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S. A. J. Lyttek, a multiple award-winning writer, always loved writing, but didn’t arrive at the profession in the typical manner. After college and graduate school, she plunged into government consulting. In this environment, she discovered a knack for writing tests, interviews and other measurements. That soon became the focus of her career—reigniting her love for the written word. Thus captivated, she spent evenings freelancing “fun” writing including short stories, poems, articles and cards. When her eldest was a toddler, she quit full-time work to stay home and write. Eager to spend more time with her children, homeschooling intrigued her. From preschool through high school, she homeschooled both sons while continuing to freelance. While an integral part of the homeschooling community, she developed and taught writing classes to a generation of homeschoolers. Married to her childhood sweetheart, Gary, Mrs. Lyttek loves to share her commitment to learners of all ages and her fascination with the written word.
Many of the stories I’ve written, particularly those in the speculative arena, focus on the character’s finding his or her true purpose.
Ms. Bonne in the flash fiction fantasy Dream Job longs to work in administration and has a knack for it. Unfortunately, she’s locked into another position and can’t change her calling.
In The Monitor, a science fiction short story, Glenn and Anne-Marie are both new to their field and eager to make a name for themselves and prove themselves on this mission. When Dr. Otto, significantly their senior in terms of both age and status intrudes, how they handle his interruption will determine their futures—both in terms of career and faith. Should they err, it could adversely affect the space-bound crew that they are monitoring.
Grange Vallen, in the sci-fi work in progress, A Very Grimm Christmas, has to rediscover his purpose when his years of a successful writing career come crashing down through a case of persistent writers’ block. Things might turn out better than before should he address the personal and spiritual issues that he’s been ignoring. Because, as any writer knows, writers block isn’t as much about the writing as it is about the writer.
But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’ Jeremiah 7:23, ESV
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath beforehand ordained, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10, KJV
As we walk this globe, we find ourselves discovering and rediscovering our purpose. Characters are much the same even if their struggles are simplified and confined to the page. The Westminster shorter catechism says Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. So, that is the true purpose of each and every human being. But how we apply it and live that purpose can often be the struggle that drives us. Since, as Ephesians says, we are God’s creations, his poems, (the Greek word used for workmanship is poiema), that means we are complex and finding out how to live our purpose can be just as complex.
That’s why it makes such a great story theme!
In Homeschooling Can Be Murder, Jeanine needs to find a purpose within her new community. She knows who she is in terms of her immediate family, but the Army move takes her away from a social environment that she loved and clicked with. Now that they’re in Gentle Springs, and at a new post, where does she fit?
Purpose isn’t always big and overarching. Sometimes, like with Jeanine, it’s brought on by a change of place or situation. When the characters need purpose, life is just a bit out of sync. That extra bit of tension makes the plot more realistic and helps us understand the character.
If we think about purpose as it relates to our own lives, we can experience it from a daily level (what would you have me do today, God) all the way up to a lifetime level (who have you made me to be). If you are awake and aware, you’re seeking your purpose to some degree.
That motivates characters, too.
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