Searching for a different perspective: Thoughts on the ACW Autumn Gathering, by Natasha Woodcraft

There have been a few mentions of ACW's Autumn gathering already on this blog, and I imagine there shall be more before the month is out. So, I may as well join in. At said gathering, one of the tasks Paul Kerensa set was considering familiar stories – biblical, fairytale or otherwise – from a different perspective. It made me think of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes which informed my childhood. I was a Missionary Kid. We didn’t have the Disney versions of fairytales – we had a tattered old copy of Revolting Rhymes. 

Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4468220

The Roald Dahl versions of fairytales were all I knew. I genuinely thought that Cinderella married a jam-maker, and Red Riding Hood shot the wolf with a pistol. We even put the rhymes on as stage shows in front of the other families. At the tender age of five or six, I got to be the beanstalk in Jack and the... It was a proud moment, though I’m sure I wasn’t tall enough.

I digress. The task set at the ACW gathering led to an interesting discussion between myself and Joanna Watson. Joanna suggested writing the story of Joseph from the perspective of Potiphar’s wife – wouldn’t that be different? It was a great idea. Unfortunately I had to inform her that someone has already done this – the lovely Mesu Andrews over in the States. Another suggested writing Noah’s Ark from the perspective of Noah’s wife – yup, someone’s done that too (Sorry!) Jill Eileen Smith if you want to know.

Biblical Fiction is my principle genre, so this discussion excited me. I’m always keeping an eye on new releases. Many are still tackling the familiar stories from a familiar perspective, but increasingly, I’m seeing more unusual ‘different perspective’ ideas emerging. The range of stories being written is also increasing. Rahab, Ruth, Esther, Joseph, David et al have all been covered multiple times, but other characters are starting to see the light of day.

When I started writing, it was with a different perspective idea, and if it’s not too pretentious to say so, I believe it was a ‘God-idea’. No-one else to my knowledge has ever written a story where Cain is the protagonist. Sure, he’s featured in novels about Adam and Eve, but he’s not been the MC. The idea excited me, but there have been some drawbacks post publication.

Is it hard to market? Oh yes, it is. Is it hard to categorise? Yes, it is. Eden didn’t pick up my first edition at all, and, despite correct metadata, Amazon shoved it in suspense and crime thrillers, because it was ‘about murder.’ (I can’t deny that features, but it’s hardly the main point.) It’s taken a lot of work to get The Wanderer Scorned seen in the right places. I can’t even write a blurb that follows ‘the rules’, because blurbs are meant to encourage your reader to root for your MC, and mine is an anti-hero. 

Yet, I believe God wanted me to write it. So I did. And I absolutely loved it! Though it’s tough getting people interested in the concept, if I can get readers past page one, they come away loving it too.

In summary, if you feel inspired to write a new perspective – please do! If you already are, please share it with me in the comments. I promise I won’t steal your idea. 

And if it gets tough along the way, remind yourself why you are doing it. Why do you write? If it's not for success, then don’t let that become your idol, no matter how many marketing emails you get. (I say that with repentance in my heart – for I know it's easier said than done.) Let’s continue to write for the love of it. 

Natasha Woodcraft lives in a slightly crumbling farmhouse in Lincolnshire with her husband, four sons and a menagerie of animals. She believes stories have power to communicate deep truth and transform lives. Her published novels, The Wanderer Scorned & The Wanderer Reborn, explore God’s redemptive purposes for messy people by reimagining the tale of Cain & Abel. Also a songwriter, Natasha peppers her emotional prose with poetry and song.