River of Willows Creative Look: Interview with writer Abbi Bodager

River of Willows member and writer Abbi Bodager shares what inspires her and how creating helps her process her emotions. 

Name: Abbi Bodager

Hometown: Frankfort, Ky

Favorite Food: spicy, Cajun dishes

Favorite Book: Many, but right now Adorning the Dark by Andrew Peterson. Peterson is also a singer/songwriter, and his lyrics have greatly influenced my poetry. 

What was your first memory of being creative? Is there a particular memory that is important to you in knowing your creativity?

I’ve had a passion for the arts for as long as I can remember. At various points in my childhood, I dreamed of being a filmmaker, an actress, a singer, a painter, and a ballet dancer. However, when I was twelve I wrote my first novel, Tales of a Viking Princess: The Journey to Envalia. Through creating this book, I realized that storytelling resonated with me more deeply than any other art form.

What does the act of creating mean to you? In other words, why do you do it?

I desire to create pieces that will encourage and comfort people. I want my readers to know that they’re not alone, and that the Father loves them even in the midst of their brokenness and sorrow. At the same time, I pray that my writings would leave readers feeling emboldened and hopeful. 

God is a Creator. We’re made in His image, which I believe means we’re also designed to create. Author and artist Makoto Fujimura writes that when we create, we’re partnering with God to create the “new” - the New Creation that will one day be brought to completion when Christ returns. This is because art has a unique ability to communicate enduring, spiritual truths that run deeper than what we can physically see. 

What inspires you to create or write? Is there a spiritual connection for you when you create?

Writing helps me process my emotions. Also, reading great stories stirs a desire within me to create meaningful pieces of my own. Creating is definitely spiritual for me. When I create, I’m filled with peace and joy. I’m often more aware of God’s nearness when I’m working on a story or poem. Above all else, I want people to encounter Jesus through my words. 

Your work speaks much about redemption and things being set right in the end. Where does that theme come from? How does it speak to you personally? 

Redemption is one of the major themes of Scripture. As Christians, we each have a testimony of being raised from death to life through Jesus. However, we still live in a fallen world and are daily faced with pain and temptation. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression throughout my life, and there have been many times when all I felt was darkness. Yet John 1:5 says the light overcomes. Jesus has brought about restoration in my life, so I want to remind readers of the hope we can experience in Him. 

Abbi shared three of her poems with River of Willows. Enjoy the read! 

Beginning
by Abbi Bodager

In the beginning,
Newborn roses line the path, 
And each sunrise is a gleaming gift.

In the beginning,
Every tune is a love song,
And the world is full of friends. 

All stories are wondrous
In the beginning.

Keep Reading
by Abbi Bodager 

When the lights flicker out,
And hope is but a memory,
Keep reading.

Remember that things 
Look messy in the middle 
Of any good tale.

Don’t curse the story 
Even when the pages are
Drenched in tears.

Because light shines through 
The grayest chapters.

Dear reader,
Keep laughing.
Keep dreaming.

For in the end,
All will be well.

Home
by Abbi Bodager

The sun casts her laughter
Over the silvery gravel.

Bare sycamores bow
As the breeze whistles
Round their ashen limbs.

Oceans of golden grasses
Flutter gracefully
As the fields glow with evening promise.

Nestled on the land
Is a pleasant house
Where love pours from the panes.

I am home.