I’ve discovered that’s what kind of reader I am: a hybrid. Outside of the genetic definition of a hybrid as well as the automobile industry’s reference to the word in a description of their primarily battery operated vehicles, there is this explanation of the word: something of mixed origin or composition. And, come to think of it, in a way it defines me as a writer as well.
As a reader, I really do enjoy a lot of different styles and voices, but my tastes are quite categorical. As you know, historicals hold no appeal for me. Yet, one of my all time favorite novels is Redeeming Love. I can enjoy the beauty of words literally lilting on a page or the stark darkness of evil transmitted by cold harsh conceptions. I can revel in a lingering pace or gear up for a racing tension. I can like some clipped accounts or really desire full-on descriptive revelations, and I can appreciate the somewhere in betweens, too. A good small dose of humor mixed in with the events as long as it really is funny both in placement and timing serves nicely to relieve or accentuate the tension.
I’m a student of people—motivated to learn what makes them tick. I’ve learned a lot about myself mostly from the Holy Spirit, and it isn’t always pretty. I want to understand the whys and wherefores of people’s conduct, how they are immovable in one area or easily manipulated in another. Their weaknesses, their strengths, their leanings. A writer has to know the inner workings of his characters to make them resonate. That’s why it’s such a risk to feature an unlikable character and build a story around him/her.
Of all the novels I’ve written, I would have to say that my “hybrids” are the first two, Hope Of Glory and The Famous One. Really these two stories are total opposites. However, within the pages of both books a reader will find glimpses of some characters and detailed studies of other characters. The voice is unmistakably me in both stories, but a distinctly different me in the first one in tone and presentation because it’s intentionally written in the language and timbre of the racetrack. In The Famous One after the short prologue, the story begins with an omniscient POV and gradually shifts to third person with very brief first person POVs. And while both novels contain ample doses of romance, the relationship factor between man/woman and God is the ultimate concern. To contrast the stories, in Hope Of Glory the gospel appears almost immediately in a conversation between the retiring racing secretary and his protégé replacement. In The Famous One a reader is well over halfway through the novel before there is any solid reference to the gospel.
What constitutes “good” writing for some is next to abominable to others. I don’t see why that’s so difficult for some to understand. It’s a fact of life. Is someone wrong for liking red over purple? For jeans instead of slacks? I mean, come on. You really can’t get more subjective than books, music, and paintings, can you? I’ll take Dostoevsky over Hemingway any day, but can you like both? Of course you can.
So, I’ve decided I’m a hybrid. A mixture of preferences in composition. Reading and writing.
Father, the desire of my heart is to please you in what I do. To serve you always and foremost. I fail. You forgive. Please help me to persevere and gain ground in you and for you. Let my words reflect you. Let your words be mine. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
*Please continue your prayers for Kristy Dykes. After a rough few days, she was able to attend church Sunday and spoke to the congregation.*