The pros and woes of the writing life are innumerable. On the one hand, it is, in it’s self, a complete creative outlet. On the other, it is like throwing ones self-confidence into a boxing ring where it gets beat up on a regular basis. All writer’s find themselves routinely out-written no matter how good they might be.
Writing is competitive, scary, and ballsy – all at the same time. It takes courage and perhaps a bit of ignorance to be even mildly successful – and it is unarguably, humbling. The rare acknowledgement and/or praise that may drift my way is validating to be sure. I must be the next J.K. Rowling and Erma Bombeck rolled into one! I whisper to myself as I cheerfully imagine what that combo might look like.
Courage is necessary because a writer risks plenty of personal exposure, which is terrifying. As for ignorance, well let;s face it, being ignorant to the possibility that no one is actually reading anything I write – is pure bliss. Perhaps ignorance is the key to continuing on in a world where most barely breathe while a select few are oxygen themselves. It’s a relentless battle of who’s words are most creatively arranged into books that cannot be put down, that tolerate no interruption, cause appointments to be missed and deadlines to be ignored. Stories so powerfully written that nothing – not starvation, exhaustion nor dehydration can distract the near deceased reader from finishing before attending to the rest of life.
That is the writer we all strive to be and it is my life’s goal to be that writer. If you don’t have your dreams, what have you got?
Well, I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve a ways to go! Yet in the mean time, it would be good to hear from anyone following this blog. So, is anyone out there?
Later,
Mary Ann
I read your words – always. Competitive eh? makes sense and definitely ballsy.
Pink Floyd!! “Is anyone out there?” I am here Mon!!! I love to read the words you put together!
I’m here Mary. I understand how lonely writing/blogging can be. But I love the life observations you write about here, most of which I can relate to!
I’m here Mary Ann! And, I’m loving every word you’ve written in you blog today, many yesterdays, too.
To paraphrase Yoda: Speaking from the heart – you are. 🙂
Thanks for the nudge…in the world of quick clicks…its easy to rush on by to the ‘erm…next thing! It could be why it feels so lonely in this cyber world of connectedness? Happy Thanksgiving and thanks for the wonderful read today!
I love this!
I always read and enjoy your words! 😀
I’m out here and cheering you on! Writing is difficult and courageous, and what you produce is so worth it, Mary Ann. Your observations are always so thoughtful and enjoyable–when I see your post it’s the first thing I open! 🙂
Your words always take me away to a different place and time. I usually take a break from work and escape for a few minutes with you. Your passion and the way you encourage readers to look within, is a real treat. I’m looking forward to reading more from Mary Ann!
I missed a few, but in Oct. I fell in love with your VanWinkle. Responded with clapping hands
and complete understanding–except that you only have touched the issue with your toes.
Trouble was I kept losing my response, probably due to my heavy hands on the keyboard
as I kept getting cut off. After several attemps-one even hours later–I gave up. Sorry.
Could it be due to my weakening old brain or are my hands too weak to keep them away from
falling down against the bar etc. on the bottom of the keyboard?
Thank you Joanne! We are all malfunctioning a bit these days!
We’re out here! We are Gene and Jan Golla. We met you at Twin Lakes Idaho. We have the cabin next door to the Tonani cabin. Enjoy your musings as we are the same age as you so everything hits home. Keep on writing and we’ll keep reading.
Hey you guys! I remember meeting you at the lake. Thank you for following me! I’ll keep blogging!
Just received your blog through my brother, they are good for something. I know he is the funniest guy I know. He probably thought he was being hilarious when he sent it to me as my maiden name was Mary Ann Hayes and for 57 years Coty. Been thinking I would change my Facebook name to Mary Ann Hayes Coty but maybe I won’t as I have enough confusion with the name I now have.
Will have to pick up your books when I am at the local bookstore, only one left in town, so I will know how your mind works. Good Luck, Mary Ann Coty
Thanks Mary Ann Hayes Coty! Your best off buying my books on Amazon. I hope you enjoy them and subscribe to my blog. It looks good to the publishers when a writer is also a blogger!