Some Thoughts about Writers and a Challenge
Posted: Thursday, December 10, 2009
by Marijo Phelps
My husband, Mick, has a great sense of humor. He seems to see the irony in a situation and is able to laugh at himself or circumstances in such a way that it is really funny to those listening. He also gets my admiration for not using a person as the butt of his joke. In my opinion it takes a clever person to be able to make someone laugh without using another person’s weak points.
Not so that I can rebut what they say and try to make them change their mind. A good dialog is healthy but this is not why I am so eager to read their next article. I don’t read their postings to see what creative names they are going to call those who disagree with them, nor to hear them YELL on paper at those who don’t see the issue the way they do.
I read and am actually drawn to these writers because they give me something to think about - yet they have shared their views – many times with quotes and sources – without beating their “counterparts" over the head with their opinions. These writers express and express well their ideas, why they believe the way they do but don’t have the need to put down those who think differently on a given subject. They leave me free to see things as I do without feeling belittled. They make their point and leave room for those who think differently.
Speaking softly to make their point with a respectful, objective and civilized way of sharing, and I do listen. Their method is much more effective in gaining the hearing of their reader than the same topic being used, more or less as a club to beat the reader into agreeing with that writer’s point of view.
I feel two of the most impactful writers are Mogama and Edward Rhymes. I was thinking about them when I wrote this article. They are passionate about their subject and can be gracious enough so this reader might even consider something from a different perspective than is her usual or “normal" view. They are writers with excellence and a purpose accomplished.
I want to take the challenge to be that kind of writer. It is a valid challenge and I think that we at Searchwarp are more than able to rise to this occasion!
(C) Marijo Phelps all rights reserved. Use with proper credits.
Marijo Phelps,saved by Jesus grace in 1974, from 9 years atheism into His loving arms. She is wanting to spread the good news about His redemptive plan for our lives through written media. Her name is pronounced Mary Jo. She was an RN for 23+ years, missionary with YWAM,statistical analyst for Every Home for Christ 9 years. Her first poem published when she was four years old. (her mom had much to do with that!) She has been writing ever since.
Her new blog can be found: http://myincrediblelord.blogspot.com
Her new blog can be found: http://myincrediblelord.blogspot.com
This Article has been viewed 806 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
More commentsAn interesting piece on writing. I agree that having a passion for the topic being communicated makes a big difference in the way the message is delivered.Thanks for coming by and commening George!Well said, I totally agree with your comments.Thanks Dianna - we need to remember!
Great article Marijo. Good points we would all do well to remember.Thanks so much Joyce for your comments and the "stars"!
Good article and good examples, Marijo. I don't write on SearchWarp often, but agree with you. I read and learn.Glad you stopped by! Thanks for your encouragement,Lorrie!
We could all take that challenge!Thanks for reading and commenting.
Before I read this article, I had previously noted what an encourager Marijo is. My dear, you are one of the reasons I keep working to improve my writing. I certainly have a long way to go as a writer. You mentioned Edward Rhymes...I enjoy his writing a lot. I am convinced that one needs to be just as prolific a Searchwarp reader as writer. So I'm taking to time to read even more of what our fellow writers post. I will definitely continue reading your writes, because they are just refreshing every time. And yes, your compliment means a lot to me; it may be one of the best Christmas presents I'll get this year, so I'm hugging, unwrapping it right now. Blessings to you, my pen pal...you know what I mean... ~mogama~My dear Brother ~ I am so blessed by your note ~ I was writing the article and happened to be talking to another SWer and mentioned you and Edward and your graciousness and how I both felt you got your points across (not with a sledge hammer) and she said "why don't you include that in your piece...." I said "Could I?" and you know the rest of the story! Thanks for reading, your comments and the stars! Marijo
Marijo, your article reminded me of a quote I found in my pocket calendar, "we find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't." Frank A. Clark. Terrific article. Thank you.Thanks for coming and commenting Deana! Still thinking on yours about holiday eating and using it too! WON'T power?!
I agree! A good writer is not defined by writing information I agree with. In a lot of ways a good writer is supposed to put you out of your comfort zone and inspire you to think new things. Thanks for this article!Yes, I totally agree and thanks for reading and commenting!
Very interesting article. I also love making other people laugh but I make sure that I will not use a person to be the object of laughter because I might hurt that person and I don't want that happen.Totally agree....thanks for reading and your encouragement! Marijo
Great message, Marijo. Definitely one for the library on the login page.Thanks so much Bruce.... I was writing Teresa on e-mail and in the middle thought "boy, this should be an article to post...." Where is the library on the log in page? (Still in the learning curve here) FOUND IT - had never even seen that before as I log in and go.....MarijoYou are quite welcome. I thought posting those articles on the login page would be a good idea, but I think for some reason many don't see them there (I guess there are there to log in and nothing else.) Perhaps I should re-think that. Maybe a page just for writing advice?That would be wonderful! I have been very active on SW for over 4 months now and have never noticed that library before Marijo
Told you I'd try to catch up on your stuff. I liked this one. thanks.Thanks so much Jack! Blessings!! Marijo
More comments
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.