You’ll Never Write Alone by Emily Owen

During the summer, I went to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition. There were some stunning images. I was with two of my nephews, and most of the pictures took on lives of their own, as we created stories from them.

One picture was of a big cat walking on a fallen tree across a river, and we talked about whether it was trying to get from something or to something. Josiah (8) said, ‘We could write a story about this. You write a bit, then I’ll write a bit, etc’. So we are. In case you're wondering, the cat is trying to get away from something. I think. It was last time, anyway, but these things can change...

Josiah is very keen on books. For him, both writing and reading are things to be enjoyed together.

But what about times when, despite ACW and all the support it offers, we feel as though we are going it alone?

‘Writing is a lonely job.’ – Stephen King

Another photo at the exhibition was of a dolphin leaping out of the water. I said to the boys, “look at that, isn’t it amazing, it’s jumping so high.” Micah (6) earnestly responded; “Yes, but Aunty Memem, we mustn’t forget the audience.”

I looked again, and yes, there was an audience. I’d been so focussed on the dolphin, that I’d missed those who were alongside it.

As Christian writers, perhaps we sometimes forget that we are not alone on our journey. We have an Audience. God watches over us. We are together with him.

On Wednesday evening, I attended Ruth O'Reilly-Smith's book launch. It was such a privilege to be there, and what came over through it all from Ruth was; ‘God and I wrote this book together. God told me what to write.'

We mustn’t forget our Audience. God watches over every thought, every word typed, every word deleted…..not as a dispassionate observer, but as One who is ‘together’ with us.

Last weekend, I spent a long-awaited day with my sister. One of those days that has been in the diary for a long time and began to seem as though it would never arrive. But arrive it did. We had lunch at a lovely tea shop, then walked down to the coast. After a while, my sister asked if I’d like to walk on and take the long way to the car, or turn round and head straight back (my walking is not very good). I said it would be lovely to keep going. I had no idea what ‘the long way’ would entail; rough terrain, steep hills??

But what I did know was that my sister was walking with me and that, if I really couldn’t make it, she’d go back and get the car. That was enough.

I did make it, and so got to see more of the sea, but knowing I had a safety net made all the difference.

In the ups and downs of our writing journeys, knowing that we are together with God makes all the difference; no matter what happens, we are safe.

The tea shop had a picture on the wall, hanging just above the table where we sat:

(Text: There is Always Time For Tea)

There is also always time to remember that we never write alone….

For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.

(Isiah 41:13)