A few days ago, I wrote about how Willa Cather had a friend who encouraged her to “write what she knew.” It proved to be good advice, and led to a successful career for Willa, during which she wrote beautifully about the prairie life and its people. Pearl S. Buck did the same thing. She was an American who, from the age of three months, was raised in China by her missionary parents. The major theme of her writing was the intersection of the East and West. She even co-founded the East and West Association, during WWII, to help Americans better understand culture and the people of the East.
Now, I am attempting to follow in the footsteps of these great women, and write a book (and live a life) based on what I know – one that will have a direct, positive impact on all who read it. But what do I know, really? Yeah, OK. I know a lot. But is it worthy of being put in writing? And will it actually help anyone who reads it? Will anyone even read it? These are among the questions I am asking myself.
And guess what else I am doing while asking them? Not writing – about anything!
Here’s one thing I do know: If I don’t write the book, we’ll never know the answers to these questions, will we? OK. Today, I am taking the risk of writing anyway, and seeing where it goes!
Can you relate? Will you join me in this adventure of discovery?
Laura Biering has an infectious zeal for coaching people who want to do
enlivening work and live inspired lives. She's fired up about the power of taking risks - great and small - and the rewards that come as a result. She's also passionate about (1) creativity and authenticity and their potential to change the world, (2) frolicking with her adorable four-legged children, and (3) retreating with those she loves at her farm in Southeast Georgia, Brinson's Race. Visit her website at True Voices.
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You bet I’ll join you. I’ve learned a lot during YOUR lifetime and a lot of what I’ve learned during my lifetime you’ve taught me.
Yes, yes and yes! When you are clear enough on the what, and I hear that you are, the how’s will start to unfold. Write my beautiful friend. A fun tool that supports me is Sark’s book, Thirsty Paper, Juicy Pen.
As you know, writing anything is better, than writing nothing. I say that as I sit here creating text for a project of mine. I got stuck and came to your blog–thank you!