It has been said that words are one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind. In that they allow us to scratch the surface of an idea and to share that experience with a limited group of others… yes, words are invaluable. But without the incarnation of idea, words are hardly more than mathematical symbols. They are, in fact, rather blunt instruments that often get in the way of true magic. This basic linguistic understanding greatly informs my own storytelling.
IMO too many writers are confused about this fact, and they become slaves to the romantic notion that words have some innate power that supersedes ideas which can, like a crutch, weaken their own ideas and certainly their ability to share those ideas with a large audience, assuming that interests them.
Language. Growing up as a missionary kid on an island that had over 700 distinct languages and nearly as many linguists who’d committed their lives to understanding those languages and translating the Bible into them, I was introduced to the world of language and words very young.
There are roughly 6,000 spoken languages in the world today. Of those, roughly 28% have fewer than 1,000 speakers. Not taking into consideration duplication or dialects, let’s then say that there are roughly 6,000 words for what we call a “Pig” in the world today. Three of these are, Pig (English,) Wam (Dani,) and Babi (Indonesian.) The word Wam, which means pig to only a few thousand people in the world, is nothing but nonsense to the rest of the world. Garbage. Only when both the speaker and the hearer connect to that word an idea (in this case a four-legged creature with a specific set of defining characteristics) does the word have any great value.
Words are of little value unless they effectively synthesize an idea. Now, the idea of a pig, this wonderful four-legged beast treasured in the east and slaughtered in the west, is universally magical. But the word itself, Wam or Babi or Pig, is only magical in that it, like a tag or a number, identifies the idea behind that word.
As storytellers, we must be slaves to bringing ideas and story to life in the imagination of others. Words can be either magnificent tools in helping us achieve this end, or blunt obstacles to that same end. Either way, we must remember that they are only that. Conduits for the exchange of ideas. The wiring that allows for transference, like in a computer processor, hence the comparison of language and mathematics.
Naturally it’s tough to separate words from the ideas they represent in any given language, so yes, you could make the argument that words are as magical as the idea’s they represent, but only if they work as advertised which has as much to do with the reader as with the writer because the words by themselves are weak, dormant, useless. Certainly not magical.
So what does this mean to us as writers? If your stories are awakening magic in the hearts and minds of many that speak your language, your words are probably not getting in the way of that magical story. You’re hitting enough right switches and sending enough right signals to ignite within others the idea that has been awakened in your own mind. The light has gone on in the reader’s mind and they are thrilled by the magic. The “wiring” in your novel—no matter how crude or twisted or odd or interesting other writers might think of it—has illuminated many lights, perhaps many more than their own fine wiring. Bravo.
If, however, your stories are awakening magic in the hearts and minds of only a few in same said language, your words might very well be getting in the way for most. Not necessarily a bad thing, by the way, but not effective if one of your hopes is to share said story with many as opposed to the few who get your fine wiring.
The geeks care about the innards of that iMac, but most only care about what’s on the screen. The idea. A good writer is one who can take those rather blunt instruments called words and string them together in a way that turns lights on.
So, is Stephanie Meyer a good writer? Clearly her words aren’t getting in the way of her ideas. She’s ignited them in the imaginations of many quite effectively. Regardless of how you might judge those ideas, the transference of them through this medium called words is clearly good. From a linguist’s perspective, you would be hard pressed not to call that an excellent use of words. The wiring works well. Her use of writing is good. Even excellent.
Another case and point: Which is the better metaphorical use of words to describe Jesus in John 1:29, Lamb of God or Piglet of Allah? Both are metaphors, both are fiction, both are true, neither was written or spoken by John himself (he didn’t speak English or Dani.)
The linguists where I grew up used the latter metaphor because these words best translated the verse’s true meaning among a group that had never seen a lamb. Instead they carried around their treasured piglets as a shepherd might carry around a lamb.
When transference of a story is the writer’s objective, the best writing is that which best illuminates the magic of that story in the reader’s mind.
Go find a magical idea. Use words to pass it on to others. This is a beautiful thing.
Are you writer? Agree or disagree, comment below. Be heard.
Wow, this was so cool! As a writer, I had always thought of words as the magic, but it truly is the idea behind the words that gives a story depth and beauty. LOVE this, Ted! Thanks for the awesome insight!
This is great, Ted.
I don’t agree or disagree with the post, but I’d love to be heard by you for clarification.
When I think “idea,” three things pop up in my head: 1) Idea means “the point” of the story; 2) idea means the theme of the story; 3) idea is the answer to the question Why am I reading this story?
I don’t know if one or any of those three thoughts fit what you mean by “idea,” Ted, but that’s what hit me while reading your post. Am I on the right track?
If idea is the point, the theme, and the answer to the question Why?, then to write without idea, as I’m seeing it, is like 1 Corinthians 13:1: “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal (NASB).”
It’s interesting when “idea” is inserted into the place of “love” in that verse: “If I (write), but do not have (idea), I have become a noisy gong.”
As per your post, noisy gong equals “blunt instruments” and “mathematical symbols.”
I’m not sure if I’m tracking with your thoughts on idea 100 percent, Ted, but I will proceed as though I were, meaning idea equals “the point,” the theme, and the answer to the question Why?
Based on that, I have a question for you that I believe all aspiring writers would love to hear your thoughts on.
I’m in the process of editing the first draft of my 100,000-word manuscript, and, while I believe I’ve scratched the surface of idea, I have not reached the point of “diving deep,” as you’ve encouraged all of us to do. I believe the same is true for many other unpublished, aspiring authors here.
My question is this: From your experience, what practical suggestions do you have for us aspiring writers who can dream big but can’t quite lasso those dreams? By lasso, I mean the ability to grip our ideas and deliver them to readers with all the fervor and oomph that we originally envisioned.
In your writing of the Circle Series, I assume you had the overall picture of the story in mind. You had the idea. But, for the sake of we aspiring writers, how did you inch your way to your idea? Sentence to sentence, paragraph to paragraph, chapter to chapter.
What did you ask yourself at the beginnings and ends of those sentences, paragraphs, chapters? What stewed in your mind? What notes did you make for yourself? How did you “test” your idea so that you knew it was in fact illuminating and reaching into people’s hearts? When did you know you’d nailed your idea like an arrow ripping through the bullseye?
I don’t mean to lay on question after question. I’m just a fan who loves your work for Jesus Christ, and who feels called to work in the same way.
Please consider these questions as nothing more than my attempt to dive a little deeper.
Thank you, Ted.
As an inspiring writer, I’ve been waiting and hoping for this blog post like a beggar hopes for daily bread.
Thank you again.
Caleb Breakey
wow i have never thought of words in that context, i am doing my best to write stories and from now on i will keep that in mind and will use it to my advantage as much as i can. thank you so much. Todd Croxton
Your post reminded me of lots of well crafted movies that had the latest special effects and millions invested in their production. However, when the story-line (i.e. the idea behind) is very weak, then the whole film sucks and is boring.
On the other hand, there are the occasional films out there that have a great story. Even if the film is fairly low budget and has not many special effects it still can captivate an audience when the idea behind the film, i.e. the story is gripping.
iMac? Real geeks use Linux.
Wow! I loved reading this! I am a writer and I share my stories online, well parts of them, and it helped me!
Love it Mr. Dekker! It most certainly gives me ideas of how to better my writing. You are truley an inspiration.
This is very deep and it makes me think in a whole new way about words,ideas,and books.Thank you Ted Dekker.
Wow.
Ha. “Wow.” Now there’s an example of a word that fails to portray the idea that ignited it. What you’ve written here is brilliant.
Until a couple of years ago, I myself often thought of the words I would craft as having their own mysterious, self-sufficient power. More recently I’ve realized that the words are only a vessel made to contain the stunning power of the ideas that thrill me and provoke me to write of them. Much like we are only vessels for the power and truth of our God, who fuels and sustains us beyond ourselves.
Before I ramble too much more, I’ll say thanks for writing this. It was a much-needed reminder that real power and truth is found not in what we can see, but in what is far beyond our grasp. Words on a page mean nothing if there is not an invisible but profound truth woven through every inky letter.
-Amy
wow, I’m showing the italics part at the end to my English teacher. I have that issue, and you just explained it for me. I write stories that I think are quite good, but when other people read them they aren’t always as enthralled as myself, but once I go in and change the wording a bit, BOOM it seems to click (sometimes). The idea was there but people couldn’t get it because of my words
Man! It’s so true, because if you can’t make the connection, then the whole story gets chucked out the window. Great advice, and a great read.
i definitely agree. and it’s something you never think of–words mean nothing without the ideas behind them, and ideas are difficult to convey without words…or some form of creative expression
This is definitely an issue for me as a beginning writer. My words do get in the way a lot, because I want to make sure the reader understands everything I mean to say. I’m trying to learn to write in such a way that I don’t need to clarify everything, and just let the story speak for itself. Thanks for a great post!
I’m a student of writing and animating and it awes me to realize the similarity between the two after reading this, the ability to bring an idea to life through writing or drawing, and viewing the final outcome of all that work as the true magic, has helped me better understand and utilize my skills in both to make my ideas more intriguing to other people. Thank you Ted Dekker for this helpfull and refreshing bit of knowledge.
Wonderfully put! It’s good advice, even for a songwriter. Personally, I’m terrible with words, and sometimes I really struggle with conveying an idea. For example, how do you describe, in a few simple sentences, what others cannot physically see, and do it without the use of too many cliches? I struggle with that much of the time. I mean, it’s not like you can easily sing words like “cacophony” or “dimensional”, but it’s almost like you lose the magic of the lyrics and the story if you use simpler words. It takes a real gift, and lots of hard work to convey an idea well.
By the way, you are really gifted, Mr. Dekker. God has truly blessed you with an understanding of language, as well as a complex and beautiful imagination. I’ve finished reading Black, Red, and White for the second time, and the magic of the story is never lost, bringing tears to your eyes. I especially cried while reading White… the story touched my heart profoundly. Thank you! May God continue to bless you!
I completely agree! I want to write but constantly find myself incapable of getting the ideas into word form. I’m only 16 so I have time improve that, but it still gets irritating.
There’s a song, Meridian, written by August Burns Red, that goes on for 6 minutes, but the only words in the song are: “The people who survive the sword will find favor in the desert. [Jeremiah 31:2]
I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt. [Jeremiah 31:4]
I am the painter making this mess a masterpiece.
I will rebuild you up again.” Oddly enough it matches with the Color Trilogy incredibly well, and it shows that an author can convey a wonderful idea in just a few short lines.
Thanks Ted for the words of wisdom! As being a writer myself, I always thought of a successfull book merely being a couple hundred thousand words being placed in the right order, nothing more. I now also realize it’s the idea that gives so much magic to the story. Thanks again!
Awesome. As a writer, I knew that transferring my idea into words was important, but I never thought about my words possibly getting in my way. We get so comfortable in our own little place that most of the time we forget there’s a whole world out there. Words and metaphors in one language could mean nothing in another. It all depends on the worlds used for a specific language to convey the same idea. Thanks for the tip. You truly have a way with words. I don’t believe yours get in your way too often, if at all.
Hmm, I think I see what you’re saying Ted and I mostly agree.
While the best and most important part of any media is the idea and the concept, I still do see some magic in the words themselves. Most ideas are shared by cultures and can be communicated across languages, but there are some things that do set languages apart from each other. Locked up in those “tags” if you will is thousands of years of history and human experience that has made our language-culture what it is today.
I speak English and Thai, so I will draw my examples from there. In Thai we have a word called grang jai that there isn’t any real English equivalent to, yet it is an extremely important and frequently used word. It’s like obligation, duty, honor, respect, and awkwardness, but then it’s entirely different. If you are learning Thai for the first time, no amount of explaining in English will ever fully and accurately give you the idea behind grang jai. Chances are it’s going to take several months if not longer for you to really understand this aspect of our language and consequently of our culture.
So yes words are only representations of ideas and “wiring” if you will, but between words and languages there are still so many differences and subtleties, that I still say the words themselves have their own magic. As you pointed out, even words with the the same literal meaning can have totally different associations and feelings attached to them. Language is the living history of a people and a collection of common experiences.
But as for most of what you said about words getting in the way and being the wiring I agree completely. And words most certainly do not have power that supersedes ideas. In my mind though, I still see words as inseparable from the ideas they represent in a way because of the slight subtleties and feelings attached to them.
I have these ideas; these wonderful stories in my mind, but somehow as I write them or even speak them I find the vernacular of my tale is that of my own mind. It is my own internal shorthand which makes the story.
I had a pretty isolated upbringing and I don’t really relate to any culture as an insider.
How does one overcome that isolation and become able to communicate in the language of the Everyman?
I really needed to read that! Thank you!!! I really love to write, but often find it hard to get something going. Then, when I finally get an idea in my head, words tend to fail me. But this helped with that a little. Thanks!
Ever since I was little, I always liked to write. But only recently has it become a passion.
God always has me writing something; He has me writing so much, but with so many different stories, that I havent finished even one yet! Even though writing has only been a passion for a little over a year now.
I have a strange ‘style’ of writing… Instead of just writing about the characters, I virtually become the character. But that comes with some difficulty; because every character has a diiferent view on life, things, has different ways of thinking and more! But thats when ‘the real magic happens’.
I get so involved in the writing that I cant stop writing unless I have too!
many times because of that, when my friends read my stuff, they dont even know I wrote it sometimes!
Fairly recently the stories have gone past stories, they’ve become real. And that only makes me love writing more.
One thing I have had a problem with at times was, in fact, my wording. As of late thats happened to me quite a bit.
I agree with your blog for that very reason. I hope this will help me out!
Hey! I totally understand waht your saying. I’m growing up in China and, currently learning the language. Totally get it.
Hugs and Kisses,
Mei
I’m still just an aspiring writer so I don’t presume to know what is most important in writing and what isn’t… though I definitely understand where you are coming from. Great entry, Ted.
I definitely agree!!
I am assuming that as a Christian writer, you’ve read Madeleine L’Engle’s memoirs/instructions on writing and she says much the same thing. Think before you write, and when you write, JUST write. Don’t think. As well as Only when you can get out of the way of the story can the story live, breathe, become. We have to listen to our stories, much in the same way as we try to listen to our God. Confusing, BIG ideas, but I think there is truth in them. As a writer I strive for these things.
with what i read now, i appreciate what it means to be a writer. i grew up writing my thots out and even while talking to God. though im writing a novel now, Ted opened my eyes to the fact that words are different from ideas and which its going to help in the book im writing. Thank you Ted, keep it up
It was so incredible for me to read this. I grew up as a missionary kid too and have often had interest in different languages and the words used in getting across ideas. I love to write, and reading this was so helpful and inspiring
I am currently in the process of writing a Trilogy that I believe God wants me to write about. I have had some hard times trying to figure out what to do or where to go within my story. This helped me figure alot out. Thanks. Keep up the Great work. Saint is one of my all time favorites!
My husband has been encouraging me to write for years and I have all these stories building inside me. Problem: no time…5 kids…fear of failing. I love to read “good writers”. Classics, your stuff, etc. If I pick up a book and the writing is poor, I lose interest by page 3. I’m afraid of falling into that pit. Your blog gave me a little spark of hope. One day, if I’m not too old by then, maybe God will ignite these latent dreams and let me speak His words in print. Thanks.
I’ve never thought about it in that way, but it makes a lot of sense. You have such a intersecting way of thinking. I think this will help me a lot during my writing.
Thank you so much! I have only recently discovered that I love writing. Part of the reason that it has taken me sooo long to discover this is the very problem you mentioned! I had ideas, but I didn’t believe that I was an adequate master of words, so I became discouraged and never wrote. I am currently trying to write a story, and my fear of the correct vocabulary and punctuation was starting to come back to haunt me. I needed this! Thank again!
God never ceases to amaze me. This is the first time visiting your site and I stumbled onto this blog. This was a source of great encouragement to me.
I’ve been working on a book since I was laid off six months ago. Whether it’s “good” or not remains to be seen, but my mind definitely tends to sway towards the “not” side most of the time. It’s NOT good enough. I’m NOT good enough. My writing is NOT good enough.
But this blog was a reminder to me that maybe my words are simple, but my message behind them as a whole is powerful – Jesus’ salvation. And that is an idea that is always “good enough.” SO whether my story makes it onto a bookstore shelf or ends up in a publishers slush pile, I’m not giving up.
Thanks for your words! Keep it up!
I love seeing how many aspiring writers are out there! Not feeling so alone anymore.
Vote Dekker writing school! I’d sign up in an instant, Ted, and I’m already doing the Journeyman course of the Christian Writers Guild!
So many of us crave to learn. Just…absolutely yearn to learn from the best.
Writing is a great calling from our Lord.
Blessings,
Caleb
Hey Ted! This was a great help! I love writing but I have so little time for it. My biggest trouble is on all you wrote about, words always fail me. I can see the story in my head like a movie but I constantly have trouble putting it down on paper. So this was very helpful!
Perhaps with tips like this and a few more years under my belt I’ll be a published author some day! God Bless you as you’ve blessed so many!
I’m not a writer, except that I write my prayers, just in an effort to stay on point. However, I agree with your conclusions regarding words and the use thereof. They are amazing things and so full of joy, among so many other things, feelings and such. I’m a journal writer also. So I guess I am a writer, just not for the pleasure of others. Someday, maybe. Right now I’m a painter for the joy and pleasure of others, and am almost a grandmother so time is of the essence and precious. No time for writing other than prayer and journaling. You, however, must keep up the good work and continue to encourage others. The Ted DeKker writing thing sounds great. I would attend just to get all the information that you would give up on how you tick. And how and why you write what you write. You are a gentlemen and a scholar, a fine Christian from the looks of it (I’m sure your wife would have something to add here, like that you’re human too) and a truly excellent teller of tales. Your mind fascinates mine and I can’t wait to get my copy of “Green”. September, huh? What’ll I do til then? God bless your efforts and you and your family, your finances, your health, your emotions, and everything else about your life. Thank you for all the hard work you put on paper for those of us who love the written word. Are you a talker?
I’m a writer. I always find myself referring to my . . . art . . . as storytelling not so much writing because I’m not very good at grammar (where I came to associate to two I’m not entirely sure). I recently had someone tell me my book (finished, but not published yet) was as good as Narnia (the story itself isn’t anything like Narnia). That same persons children LOVED the first couple of chapters I heard and my mom also likes the story and she’s not big into the fantasy genre. Other people tell me the book is good and that I’ve always had a knack of bringing things to life with my writing. Several college professors have implied that they actually enjoyed reading my papers because I write well. I really liked this post a lot. It gave me a much needed lift of encouragement. Now I just wish that some publisher out there would see what everyone else apparently sees. I really agree that without an idea or an associated meaning words are basically kind of dull – but there are people out there who have the ability to make magic out of them.
Just the sort of instruction I was seeking. Thanks for writing this piece. I am almost finished reading The Circle. My favorite authors were C.S. Lewis, Ben Franklin, Frank Peretti (House, where you collaborated, was my introduction to your style). Now you’re on my reading list as well. You truly have a gift, and you use it well.
Short and too the point. I am not a writer but find myself thinking about different ways to write or tell a story. These words help tremendously and may not become an author but will have a good time trying. Thank You Ted.
Hey Ted, thank you for this article. I am new to the writing arena. I have struggled
with words more than ideas. I tend to use simple language. I know when an idea has begun burning within me and has to be shared. I am still learning to hone the craft of words. This has helped me tremendously. You have settled an ongoing debate for me. I feel much better already knowing that the words are simply the conduit used to carry the idea behind the story. Thanks, and God’s continued blessings.
I like this, because it makes me see the difference between communicating an idea and just stringing a bunch of words together that people like and are willing to pay money for. It gets to the purpose of writing, or at least of my writing. I believe my purpose is to pass on ideas that are from God or about God, ideas that are truth. Not about money or fame or even self-satisfaction.
Although I am not an author of your caliber, I am an author none the less. I am a teacher of authors who range from 8 to 10 years of age. I teach writing to the 4th grade students who year after year come through my classroom doors. We begin with developing an idea. No amount of elaboration with flowery words or fine phrases will ever improve a story unless there is a clear Idea that can be nurtured, developed, and finally fleshed out in well crafted words. Idea fueled words are powerful even if they are simple ones from the mind of a child author.The author’s spark is in us all to some degree. We are made in God’s image.
After all God’s ideas spoken became some of the most powerful words ever thought, spoken, or written for that matter. God, the author and finisher of our faith and the best ideas.
God’s words spoken became the Savior of us all.
Hey “Theo”, I read your blog with great interest. I copied it into my file “On Writing”. Thanks my friend. I’ve GOT to write my flying stories before I croak. The unifying theme would be overcoming fear as we approach the transition from the this age to the next. I’ve been told I have a great gift for telling stories, that people feel they are “right there” with me. But I wonder if a word-for-word transcript would be as effective on the printed page as the oral presentation? Or is there something lost in the absence of the teller’s inflection on the words used and manner of speech that requires a different style in writing?
Wow, Ted, that’s amazing! As an aspiring author myself, it made writing a story so much deeper than I could have imagined! I completly respect your works and adore your books, so I am no stranger to magnificant writing skills. Thanks for the fresh perspective in a stuck teens mind!
Ted, as you know, I’m a writer and aspiring novelist. I’ve struggled to achieve the magical element my words should have. I’m not convinced about whether that ability can be taught or not. But I agree that words, to be magic, are more than just mechanical sentences on a page. They have to relate and grip a person emotionally or they will have no lasting effect.
So yeah, more pointers would be sweet.
You are a truly great and talented “wirer” Ted. As an aspiring writer and cinematographer in a sort of rut, the idea delivered by the words in this blog post helped me just as the IDEALS in your books do the same for my life.
You must know from this post and from The Gathering (I was there; you probably don’t remember me; me and a guy named Conor met you the day before Gathering 2009 in the parking lot outside The Factory; one of the best days ever), you have your fans love.
Keep up the good work. Keep cranking out incredible stories at that amazing Ted Dekker rate. 3 a year for any author is astounding. You can top that. What can I say? TED DEKKER IS A BEAST!
Hello, Ted
I know you had a poll up not too long ago about how many books you should write in a year, and that many people voted for more, more, more.
I’d like to put in my two cents here.
You’re an outstanding writer, and I love your work very, very much. For inspiration when I write, I glance at the bookshelf by my desk and see all of your books and your autograph. Awesome.
That said, I believe you should always aim for quality instead of quantity. I’m not saying you can’t achieve both — only you can really know that. But if you ever get the feeling of, ‘Should I really be sending this to the publisher?’ because you don’t feel like you’ve put enough into it, well, I for one would rather you put your heart and soul into another draft than to write another book.
That’s just me, though. I’ve spent over a year on my first book, and I’ve wanted to start another book badly because there are just so many stories to tell…
Anyway, Ted, I love your work, I love that you’re my brother in Christ.
Thank you for all of your great reads!
Caleb
Hmm…thanks, Sir (heehee, sir) Dekker. Thanks for this magical word. It reminds me of what my english teachers have told me about writing so that you “show don’t tell.”
I agree with the fact that words can either make or break a story.
Thanks for sharing this “word”, brother-in-spirit.
Love Forever,
C_Mac
P.S.–True magic is fascinating.
I see now that as a prospective writer that my goal should not be to paint a picture, that has already been done, but to remove the veil that has been cast over the painting. To bring into sharper focus that which we all see but so few of us ever really understand.