What DO You Write?

“What do you write?”

That’s a common question wherever writers gather. I attended a writers conference earlier this year, and I wasn’t sure how to answer.

These days, I usually respond with “devotions,” the type of writing I have been doing the most lately. What if the narrative changed, with a different question?

“What have you written?”

Now that would call for longer, more complex answers:

–“Fiction.” When I first started writing several years ago, this answer was the one I used most often. I thought the “Great American Novel” was the way to go, but my tune was changed along the way.

–“Songs.” Even though I am not necessarily a musical person, I have taken songwriting seminars and written a few tunes. Even so, Steven Curtis and Toby are not knocking down my door looking for their next hits.

–“Standardized test items.” I was THAT guy. Someone must write them, and I have done it.

–“Meet recaps for a Cross Country/Track and Field Website.” I got paid to attend my son’s meets and then write about them—a most excellent gig.

–“Textbook chapter summaries and PowerPoint slides.” Yep. Remains my most lucrative freelance assignment ever.

These reflections reminded me of something I heard someone say in a speech many years ago (I remember the quote but cannot remember who said it). This person said, when someone asks what you write, there’s one perfect answer.

“Whatever God wants me to write.”

Such truth! All of the above opportunities (as well as numerous others) have come courtesy of God’s hand. If He opens the door, I try to discern and walk through it. It hasn’t always been easy and I haven’t always walked through the right door, but I have been blessed with some wonderful experiences and credits.

The question remains:

“What do you write?” Hopefully you can respond with something cool God has provided for you.

Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate—all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb.