Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Write From The Heart

Photo courtesy of Magpie Tales
Janet threw down her pen in disgust. “Whatever made me think I could be a writer in the first place?” Her cat, curled up on the sofa, barely acknowledged her outburst.

“Just because I wrote a few short stories and dabbled a bit in poetry over the years, I suddenly thought I could write the next great novel?” Never mind that her friends had been reading her stories for years and encouraging her to write more and longer pieces. You’ve got the knack. You’ve got talent. You can do this!"

“Ha! What do they know? No, that’s not fair. They were probably just being nice, and who knows maybe they really enjoyed my scribblings but that doesn’t mean I’ve got any real talent."

While she was ranting to herself about her inability to put any coherent words down on paper, she glanced at a magazine lying on the table and saw a quote by someone whose name she didn’t recognize. It said “Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self” by Cyril Connolly.

That struck a chord with Janet. "Maybe that’s what’s wrong with me. I have been so worked up about trying to find the right plot, and the right storyline. What do people want to read?"

"Yeah, that counts for something, but it’s not everything. For a story to be good, you need to put yourself into it."

Finally! She put her pen and paper aside, and turned to her keyboard and began to write. This time from the heart.

Written for Magpie Tales.

15 comments:

  1. Brought tears to my eyes. Love it.
    DH

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  2. DH- I am so glad! Your comment made me a touch soggy too. Sweet! Thank you.

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  3. Yes... from the heart... is best!

    Thanks for the reminder as I get to my own writing spot this morning!

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  4. The only way to discover your unique voice is to write your unique truth and that always lies in the heart. Good job and good lesson, Linda.

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  5. Love the quote. My Magpie this week is Poet.

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  6. That is so true, music, painting or writing - enjoy what you do is what counts

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  7. OHMYGOD, Linda!!

    Um... you just completely described ME. I have been wrestling with this book/novel thingy for what seems like forever. And, I think this story just totally UNBLOCKED me.

    WOW. WOW. WOW. WOW.

    And THANK YOU.

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  8. Brenda- You're welcome. I think it's something for all writers to consider. Thanks for stopping by.

    Jayne- Thank you. The best stuff does come from within.

    Roy- Thanks. Thanks for stopping by Roses to Rainbows.

    Anji- It is! If you do what you enjoy then you are a success.

    Meleah- OK that is the second comment to make my eyes water. You are very welcome. I can't wait to read the book.

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  9. So true of anything we love to do.

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  10. Janet learned what many never do. Yay, Janet!!!!

    Do it from the heart.
    Do it for art.
    Give your cat a hug.
    And dance upon your rug.

    Ahhh, am I an Awesome Poet today, or what?? :) :)

    xoxo

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  11. Hilary- Yes, it is. The key is to remember that.

    Jannie- Indeed, you are Jannie on the spot today!

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  12. YEAH. I love it so much!!! Yes, it makes me smile and tear up a bit. Write and write...let your heart lead the way!

    I'm still chuckling at Jannie's poem:~)

    Thanks for sharing this. Sometimes it very good to put our intentions into words. While I've never been a great believer in intentions, I am a believer that words know your heart.

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  13. Great quote and great post. I think that the lesson applies to whatever you do in life: Be true to yourself.

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  14. That is exquisite! Really beautifully done! Brava!

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  15. Sara- Thank you! Good intentions are important, but it's the follow through that really counts.
    Jannie is quite the impromptu poet, isn't she?

    Anvilcloud- Thanks so much for visiting. Indeed they do whether it's writing, painting or any other activity you enjoy.

    Linda- Thank you so much!

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