tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7015084040259761401.post7451885174840656014..comments2023-05-21T05:28:00.503-05:00Comments on Nicole Baart: Why I WriteNicole Baarthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12126739050064302961noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7015084040259761401.post-9786966128176241862010-01-20T21:51:59.874-06:002010-01-20T21:51:59.874-06:00I have such admiration for writers. I've trie...I have such admiration for writers. I've tried to write a book. I just don't have the passion or the patience for it. And while I can express myself well in a blog, or in a letter, or MAYBE a short story sitting down to write a book, to tell a story is quite another thing entirely. You have to have the storyteller knack and fill in all those details. It's something I'm not innately good at. I know you can learn and you can develop a talent, but quite frankly I just don't have the "IT" factor in me to make the effort. After a lot of soul searching, conversations with God and fruitless comparison to really really talented people (like you) I realized that's OK because I'm not really called to it. I'm called to enjoy the gift that God put in you and other writers. So I thank you for writing because you give me many hours of pleasure, and give me pause to contemplate life in a way I would never have considered because of your stories.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7015084040259761401.post-83164203501582109622010-01-14T18:47:17.743-06:002010-01-14T18:47:17.743-06:00Eureka! That's it! You have articulated the re...Eureka! That's it! You have articulated the reason I write as well. It's to engage people in a conversation and to invite them to enter into a relationship - with my characters. The characters I create reflect myself and my experiences with a greater measure of truth than I am often willing to admit. That's where I find myself - in their lives.<br /><br />I remember watching the 1977 film "Juila" about playwrite Lillian Hellman. I loved the scene where she became so frustrated she threw her typewriter out the window. So how many computers have you gone through, Nicole? :)<br /><br />The comments others have made about Tyndale are funny in a sad sort of way. Unfortunately most people have no idea how much work goes into writing a novel much less seeing it through the publishing process. It reminds me of how people reacted when they found out my husband and I were publishing a monthly Christian newspaper. We were often asked if it was full-time work or only part-time. My favorite reply to both became, "Only if it slows down!" I always enjoyed watching people's expressions as the meaning of this slowly dawned on them.<br /><br />Glad you are compelled to create conversations that engage your audience. Don't be discouraged, God is blessing the work of your hands!<br /><br />dorisDoris Fleckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02687264337708097523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7015084040259761401.post-43446669828568941932010-01-13T21:10:14.989-06:002010-01-13T21:10:14.989-06:00YES!!!YES!!!Katie Gansherthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09150375338556869812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7015084040259761401.post-20442519806795107912010-01-13T14:06:45.429-06:002010-01-13T14:06:45.429-06:00Nicole, this is such a beautiful post. Thank you f...Nicole, this is <i>such</i> a beautiful post. Thank you for being so open and honest and realistic. I think what you've explained is what it <i>should</i> be about. Best and blessings to you.Janna Leadbetterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06339705935553160673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7015084040259761401.post-86342917768645843682010-01-13T13:41:52.081-06:002010-01-13T13:41:52.081-06:00Thanks, Sara. You're so right--the world needs...Thanks, Sara. You're so right--the world needs hope and love. And glimpses of truth amidst the chaos. And moments of transcendence and light. And a hug... a touch of compassion, an "I understand." Keep writing, girl.<br /><br />Bina, you bless me. I write for people like you. :)<br /><br />Brittaney, thanks for stopping by. I'm so glad you liked my books, and I'm happy to tell you that I'm currently in the middle of writing the conclusion to Julia's story! My deadline is April 31 and the book should release early next spring. I'm hoping for a Valentine's Day release since this book will have a strong romantic element. A little different for me, but I'm very excited. Anyway, blessings with your own writing, wherever it takes you...Nicole Baarthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12126739050064302961noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7015084040259761401.post-81276470964326348132010-01-13T11:43:19.764-06:002010-01-13T11:43:19.764-06:00You don't have to publish this comment if you ...You don't have to publish this comment if you prefer, but wanted you to know that you are one of my happy makers today. Pop over if you get a minute:<br />http://binaspace.blogspot.com/2010/01/sweet-happiness.html<br /><br />:) BinaBinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04012123935576820284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7015084040259761401.post-34387887472990999072010-01-13T10:58:00.570-06:002010-01-13T10:58:00.570-06:00Nicole,
Hey I'm a first time commenter, but ha...Nicole,<br />Hey I'm a first time commenter, but have been reading your blog for a while in addition to having read all your books and loving them. <br /><br />I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy what you write, whether here on your blog or the books themselves. I can't wait for the next one, (I hope it is the conclusion to Julia's story) and I have recommended them to friends. <br /><br />I very much relate to your reason for writing. I'm not an author, I write for myself. But writing things out is how I process life.<br /><br />I really enjoy reading your voice. Keep it up.Brittaneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13766658979578139012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7015084040259761401.post-35955532574746626762010-01-13T10:55:57.187-06:002010-01-13T10:55:57.187-06:00This post made me cry... I love your beautiful he...This post made me cry... I love your beautiful heart and your transparency!!<br /><br />I pray that you continue to bask in the glow of the purpose that He gave you and that you are given groups such as this on your path...groups that keep your passion alive! Your words are important to many...and I speak as one touched by them. :)<br /><br />Many hugs,<br />BinaBinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04012123935576820284noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7015084040259761401.post-21265523413662745092010-01-13T10:29:54.166-06:002010-01-13T10:29:54.166-06:00Beautifully put, Nicole. I often question whether ...Beautifully put, Nicole. I often question whether the writing life is worth it, especially becaues of all the time it requires. I could be doing more constructive things, couldn't I? I also struggle with knowing whether this is truly my ministry, or if it's something I just want. Should I be spending so much time and energy trying to get published? And yet, as I pray about it, my heart is filled with passion for telling stories that give people a reason to hope. This world needs hope. And love. So, even though sometimes writing makes no sense to me, I know it's part of who I am and what I'm called to do. And I know I have to be obedient. Besides, what else would I do with all of these crazy characters running wild in my head? :-) <br />Blessings,<br />SaraSarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17741746499590680819noreply@blogger.com