I Write, I am not a Writer
J.N. Manokaran
One day in 1992 I was summoned by the director of an organization, where I was working as a missionary. The secretary warned me as I went inside that the boss was very furious and she also did not know the reason for his anger. He blasted few minutes without telling me the reason for his outburst. Then he questioned me, “How can you write in a magazine?” (I was puzzled. I did not know my article was published.) Some people do not like your writing.” I said, “I have just written the truth that is biblically sound.” He stood up in his anger and said, “The issue is not the truth. Some people are offended. You cannot write. If you write any more, you will be dismissed.” I appreciate him for he kept his word; ultimately he dismissed me from that organization.
Lord enabled me to write many articles and four books. The first book, opened for me to speak in an International conference. The boss who dismissed me was there just as a delegate and did not have courage to even greet me.
This is how my journey as a person who writes, began.
Encouragement - Light of Life
Then I sent one article to Light of Life. I got a quick reply from Mr. P. Abraham, who invited me to participate in Writers’ Workshop in Bombay (Not Mumbai at that time). It gave me encouragement, impetus and opportunity to write.
Dr. Selwyn Ebenezer of Follow-Up Ministries, Oddanchatram, Tamil Nadu was indeed the first one to suggest that I should write as he thought my letters to him was well written and organized. I will thank these two men of God, just encouraged me to write.
Am I a writer?
Many times I wonder, whether I am a writer? Then I conclude, I write but not yet a writer. I know I make several grammar mistakes in my articles. My sentence structures are not good enough. My thoughts are not deep enough. Then how were my articles got published? There was no competition. Many times editors did not have option as they had to meet the deadlines. (In secular publications, editors choose only 10% material and reject 90%. Christian editors do not have that luxury.) In fact, there are great thinkers, wonderful communicators, magnificent English scholars among Indian Christian community who could write ten or more times better than me. But, sadly they do not write. So, when I write, they are published.
Writing is expensive
Writing many times do not bring rewards. Only Light of Life editors pay writers for their contribution to encourage them. Other Christian magazines may not pay the writers. When I began it was not easy rather expensive. I had to write, then type it and then post the same. It costs time, energy and money. You may not get even a reply for months and suddenly you may see your article in one of the issues. The time spent in thinking, creating and writing; typing and posting and the cost involved is not adequately rewarded. The email submission has made life easier.
Christian Writers cannot survive by writing
Another issue is that Christian Writers cannot become full time writers like Chetan Bhagat (Author of books like: Five Point Someone which became a movie 3 Idiots). The reason is an unhealthy attitude of Christian community. When I sell my books, they look at the price and say, ‘How much discount you can give?’ They do not ask the same question when they buy their dresses from a mall or pick up electronic gadgets. One person said, ‘The printing of the book would cost just Rs. 40 per copy, why are you selling at Rs. 120?’ He does not value the writer’s labour, thoughts and ideas but just paper and ink. I have written and published four books and have not got ‘royalty’ and great gifts for the same.
Writing changes lives
I can boldly say that writing changes lives. Not only the people who read, even the writer himself (herself). Small articles, blogs, personal stories could change the lives of readers. One article I sent by email helped a young girl to change her decision to end life by suicide. Another article changed an organization leader’s life which was sliding into depression. One of my books changed the perspective of a young missionary; he started a new ministry that brought great harvest into the Kingdom of God.
Writing is a mission
It is important to understand that Christian writing is not hobby or career or profession but mission. Christians are salt of the earth and light of the world. So, we have a mandate to be change agents, trend setters, value imbibers, moral and spiritual leaders, and guide. These can happen by writing, articulating the truth of God in the corrupted popular culture.
Role of Christian publishers
Develop writers: Recently one of the readers of an article that I circulated through Internet wrote a very critical response. I wrote back to him stating you response is highly appreciated, what is the use if only I read, why can’t you write as article and circulate it to wider audience. He replied that he wanted to write but needed help. I suggested that he should attend ‘Writers’ Vision Workshop’ I conducted. He was there, got a vision and started writing. He has got three good articles published in a National Weekly magazine. My critic has become my competitor, which is better.
Develop readers: The other important thing publishers should do is to develop the taste of readers. Christians should learn to buy good literature, appreciate it and encourage such publications.
No short cuts: Many Christian publishers get a donation from foreign authors and publish with that capital their books in India. But it is difficult to sell, so they give huge discounts. But, how many read such books? Instead, they should develop Indian Christian writers by conducting trainings,giving incentive and awards.
Writers’ Vision Workshops
One of the ministries I do with few friends is to give vision to Christians to write. We challenge them to write i.e. provide basis for writing and create a vision. The second step is to provide skills – How to write? Third, provide mentoring service for budding writers. Four, - create platform for writers to write – magazines and web publications. Five, leading a network of writers that shares experiences, expertise and constructively help each other.
Challenge
In the era of democratic media of Internet, each and every Christian has an opportunity to write for the Glory of God. Will Christians take this challenge and be light for all literates in this country and beyond?
