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Muffins and Mayhem, Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life
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Dear Reader,
If you have a question about writing or publishing, send it my way. Email it to: [email protected]
Today's question is from Sean.
"Suzanne, I am so inspired by works of literature. Recently I have been reading through several works of Thoreau and I am in awe of his knowledge and insight into what he experiences. I have shared this with my sister and she tells me (over and over) that I should write. My issue is that with so many great authors, how do I rate at being in their shoes? Writing isn't just expression. It is expression with a vast history of thought and beauty. So I ask myself, can I express myself better than Thoreau or Homer? Will I add to the greatness of writing, or will I just add to the motion or act of writing? What are your thoughts?"--Sean
(Suzanne replies:)
Dear Sean,
Every once and a while I have a bad habit of comparing myself to other people, and you know, I can't think of one time that it's done me any good. Writing isn't about how I measure up to other authors. Look hard enough and you'll always be able to find someone who you think is more intelligent, better looking, or a more talented writer than yourself. I say this to you in kindness, Sean, I feel you're using the "how do I compare thinking" as a reason to not start writing. Almost every writer will confess there are familiar stumbling blocks they face when they begin a new writing project. In my case, there's a fear inside of me that I have to push through before I can begin. Beginning is scary to me. Where will it take me? How on earth am I going to get there? Hey, do I really know what the heck I'm doing? And yes, sometimes I fear, 'what if the words I write don't measure up?' But my writing only needs to answer to me.
Sure, it's nice when people tell me they enjoyed reading my daily column, or my book. I appreciate hearing it. But my real reason for writing is that I'm hoping when someone reads what I've written, they'll be a little easier on themselves. The reason I openly talk about my feelings, good and bad, is that I'm hoping my words will ease a pain in someone's heart, and allow them to recognize that it's okay to be themselves--whatever that might be at the moment.
Every author tells a story in their own unique voice. I suspect there's a reader patiently waiting to hear yours--start writing Sean.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]
www.muffinsandmayhem.com
KIDSBUZZ: Meet new authors--send an email, ask a question and they will reply. Plus every author/publisher is giving away free copies of their featured book. Learn about great books for kids and teens from Melissa Sweet, BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade; David Farland, NIGHTINGALE; and Elizabeth Levy, PARROTS AND PIRATES: A MYSTERY AT SEA. For a chance to win free books, say hello to the authors, and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz
* This month's Penguin Classics book is PATHS OF GLORY by Humphrey Cobb. Start reading now and enter to win a Penguin totebag. Go to: http://tinyurl.com/November11Classics
AUTHORBUZZ: Meet author Aimee Thurlo
(Fiction) WINTER HAWK'S LEGEND by Aimee Thurlo
When Holly Gates goes into hiding with Daniel Hawk, a fearless security expert sworn to protect her, she finds herself quickly falling in love with him. Though, unlike her, he craves no home or family--just the same freedom as the great hawk. I invite you to read a story about the power of family and the courage to defy the odds.
Click on my book, read more, find out about me, and please send me an email. I'd love to hear from you. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader
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