"The
single greatest lesson that I learned is rather simple: Love is costly.
My prayer is that someday the body of Christ will be color-blind, that
we will stop talking about loving people and simply demonstrate it."
Tedd Galloway
Every writer has a unique style and method. Recently I had the
chance to ask my friend, Tedd Galloway, a few questions about his
approach to writing.
Every writer has a method they tend to follow. What is your routine like?
I guess I have two methods that I try to use. I have two fiction
works that I try to spend time on three or four times per week. With our
current living circumstances it is difficult at times. The second
method is how most of my short works originate. That process is what I
refer to as; Receptive, Ready and Responsive. I will go into a little
more detail later. Many of my poetic pieces came as I prepared my heart
for worship. Another soul feeding place is when I have the opportunity
to sit quietly outdoors. My short piece that is close to my heart was
given to me as I listened to, Amy's Lullaby. The Dance of the Innocents, represents one of the first impress given pieces.
Your book, A Mother's Heart Moved the Hand of God, is a memoir of your time spent in Africa. When you were writing it did you rely on journals, memories or both?
When I wrote, A Mother's heart Moved the Hand of God,
I relied on two very trustworthy sources. I wrote in my journal the
events surrounding the actual adoption process involving Ana. The other
events and information in the book came from events and impressions
pressed so deeply in my mind that their recall was never difficult. When
I started the actual writing pages poured forth with little effort.
At what point did you realize a book would come from your experience?
I never intended the writing to become a book for the public. In all
honesty, I began the writing as a form of therapy. I was in such
conflict over the events that transpired that I doubted the very
foundation stones of my life, my faith in God. It was later when friends
asked about my writing that I allowed some to read it. The comments
that came were encouraging and moved me in the direction of a completed
manuscript and the final book.
Have you considered writing something for those considering overseas
mission work, perhaps 'Lessons Learned' or 'A Missionaries Survival
Guide'?
I have not considered writing for those anticipating or wanting to
place themselves in mission work. It is something that could happen.
What advice would you give to anyone considering mission work, whether abroad or in their homeland?
If God has placed mission work upon your soul then you must respond.
You know it because it never leaves you alone. Never enter the mission
field because it might be exciting or look good on your resume. Also, be
prepared to have questions in your heart that do not have easy answers,
or for that matter, any answers. Do not attempt to change people, be
prepared to have people change you. If the life of Christ is being lived
out in you, He will bring about transformation.
The back cover of your book states- Due to a spinal cord injury he
spends his time writing and speaking at various churches'. It seems that
art is often born from pain. Had it not been for the injury, do you
think you would writing today?
I might not be writing the materials I am today if not for pain. The
initial pain of my spirit and soul brought about my manuscript. My
spinal cord injury brought about the need to leave full-time pastoral
ministry. My divine charge from God was to communicate the message of
the gospel. As my pulpit ministry has diminished it seems my writing
ministry is increasing. For me, the knowledge that my writing might be
used by God beyond my years and space is very rewarding.
Your poetry is always a visual experience for me. What sparked your
interest in poetry and were any of your teachers influential?
I am not really sure what sparked my interest in poetry. I think it
started with thoughts that seemed to want to be written down. That might
sound dumb. Many times, short pieces came rather quickly. My piece on
Easter took about ten minutes. I think a few things are very important
in how I view my writing. I am receptive. I am open to new ideas, such as poetry. I want my mind and heart to be receptive to words and images. I am ready.
When I go anywhere I want to be sure to have a pen and at least a scrap
of paper. Many pieces have been composed on the back of a church
program, on a bank envelope or receipt. Now I have a tablet in each
vehicle. I am responsive.
When a word comes into mind, I write it down right away. I have lost a
few words and ideas because I didn't write them down right away. Just
jotting down the main idea or couple of words is all it takes to implant
the thought in my brain. I think I flunked English Comp. All of the
rules and hard to pronounce guides didn't make sense to me. When I got
serious about writing the manuscript an English Teacher and and Creative
Writing instructor gave me a lot of suggestions and guidance. He taught
on the college level and helped me far beyond the selection of words.
Who are your favorite authors?
My favorite authors are C.S. Lewis. I read his Chronicles of Narnia
to the kids growing up. His other writings seem to feed a different part
of me. J.R.R. Tolkien is another favorite, as his ability to bring us
into his fantasy world is wonderful. Francis Schaffer is another writer
who continues to feed a part of me. I don't like to admit this, but I
seldom read for pleasure or entertainment anymore. There is a lot I want
to do, and much more that doesn't get done.
What are you currently reading?
I read my Bible, not everyday, like I should. I am reading some
books on writing skills. I just reread works by Swindoll and Schaffer.
I know you writing will continue to encourage and influence others.
What advice would you give to a young person considering writing as a
career?
Thank you, Tedd.
Tedd Galloway has pastored six churches. After serving three years in Zambia as a missionary, Tedd and his family bought a farm in Michigan. You can follow Tedd's blog at http://aservantsheartministry.blogspot.com/
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