Adorning the Dark isn’t like other books on writing. Peterson’s natural gift for storytelling translates his toolbox of tips into real-world application, as he shares his journey of releasing four novels and ten albums, making the book equal parts handbook and memoir.
Peterson is quick to remind me that while we’re not all songwriters or novelists or painters, we’re all creative and can benefit from honing our craft, whatever God-glorifying work we put our hands to. Peterson encourages us to surround ourselves with the right kind of people; those who will build us up while correcting us in love; those who get where we are and can see where we desire to go. Peterson shows how you will find a garden in which your gift can not only grow but be appropriately pruned and made to flourish.
Peterson also writes of discernment regarding what art we consume. There’s plenty of bad art in the world, and Peterson reminds me that being a ‘movie buff’ or even a ‘wide reader’ sometimes is anything but a compliment because it can mean I’m willing to consume the junk food and wholesome food without any thought for the benefit (or lack thereof) to my body.
Finally, in the afterword, Peterson offers several pithy pointers to aspiring creatives of all kinds. My favourite of these is about honesty, truth, and beauty; which he calls the trifecta of Christian art. Ironically (or perhaps not) this is exactly how Adorning the Dark could be summed up. Peterson is real in sharing his struggles, honest in his self-awareness, and presents the beauty of his all-sufficient Saviour in a way that continually pushes the spotlight away from himself and on to Christ.
Adorning the Dark is an insightful, helpful resource wrapped up in an engaging story told by a master craftsman. The book can be read in a neat couple of hours, but the principles inside can be perfected over a lifetime.