Sunday, March 7, 2010

THE BEST PART OF BEING A WRITER

One question you're bound to get asked at a school visit is, "What's the best part of being a writer?"

And you know, it's a tough question. Because there are many best parts. Like the personal satisfaction of getting a scene just right. Or discovering new things about yourself through your characters. Or creating characters you care about so deeply, they actually affect your daily life and how you interact with others.

Then there's this: Connecting with other humans on their own unique journeys, people with fascinating stories to tell. Like William, co-owner of Two Roads Cafe at Sherlock's Books. He said he's got the soul of a writer but gets his creativity needs met in running the Cafe.



And Sarah, pictured here. She's Kansas-born and loves to draw with colored pencils. I love that her nail polish is the same color of Eric's shirt. :)



And this young writer, Laura at Central School in Florence, Alabama. This is her book. And you know what? It's way way WAY more important than any book on the shelves in bookstores and libraries. It's her heart, before it's been trained to be a certain way. It's pure in its raw-ness. How can you NOT be inspired and touched and completely overwhelmed by the beauty that exists in other people?



Connecting with other people. That's the best part. I am so grateful this book allows me to have the opportunity to meet so many amazing people I otherwise wouldn't. THANK YOU.

6 comments:

  1. I love meeting other creative types. They are always so interesting!

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  2. Who knows Irene maybe when you're as old as I am, some new writer will blog (or whatever they will be doing in ten or fifteen years) and say... I met this author that came to our school when I was in fourth grade and she inspired me to write or this author gave the courage to believe I could write... who knows!

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  3. That's lovely, and a great reminder of what really matters!

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  4. Inspiring to know there are so many different blessings that can be received just by having the courage to share your own gift. You are an inspiration to me.

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  5. I love the way you describe the little girl's book especially. Also, Stable Granny's comment is the best! I hope that happens to you.

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  6. Wonderful, Irene! Your words always inspire me, so I can only imagine what they must do for the young students who you speak to! LOVE the pictures! You look so happy, as you should!

    Love and hugs,
    Debbie

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