good...)

Over to you – how can you “be more Barnabas” with your fellow-writers?

Fiona Lloyd is Chair of the Association of Christian Writers and is married with three grown-up children. Her first novel, The Diary of a (trying to be holy) Mum, was published by Instant Apostle in January 2018. Fiona also works part-time for Christians Against Poverty.

 

Twitter: @FionaJLloyd & @FionaLloyd16