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.
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