An Open Letter to LDS Writers

by Kerry Blair

I practically promised last week that if you were diligent in supporting the WHITNEY BENEFIT AUCTION I'd post a guest blog this week instead of another promotional spot for the AUCTION. While I can't be certain any of you actually bid, what with those weird code-name things eBay has going on, I can report that we're doing pretty well. (We would do much better, of course, if each and every one of you would go HERE and find something to bid on. We've got great stuff!)

Not that this is another promotion for the AUCTION, of course. It's not. (Really!) It's a well-earned reward for the writers among you. (I swear!) Last Wednesday, a remarkable young woman, Christy Gruber, posted a heartfelt letter to LDS writers on an LDS line. I know this won't include everybody who reads this blog, but it includes a whole lot of us, so I asked Sister Gruber's permission to reprint it here. (If you are not an LDS writer, you have my permission to spend the next few minutes perusing the WHITNEY AUCTION instead of reading Christy's touching post.) I want the rest of you to know I kept my itchy little editor's fingers off. This is exactly the way Christy wrote it. If you're a writer and it doesn't make you cry, perhaps you should check your pulse.

My dear friends, especially to you that write LDS fiction:

I'm sure that there are many times that you sit at the computer screen and just stare at that blank screen with the cursor blinking insanely just driving you mad as you struggle with writer's block. Sometimes, you may feel frustrations at rejects and many other things or maybe even wonder if your stories are really wroth it. Then there are many other things that runs through your head that probably makes you feel frustrated and sometimes I want to give up or wonder if it's all worth it.

But it is wroth it. You are doing a very wonderful thing. You are helping to roll the Kingdom of God forward. You are using words and stories to help uplift and bring people closer God.

Some might tell me that the stories are just fiction. That may be but they are more then just fiction. To me they deal with real life, real people and real situations. Anywhere from abuse to just a simple love story with a few gospel principles throown in. What you do is important. We need authors like you to help carry the work forward. Maybe sometimes someone might read something in the Book of Mormon, they might not understand but when they read a good story they might get an "Ah ha!" moment. I know I have a few times. Somewhere, someone has or is reading one of your books, and has tears down their cheeks. Maybe it is a simple love story but somehow, that story gives them hope.

Your books are unlike any books in the world. It is the ONLY fiction where the spirit can be felt. ((well not ONLY i'm sure there's a few non LDS fiction too :) but you knwo what i mean)) I feel that Heavenlyl Father is pleased with your writings. I wouldn't be surprised if your books are being treasured and bronzed in gold on the other side of the viel. Maybe someday, someone will meet you in this life or the next and say "This book has changed mly life thank you so much!" Or maybe "I've joined the church because of your book. Thank you"

Granted, the Book of Mormon should be the most read and most important but I feel that your books are almost up there. Sometimes, maybe the only way for the Lord to speak through someone is through a fictional story. Giving an abused person hope, givving light to a depressed person, or giving a frusterated person a sense of hope and excitement. Is it any wonder that we have been commanded to look for things that are virtious and of good report? Those are your books, the music that is being written. and the words you say.

Your books important. We are now living in perioulous times, and during those times we will need your books even more. Maybe it'll help bring someone closer to the gospel, or remind of their duty to God. Who knows, I do know....that even as things get ecomically hard, and the persecution of the saints wosening, I want to see another great love story by Michele Bell or a book review of Teri's or a houmours story of Susan Corpany. I bear testimony, and I am gratefful that the Lord has given you inspiritation so that you can write these stories. They are not just stories to me. They are real and wonderful.

Christy Gruber

Sister Gruber is a recently-returned missionary and one of the kindest, sweetest, and most spiritual women you'll ever hope to meet. I hope she knows how deeply I appreciate her for letting me share this marvelous piece of inspiration with you.

If, like me, you'd like a nicely printed and framed version to hang above your computer monitor, that could probably be arranged. I'll check with Christy for copyright permission while you check the WHITNEY BENEFIT AUCTION site to see if I have it up yet.

Happy Thanksgiving, all! When I count my blessings, I always count the dear, dear friends I've found here!