Dr James Cooper on writing

This is my first year acting as a judge in the Stories of Life competition, and I can’t wait to read all the great stories that get sent my way. But what I love about Stories of Life is that it’s so much more than a writing competition. It not only offers special recognition for outstanding storytelling, but also seeks to encourage and equip people to tell their stories of faith. The competition really does serve a much bigger purpose.

 

Writing can be a solitary activity, but we constantly draw inspiration from those around us. Further, in writing to be read we do so for the sake of others, not just ourselves. In short, there is a strong communal dimension to the writing process. What a blessing, therefore, that the growing community of writers that is SOL is motivated by a spirit of Christian fellowship, which seeks always to “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thess 5:11).

 

That’s what Feedback Month (run throughout June) is all about. I don’t know of any other writing competition that gives people a chance to send in their drafts and receive feedback from published authors before the competition deadline!

 

Of course, sharing your writing with others can be scary. We pour so much of ourselves into our creative work that putting it forward for someone else to respond to can feel like we’re being judged. That said, there’s no better way to ensure what you’ve written will have the desired impact than to try it out first.

I’ve been teaching creative writing for over ten years, and in September this year my first novel will be published through MidnightSun Publishing. I can assure you, the advice and feedback I received from my fellow writers made a huge difference when it came to editing and revising my novel, making it a much better story, and attracting the attention of a commercial publisher.

 

So, if you’re thinking of sending in a draft during Feedback Month, I’d encourage you to do so. You can be confident that the feedback you’ll receive will be insightful, constructive, and offered in a spirit of encouragement. Ask anyone who’s sent work in for feedback before, and they’ll tell just how helpful it was.