Tag: A Christmas Carol

Categories
Writer Encouragement

What The Dickens?

If you have not yet seen The Man Who Invented Christmas, what the Dickens are you waiting for??

I have never seen a film that captured the wonder, angst, and pure joy of writing a novel like this movie does. It helps that the setting in 19th century England is exquisite and the lead actors (Christopher Plummer as Scrooge and Dan Stevens as Charles Dickens)–as well as the supporting cast–play their roles to near perfection. But the treasure in this movie is the tale behind the tale of Dickens’ classic novel, A Christmas Carol. Some of the behind-the-scenes elements in Dickens life are factual. But like any good piece of fiction, there is creative license taken as well.

From a writer’s standpoint, this movie is a life lesson in crafting a story that will capture the hearts of its readers. But it’s not without the author bleeding some of his own pain into the workmanship. Dickens cannot come to a satisfying resolution to his story until he faces the personal nightmares of his own past.

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I will not include any spoilers for those who have yet to see this production. But I can say that I could certainly relate to the character of Charles Dickens struggling with his characters who seem to have minds of their own. In one scene, Dickens gets in an argument with the character of Scrooge who is making suggestions about the book. In a stance of stubbornness, Dickens shouts at him, “I’m the author here!” Scrooge looks at him with a droll expression and answers, “Allegedly.”

Haven’t we who write fiction all experienced our characters heading off on their own plot-trails while we are left behind in their dust? I truly laughed at the allegation that we, the authors, are not always in charge.

As Christian writers, there is more than a grain of truth to that conclusion. Who is it who called us to write? Have we committed our stories, our writing journey, our very blood, sweat, and tears experienced at our keyboards to the One Who created our abilities? Have we asked God to guide our fingers on the laptop, or our pen on the paper, to bring Him glory with every stroke of the tools that craft words to spread His message?

When The Man Who Invented Christmas concluded, an epilogue appeared onscreen that said A Christmas Carol was released in bookstores on December 19, 1843. By Christmas Eve, every copy had been sold. Then it added that charitable giving increased dramatically in London that Christmas season.

Oh, that my stories would impact the hearts and lives of readers to prompt them to make positive life-changes such as that! Changes that bring honor and glory to Him.

Merry Christmas and God bless us, every one!

 

Elaine Marie Cooper is an award-winning author of historical fiction. Her latest release, Saratoga Letters, was finalist in historical romance at both the 2017 Selah Awards and the 2017 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Her other novel titles include Fields of the Fatherless and the three-book Deer Run Saga. She has penned an award-winning memoir, Bethany’s Calendar, that chronicles the journey of her daughter who passed away from a brain tumor in 2003. Cooper has been a freelance writer for newspapers and magazines and her work has also appeared in anthologies. She admits to being a history geek. You can connect with her at www.facebook.com/ElaineMarieCooperAuthor, on twitter @elainemcooper, or her website/blog, www.elainemariecooper.com

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Humility Without The Humbug

Elaine Marie Cooper

As I dropped off several of my novels at the bookstore before Christmas, I noticed a man that I assumed was a customer speaking with a young man at the desk. I waited my turn until the employee looked at me as though he was ready to help me.

Maybe he’s his friend and just stopped in to visit.

I proceeded to explain that I was dropping off books to sell on consignment when the “friend” said to me. “How do you do that?”

“Do what?” I was confused by his question.

“Get your books in print.”

That was a loaded question that I didn’t have a lot of time to answer but I explained briefly that I’d attended writer’s conferences and connected with editors and publishers there.

He glanced at a woman sitting behind the desk and said, “Where can I find out about writers conferences?”

I saw the woman’s face and it was clear she didn’t want to have a discussion with the man. The situation became even clearer when he told the store employees that he had a great idea for a book and needed to find a publisher. “The book is called, ‘Tinkerbelle Joins the Army.’” He was obviously feeling inspired and excited by the prospect of seeing his story in print.

Fighting back laughter at the title, I said, “You can do a Google Search for writers conferences. They are held all over the country.”

“Oh, I need to find one in Des Moines. I don’t drive.”

I felt sorry for the man who obviously had some serious limitations in his life. But I was even sorrier that I had almost laughed at his book title.

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Who was I to look down my nose at someone who I assumed would never make it in the publishing world? Who was I to laugh at a title that I thought was ridiculous? Who was I to snicker behind the man’s back, the way I’d seen others in the industry make fun of those who seemed unworthy?

 

I felt a definite check in my spirit that I was not to demean another with my judgment—or in my actions. When the man saw my name on my books, he held out his hand to me and said, “Can I shake your hand, Elaine Cooper?” I forced myself to smile and extended my hand to respond to his shake. “Nice to meet you,” I answered.

And it truly was nice to meet him. Because he reminded me that dismissing this simple man’s dreams was akin to dismissing the importance of the “surplus population” that Ebenezer Scrooge hated in Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” My initial lack of humility in looking down at this customer that everyone tried to ignore was akin to saying “Bah, humbug.” Instead I should have treated him with the warmth that Jesus would extend. I should have said in my heart and in my words, “God bless us everyone.”

And if you ever see a book entitled “Tinkerbelle Joins the Army,” know that I had the privilege of meeting the author and shaking his hand.

Merry Christmas!

Categories
History in the Making

Three Reasons A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a Classic

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

With Christmas just around the corner, I decided to read Charles Dickens’ famous novel, A Christmas Carol, and discovered at least three reasons why his story is a beloved classic.

The first thing I noticed are the engaging descriptions that bring depth and meaning to the story. He paints vivid pictures of the settings and characters in a way that captures the reader’s imagination.

The many beautiful images made it difficult to choose an example to illustrate this point. One that made me smile was Dickens’ comments about Scrooge’s nephew:

If you should happen, by any unlikely chance, to know a man more blest in a laugh than Scrooge’s nephew, all I can say is, I should like to know him, too. Introduce him to me, and I’ll cultivate his acquaintance.

Simple yet vivid descriptions fill the classic tale.

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Dickens also writes about realistic characters. At first glance, Scrooge comes across as a stingy boss who refuses an invitation to a family Christmas dinner and a request to give to the poor. He only grudgingly grants his clerk Christmas Day off.

The writer then tells Scrooge’s back story in a creative way. Ghostly journeys into Christmas Past reveal a boy alone in a boarding school when all his classmates go home for Christmas. The sight touches our hearts.

Dickens also includes timeless truths in his tale of a lonely, unhappy old man. Scrooge’s clerk, Bob Cratchit, maintains an optimistic outlook despite his anxiety over his son’s health. Tiny Tim’s faith and courage touches everyone around him. Scrooge’s nephew forgives his uncle for rejecting his family.

The Ghost of Christmas Future shows Scrooge two imminent deaths if nothing changes — one deeply mourned and one barely noticed.

Dickens’ novel lives on in our hearts. Some reasons for this are his engaging descriptions, realistic characters, and timeless truths. The story vividly reminds us how one life affects another.

Novelists can learn much from reading his story.