A couple of weeks ago I mentioned I’m trying to learn how to make latte art. I’ve got the moves down…kinda. Hey, I’m a racquetball player—was, in fact, one of the top players in college—so I can do wrist action like a pro. But guess what I discovered? Having the moves doesn’t do you any good without the perfect foam. That’s the core of the beauty and creativity in latte art.
But foaming milk, my friends, isn’t just for creating those beautiful bits of art. According to The Milk Frothing Guide, the perfect foam “enhances and elevates the sensory experience of coffee, and espresso in particular.” Those beautiful bits of latte art aren’t the goal. Rather, the goal is to enhance and elevate.
I love that.
And it got me thinking.
Having all the right moves as a writer—having the right look, knowing how to market or work social media, being at all the right places, and reading all the right books–without the perfect core, our works won’t accomplish the true goal: to enhance and elevate the hearts and minds of our readers.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but too often I hear writers say to me, “Just tell me what’s selling, and I’ll write it.” Rather than take that route, I encourage writers to share their passion. To stay true to what God is telling them to write. And to do that, you have to know your core.
And here’s the fascinating thing: my core is likely different from yours. What one thing sparks everything else? I’m going to trust that, for all of us, the heart of our writing is serving God. But what is it about your work, about your words on the page, that is at the core of who you are as a writer?
For me, it’s authenticity. Though I write fiction, I never want to craft a story that doesn’t resonate with both the beauty and the struggle of real life. So let me ask you: what is the core of your writing? And how are you ensuring you honor that core in what you write?
Peace, friends!
One last note: in my research to create the perfect foam, I found an utterly delightful—and often hysterical—website, which I mentioned above: The Milk Frothing Guide. I’m pretty sure this author’s core is “Make ‘em laugh!” So if you’re in the mood for a fun read—LOVE the bit about milking a buffalo!—or if you’d just like to see how writing humor is done well, check out the pages at http://coffeegeek.com/guides/frothingguide.
Karen, these are insightful thoughts. Knowing what’s at the core of my writing is key. When I know what it is, I can bring it out through my words and how I craft the story. I’m with you, authenticity is key to who I am as a person, and I want that to shine through my stories.
What’s at my core, I think, is hope. Weaving hope into my stories is something I strive to do.
A post that combines coffee, foam, and passion–quite the deadly mix! I have two coffee makers out in my kitchen (five if you count the French press and two in storage)…a commercial grade Keurig with a coin-insert (really!), plus a Hamilton Beach two-way that brews both singles and pots. Mildly addicted. My husband gets all spiritual about it…he says, “That’s not a cup of coffee, there in your hands…that’s a cup of perspective for your day.” Love him.
Have you read “Pour Your Heart into It” by Howard Schultz? Or “The Blue Bottle Craft of Coffee”?
Karen, I especially enjoyed this phrase: “…the heart of our writing is serving God.”
For a writer who knows the Lord, the mere act of writing can be an act of worship. Since creative talent is a gift from Him, what better offering than to take that talent and use it to fashion a creation of our own to offer back to Him for His glory? Some can worship by using his gift to craft a poem. Others an article, a devotional, a short story. Others yet might craft a suspense novel or a YA adventure. Whatever the genre, word by word, the creating can be an act of worship.
“So whether you eat or drink [or write] or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). 🙂
Loved this post, Karen – – really got me to thinking.
And even though I’m not into latte foam art, I do want to visit the website you’ve mentioned. It sounds UDDERly delightful! 😉
Patti Jo, your comments are always so moo-ving. 😉
As a struggling “new” writer (just finished writing my first book), I am so thankful for your words. I’m trying to navigate the tricky waters of social media and understand “platform” and sometimes feel as though I’m losing track of my core. This helps so much.
This all sounds familiar. Oh yeah, it was a conversation I had with myself after I’d written my third book based on what was selling. Now I’m writing books that reveal the futility of trusting men and governments, when we should be trusting the God who has provided all we need, including our freedom. This path has put me on a trajectory toward post-apocalyptic and dystopian, which, I’m told, is tapped out. But I’ll shun the non-believers and continue to write what my heart, or God, desires.
Thanks for another great post, Karen. May the Froth be with you.
Beautiful words, Karen.
Staying true to what God’s telling me to write required leaving CBA. I’m writing general market now and having more fun than I ever thought possible. The core of my stories are sacrificial love and hope. There’s no overt Christianity, or even mentions of God, anywhere in my work now. But the imagery of sacrifice and hope is on every page.
Karen,
To use a very over used phrase, true that.
Now, that I’ve made you cringe with cliche. My core and my desire is to write Women Lit that will inspire women both to be and stay safe and to foster friendships of all kinds. That’s the core for now. It may change over time and over the next novellas. Now, there’s a thought.
Karen, thanks for reminding us to stay focused on the purpose of writing – to connect our readers with our passions. Mine is to urge readers to take their spiritual journey to the next level. I invite them to forgive, overcome, and encourage while seeking spiritual parallels in everyday sights. I ask readers to take on forgiveness not just as an isolated event, but as a lifestyle.
BTW, have you ever had a chocolate buffalo milkshake? Yum.