Writing, Story, Truth by Emil Flores

Being an author is a blessing and a privilege. All of us have stories to tell and insights to share. Being able to convey those thoughts and stories helps connect us to all image bearers of the ultimate source of knowledge and story, the Lord God. When I write, not only do I hope to connect to readers but I also hope that they will have even the tiniest notion of eternal life as Jesus defines it in John 17:3: “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

For aspiring writers, I would suggest that they look deep into their own stories and use whatever skill with words they have been given and write with a reader in mind. Writing is not a solitary act. It’s also not just about relaying a story. Writing fiction or nonfiction is a craft. I would go with the adage that one must write “a good story well told.”

As writers take their craft seriously, I also hope that Filipinos take reading seriously. A critical mind is so important these days, for both writers and readers. Ultimately, both reader and writer are on a journey about truth which is ultimately what we strive for in this world. As Jesus says, "For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice" (John 18:37).

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EMIL FLORES teaches Creative Writing at the Department of English and Comparative Literature in UP Diliman. He lectures on comics and superheroes and writes adventure stories for the indie comics group, Polyhedron Comics. He also teaches Sunday school at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in Quezon City.

He is the author of Wow, God: The Secret of Samson’s Super Strength, a retelling of the story of Samson.