A writing teacher once asked me, why are you in such a rush? You’re racing through your scenes as if you can’t wait for them to be over. What’s wrong with you? Are you a fugitive? Are you being chased? And what’s with your main character constantly going out for walks in the woods alone? And where are all the people? Where are the lovers, the friends, the sons, the daughters, the aunts, the uncles, the mothers and the fathers? And then this teacher asked me something I would never forget. She asked where are the windows?
I think what she was asking me was “where is the light?”
It’s easy to be alone. It’s easy to slip out for walks all by yourself. It’s much harder to stay in the world–the messy, often catastrophically funny, heartbreaking world.
But that’s where all the good stuff happens
marsha says
I am now reading your blog and ‘can feel the kinship.’ I too have one son, and understand how difficult it can be with the writing. Congrats on your success.
marsha says
Hi Melanie, looking forward to reading your book, keep up the good word.
melaniegideon says
Thank you, Marsha!
Daddy30 says
How about this- deep fried battered meat pies. ,
A fan says
Melanie,
I enjoyed your book “The Map That Breathed.”
I too find it much easier to walk the woods, read the books, and (yes) even do the dishes… than to stick around and really talk. Lately, my talk has been a foreign language to others and has not brought me much joy. Nevertheless, it truly is within this mess that all the ideas, adventures, laughter, heartaches, and love occurs. Hang in there, keep up the great writing! Oh, and pray for those of us who have the same spirit, yet have never dared to write it down.
Regards.
melaniegideon says
So glad you liked the Map~ thanks for writing.
Kittie Balsis says
Just wanted to stop by and say thanks. Enjoy reading your stuff.
melaniegideon says
Thanks for letting me know!