Dear Reader Column 11-17-06

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

When I write, if I want to give my best, I need to get to the place inside of me that's a little vulnerable. It can be scary. Give a lot, put it all out there, and someone may take advantage because some people take all you have to give and give nothing back in return.

But it's worth the risk--giving a little bit of yourself--because usually people give the nicest, most meaningful gifts back. They share a story, maybe something that hasn't come to mind for years. A story about the funny thing that happened when their grandfather was still alive, they remember--and I feel laughter in-between the lines they've written.

Or maybe it's a confession, something they needed to say out loud so they could ease the pain. I hear them crying and in a reply, I reassure them that there are times when none of us do the right thing, including me. And we silently cry together.

"What will people think?" It used to be the first thing I'd think about when I sat down to write, but not anymore. Writing has taught me how to let go and readers have given me a reason to give.

Every day, at the end of my column, I write: "Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends."

But perhaps today I should add: "Thanks for listening and thanks for giving back."

Gratefully,
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected] 
http://www.DearReader.com

Comments

[Glynis]

Your column this morning made me realize once again why you're such an inspiration to me in my own writing. I shared this on my own blog and hope you don't mind. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. http://glynisb.blogspot.com/2006/11/inspiration.html

[Tink]

Found a link here on Glynis blog (Ordinary Days) and am so glad I did. I am an avid reader and have purchased a roomful of books, some of which after the first chapter just gather dust. I am looking forward to getting the emails and making a more informed decision on the books that I purchase. Thank you.