What Inspires You to Write?

Today, I’m delighted to share what R.M. Archer (rmarcher.com) said about why she writes. Don’t forget to check out her fine website!

“Well… that’s been a journey. Originally it was just for fun. I loved stories, and I wanted to make my own. I wanted to explore worlds and different scenarios and lives different from my own, so I did. It took me… kind of an embarrassingly long time, I think, to start really connecting my writing with my faith. I acknowledged it as a God-given calling, but I didn’t really involve Him in the process in any way; I was still really just writing for fun.

And then at some point I started being more aware of the power fiction has to convey themes and to promote values and whatnot, and I realized how important stories about genuine struggles can be, and I started writing more intentionally. Which still wasn’t especially deep at first, but then I finally discovered the stories I really want to tell, some that feature broken characters and explore human nature and reveal grace and forgiveness, as well as stories that show the importance of community and characters who are more mature in their desire to do good and that are a lot lighter than those other stories.

At this point, I write because fiction is powerful and I think that God has called me to use this art form to make an impact and to add more Christian perspective to YA fiction, in particular, and to encourage people to think about things differently. (All of which is in His power, not mine.) And I also find that I come to understand God’s nature in new and deeper ways through the process of writing, and as I reflect His creativity I come to see tiny glimpses of His perspective, in a way. So… yeah. It’s been a journey, and I think it will continue to be.”