Writing Lessons through the Lens of a Camera

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
I spend a lot of time with my husband, Kirk, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and I always bring my camera. I’m constantly amazed when I get home and see the pictures on a bigger screen at the way the images turn out. 
One day, as I was sorting images, I was struck by the parallel between this and writing. But I never know for sure until I’m back home. I just can't get the perspective I need to judge a photo in the tiny view window of my camera. 

Even when I get home and can see the images on my big computer screen, I still don't know how an image will be received by others—no matter how much I love it.
This is exactly like following God's call to write. 
Each manuscript—large or small—is in a way, a battle. I sit at my computer scope out the viewpoints, clamber over obstacles—like doubt, fear, and time—and plan what I’ll write. I sit and write, hoping that what I create is worthwhile, but never knowing until I’m finished. Then I can view it as a whole—like looking at my photographs on a larger screen. 
Then I have to go one step further with my writing. I have to put it out there for others to read. Sometimes it's my critique group, at other times it's my agent or a publisher. But I never know how God is going to use my writing (or my photography) until I'm willing send it off for others to see. 
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*NOTE: if you enjoyed this essay, I post regular devotions—paired with pictures I've taken—about life and faith on my Instagram account, @Stop2Pray and on my professional Facebook page, Edie Melson. 
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives.Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.