Storytelling: From Filmmaking to Non-Fiction
We love our Christians in Media community. So, when we heard that Sarah Holloway, a member of our Christians in Media community, recently celebrated the launch of her book, Discern the Time, we just had to chat with her.
Both to find out more about Discern the Time and also how her media experience has helped her write her debut non-fiction book.
Sarah, welcome to our Christians in Media blog and congratulations on the launch of Discern the Time! Your book sounds fascinating, but before we talk about your it, let’s just talk a little bit about you first.
Your biography is quite wide ranging. You’re a multi award-winning documentary film director, visionary communicator and skilled storyteller, who’s directed stage and video productions, and then a speaker, teacher, dancer, choreographer, and you were also part of a pop band (Heartbeat). What triggered you wanting to add an author to that list?
I remember staring up at the ceiling above my bed, devoid of all strength. Sanity was the white space over me, because all around was chaos. My mind was tormented. I kept questioning, ‘What I have done wrong? What did I miss?’ I wondered if it was because I was rebellious or so full of pride that I was deluded?
One moment I had been speaking and performing in front of thousands, touring and proclaiming the gospel, whilst experiencing an awesome move of the Holy Spirit with hundreds of salvations, healings and miracles. Then suddenly the rug had been pulled from under me, BANG. My life seemed to have come tumbling down like a pack of cards. How did I find myself in a situation I hadn't asked for and didn't want? Although deep down I didn't doubt God's Word, I couldn't understand how God had allowed a series of events to happen in my life that left me traumatised, confused and alone.
Yet during those painful years I gained more understanding about God’s character than ever before and I learnt to hear His voice more clearly. So, actually, I wasn’t looking to add author to a list, but the Holy Spirit told me to write a book to help others discern His voice more clearly and recognise what God is doing in such a time as this.
As you know, we champion storytelling at Christians in Media, especially being God’s storytellers. At our last Lunchtime Prayer Meeting we prayed for filmmakers. We know this industry needs prayers because film is such a powerful medium to tell stories. Given your love of storytelling and filmmaking, how did this knowledge help you write Discern the Time?
As a film-maker and choreographer I understand the importance of viewing things from different angles and perspectives. Zooming out and shifting focus or recognising that what is happening off camera, is essential to position the audience within a good piece of storytelling. I was able to use this knowledge, albeit probably without consciously being aware of it. Also, I think having a good sense of rhythm and pace helped. I’ve been told this makes the book easy reading, despite some of the weighty topic areas.
I love narrative with its different structures, subplots and twists. The Bible is full of some amazing examples and it helped me consider how to draw my audience into the ‘reveals’. In Discern the Time I take you on a journey of discovery so that my own flashbacks and the stories that I draw from, can enable you to see the ‘bigger picture’ from God’s perspective.
And then did you have any challenges or learn any lessons because you expressed this story through words rather than film?
I’ve always loved words. In fact, I’ve enjoyed writing since I was young. To me writing is an alternative way of creating visual storytelling. The power of language is awesome when you consider how it provokes your imagination. The Bible is full of allegories and language that tempts you to use visualisation. Film to me, is providing the audience with the director’s mental projection and imagery, whereas, words alone stimulate the reader to find their own visuals. Whilst writing Discern the Time, I enjoyed directing those stories by painting pictures through words.
You must have encountered many stories throughout your career. What was it about Discern the Time’s message that gave you the impetus to write it?
In many ways this isn’t the book I wanted to write, but the urgency in my spirit was so strong, that I didn’t have the strength to do anything but obey what God was showing me to do.
If you don’t recognise God’s bigger plan, you’ll get lost in the confusion and overwhelmed with all that is going on right now, in this time. God is going to move powerfully, but it won’t be what you expect. You need to be equipped and empowered to be in position and ready for what He is about to do.
Through coaching people (specially to equip creatives) around the world, I recognise that many only see parts of the puzzle. God is raising up a creative army, but we must be prepared.
Discern the Time is written in a devotional format. Was there a particular reason why you wanted the book to be a devotional?
If you read Discern the Time, then you want to hear God’s voice more clearly and specifically discern what He is speaking in this time, so that you know how to prepare and are positioned for purpose. However, it is all too easy to read a book, then put it on the shelf and say, ‘Well that was a good read’. But that isn’t the sort of book Discern the Time is intended to be. If it doesn’t change you in some way, then it’s not meeting its objective.
So, I added a moment of ‘pause’ for reflection to journal at the end of each chapter, so that you can engage more effectively with the content. I felt it should be a journey of discovery with you and the Holy Spirit. This book should get you questioning and there should be plenty of, ‘aha’ moments.
You mention being called to share God’s message through media and the arts. What encouragement would you give to our other community members who work in, and with, many different forms of media from broadcasting to social media and more?
You have been uniquely positioned to be part of a bigger narrative. God is raising up a creative army in this space to be His voice in this time. Everyone in that army has their place. You may not recognise how your role or sphere of influence can make much of an impact, but there is a much bigger picture. Do not despise the day of small beginnings in your role, nor think of yourself more highly than you ought. It is less about you, and more about Him. Keep your eyes firmly on the prize, who is Christ Jesus, the author and perfector of your faith.
Finally, what element of Discern the Time’s story would you hope resonates with your readers?
The Producer on set once observed and asked me why there were so many hardships in my life. He couldn’t comprehend, if I am supposed to have God on my side as a Christian, why so many ‘bad’ things seemed to come my way. I explained that God didn’t promise us we’d never have difficulties or suffering, but He did promise to never leave or forsake us through it. Jesus also gave us the promise of Heaven; an eternity of joy and peace with the Father.
I told the producer that this life is a blip in comparison to eternity, which is forever. So, in your very own words, I said, the choice is ‘a no brainer’.
Which life are you living for?
God opens doors when He sees you on your face. No self-effort from you or I, will ever produce everlasting fruit. I hope that any reader of Discern the Time will feel a fresh excitement about what God is doing and a desire to leave an eternal legacy beyond this earth.
Thanks so much for chatting with Christians in Media, Sarah. Great to hear more about Discern the Time, and how you filmmaking experience enabled you to weave the non-fiction message God placed on your heart. Such great advice for our community: let’s keep fixing our eyes on Jesus!
Blog Guest
Sarah Holloway
Sarah equips, inspires and empowers others to follow their path, to reach their full potential especially as creatives. Sarah’s achievements primarily in the creative space have naturally paved the way for coaching and public speaking engagements. Connect with Sarah here.
Discern the Time is out now and available as a paper and e-book. Purchase your copy by clicking this link. An audio version is planned to be released soon.
