When it comes to books about writing, I gravitate toward ones that are more like memoir than a strict how-to, and who better to learn art from than Madeleine L’Engle?
Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith & Art is a must-read for anyone who considers themselves a Christian and an artist. L’Engle’s thoughts on art and truth are inspiring. She reflects on life as a creative act: “Creativity is a way of living life, no matter what our vocation or how we earn our living (p 80). And her thoughts on labeling art as Christian are refreshing: “all true art is incarnational” (p 16).
Reading this book has given life to my writing and the way I approach the creative process. It’s a resource I will return to when I’m feeling dry creatively or when I’m stuck for words. It has the potential to renew me again and again.
L’Engle doesn’t shy away from the need for the artist to experience pain and suffering, either, and this, too, is real and life-giving.
I have underlined words on almost every page of this book, and even paging through I’m encouraged anew.
(Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program, but my review is an honest reflection of my opinion.)
I’d put Walking on Water on a list of Best Books for Writers. If you haven’t read it yet, I think you’ll find it inspiring.