My first official long weekend got off to a great start last night when I found out that one of my blog posts (a poem entitled, “Just look at her”) would be featured on the front page of Here Women Talk, a lovely site I discovered thanks to Sharon Greenthal of Empty House, Full Mind.
There’s a part of me that’s always a little stunned when I find that someone other than me or my loved ones actually wants to read what I’ve written, and, in some cases, takes steps to see that others will read what I’ve written. And when I learn that the words I’ve chosen to combine together into an expression of my own voice has actually elicited emotions in strangers who know nothing of who I am, I am tremendously, profoundly humbled.
I don’t fool myself into thinking that I am a great writer, that I could somehow earn a living from whatever raw skill I’ve been given and choose to develop. But I do have dreams of some day being able to supplement my regular income with my writing, and wonder every day what I might do to move myself further toward fulfillment of those dreams.
Yet when I receive heartfelt thoughts – whether from family, friends, acquaintances, or strangers – written by people who say my writing has touched them in some way… well, it may sound trite, but that feels to me like a treasure, a payment far greater than gold. I store up those comments and kudos and shared fragments of feeling and believe that I am the richest person alive.
And I keep writing.
Thank you.
Excellent post– and yes as a writer–I sure understand that feeling of preciousness when people you’ve never met are encouraged or touched by your words. Makes it all worth while!!
Cheers, Jenn.
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March 31, 2012
Exactly!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The richest person alive
What a way to start a long weekend! Congratulations on the poem, that is super exciting. I feel the same way when you find out that others enjoy your writing as much as you enjoyed writing it!
Lou Lou Loves recently posted… Again, I’d rather just have sex with my husband
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March 31, 2012
Thank you!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The richest person alive
Congratulations, Dawn! And I agree with completely with what you say–whenever I’ve received a few comments like that on my writing, it does make it feel worthwhile and makes me feel I have a little bit of a place in this world. Now this is what you can do with your extra time from going part time at your job–write more! What else could be more rewarding?
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March 31, 2012
I agree, Elaine – that’s part of why I’m looking forward to having the extra time off!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The richest person alive
Congratulations, Dawn! And, I agree with the other comments. It is truly a lovely poem and your humble thoughts in this post are also commendable. You go, girl!
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March 31, 2012
Thank you so much, Betty! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… The richest person alive
Congrats Dawn! And you are a terrific writer, in my humble opinion. I always enjoy reading your posts. So great to see you on herewomentalk.com – it’s a terrific community of women!
Sharon Greenthal recently posted… A Case of Misplaced Identity – as seen on herewomentalk.com
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March 31, 2012
Thank you so much, Sharon! I’m looking forward to getting involved over there.
Laurel Regan recently posted… The richest person alive
Congratulations! That is wonderful. I, for one, love your writing. It is so heartfelt and well written. I do understand how you feel, though, because I feel exactly the same. I can’t believe anyone wants to read what I write and I am so amazed and honored when they do.
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April 1, 2012
Thank you so much, Kat!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The richest person alive
Congratulations! Keep on growing!
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April 1, 2012
Thank you! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… The richest person alive
Yay, you! As a writer, there are few things more gratifying in the world than putting your words out there and having someone say, “I hear you. I appreciate what you’ve done.” It’s kind of magical.
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April 1, 2012
It really is!
Laurel Regan recently posted… The richest person alive
What a lovely post! And congrats! Please do keep writing, Dawn. I think you’re a talented writer and look forward to your posts. 🙂
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April 1, 2012
Thank you so much – that means a lot to me! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… The richest person alive
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