How well do you know yourself?

A light-hearted quiz for Christian writers

1 A non-writing friend asks you if you’re still 'churning out’ stories/poems/novels/books. Do you

A Tell her in no uncertain terms to get lost?

B Expound upon the difficulties involved in creating a vibrant piece of work?

C Take it as a compliment?

D Say,’ Oh gosh!’ and think your work must be the most boring on the planet?

2 A fellow writer asks you where you get your ideas, and you suspect, strongly, he’s short of his own supply. Do you

a)  A Tap your nose knowingly, and say, ‘Ah, that would be telling.’?

B Start with the Bible and move on to the characters at the bus stop, followed by your Great Aunt Harriet, the things your children say, and what happened at work last week?

C Smile and say, ‘I’m not sure. In all kinds of places and in all kinds of situations really,’ then highlight one idea that gave you a really good story?

D Grimace, and say, ‘I’m often a bit lost for ideas,’ and feel sure everything you have ever written has been done before, and much better? 

3 A relative says, in a voice of incredulity, ‘You’re still writing for children, are you?’  Substitute ‘for children’ with something you can relate to, for example, romantic novels, fantasy stuff, for The People’s Friend, Christian publishers, the parish magazine, etc. Do you

A Say, belligerently, ‘As a matter of fact I am. Bothers you, does it?’?

B Sock it to him/her. Give a blow-by-blow account of your latest success/near-success/ future-success?

C Tell your relative how much you love working in this field, and you’re never happier than when a new idea arrives in your head? Add a bit about God’s inspiration, for emphasis?

D Say, ‘Oh, do you think that’s a mistake?’ and worry that you’re wasting precious time?

4 You’re invited to read work aloud at a big meeting/workshop/course. Do you

A Take the attitude that if the audience don’t like it, it’s their problem?

B Take a breath and give it your all?

C Feel suddenly nervous, but tell yourself to get over it and start reading?

D Fear a panic attack, feel sick, and then read at top speed in order to escape as quickly as possible?

5 You’ve just read out your latest story/poem/creative writing at the local writers’ group. ‘Any comments?’ asks the leader. One member presses his fingers together and you know he’s about to spend the next seven minutes telling you what is wrong with it. Do you…

A Stare at him and sing a hymn in your head so his words will mean nothing to you?

B Make notes and when he has finished, demolish his points calmly, one by one?

C Possibly wince a couple of times, but thank him for his helpful remarks, telling him how useful his feedback is?

D Bite back the humiliation and wish you could slither under the table and die?

Your answers

Mostly A :

You have a strong personality, and that makes you an ideal member of the Christian family. You are not afraid to say what you think, and your ‘take-me-as-you-find-me’ attitude will give you the strength to face any disappointments or rejections that come your way. Perhaps inside you are not as strong and fearless as you seem. Remember that most people regard themselves as kind and helpful, even if they don’t always come over like that.

Mostly B:

You have a serious personality, and that makes you an ideal member of the Christian family. Although you may be a little wordy at times, your friends love you for your honest opinions and, yes, the way you consider everything with a slight frown on your face. Remember that though we cannot always agree with each other, it is sometimes better to say less rather than more. In fact, there are occasions when remaining silent can be an advantage, and also quite calming.

Mostly C:

You have a growing personality that has weathered many ups and downs over the years, and that makes you an ideal member of the Christian family. Remember what God has taught you through your experiences, and resolve to never stop learning about people, their personalities, their differences and their attitudes.

Mostly D:

You have a sensitive personality, and that makes you an ideal member of the Christian family. Many well-known authors admit they felt insecure when they first read their work aloud. Many writers are shy people who long for more confidence. If you grew up in a family where your opinion was not welcomed or valued, it can take a long time to build up your own self-esteem. It is not wrong to believe in yourself, and it’s ok to be nervous in challenging situations. Your opinion is of value, even if everyone in your writers’ group/family/Bible study meeting disagrees with you.

Veronica Bright has won over forty prizes for her short stories, now published in three collections. She writes reviews for Transforming Ministry. She is the ACW short story adviser, and together with Sally Todd runs the ACW Writing for Children group, whose members meet up on Zoom. For more details look on the Writing for Children Facebook page.

http://www.veronicabright.co.uk