Monday, March 26, 2012

The Who I Am

I never blog about writing, and I should since it's what I do. Well, it's who I am. Well, it's more than that really.... it's all of me wrapped up into the expression of words so that the real me can be heard.

I'm an introvert. Completely.
I could live in a cabin in the mountains or on a deserted beach, and never see a soul. The only people I'd really miss are my kids, and of course my mom.... she always seems to have a cup of coffee for me when I need it most. Can't do without someone like that in your life. Maybe I'd miss one more, but that's a secret that you may never know.

My writing tends to take a backseat most days, but that's about to change. Something happened recently that made me want to be more of who I'm created to be. We all need that giant push every now and then. The big wake up call in your life that says.... "get busy living, or get busy dying." Andy says it best don't you think?

When I finished the first draft of BLUE MUG MONDAYS, I put it aside. I'm not one to jump back into the editing of a piece. I have to separate myself and then go through it relentlessly. Now is that time. At least I've been writing. I've been working on book #3, and I can't help it, it's my favorite so far. It's one turn of events after another that keeps me writing fast and crying often.

Do you ever sense change? The air is different.... the way you see things is different... you WANT to be different. So, time to change a lot about how I write, when I write, and how I make my writing more than just who I am, but what I do to be more of who I want to be.

Rainer Maria Rilke says it best. "Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple "I must," then build your life in accordance with this necessity; your whole life, even into its humblest and most indifferent hour, must become a sign and witness to this impulse."


If you have a young writer in your life, share Rilke's book Letters To A Young Poet with him or her.

I know when it was shared with me, I could see myself in those words. It's good to have the encouragement of fellow writers. So all of you out there that create worlds with words, for all you bloggers, be alive in what you do and may you find great inspiration in your day.

4 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing your feelings about being a writer, and for the wonderful quotation from Rilke. I am a non-fiction writer but of the feelings you shared, especially that of being an introvert. Here's to us finishing our book projects and always finding the voice to express our feelings in writing!

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  2. Thank you for this post. It motivates me! And best wishes on your journey!

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  3. Hi! Stopping by from the A-Z! Looking forward to reading more of your posts over time. Best of luck in the challenge! :)
    Jenny at The Modest Peacock

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  4. I always blog about my writing, and am trying now to blog about other things!

    Stopping by to welcome you on board the A to Z Challenge April 2012
    We shall have loads of fun exchanging comments and visits!

    Twitter: @AprilA2Z
    #atozchallenge

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