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What prompts us to write?

3/12/2023

25 Comments

 
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Hello blog friends. 

Of recent I've thought about how writing changes us - the word-crafting, the research, the humbling process of marketing. I hope you'll walk with me as I try to explain. 
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If we look back through the years, I suspect we'll all discover a naiver version of ourselves. We've grown because we've dared to share our imaginations and aspirations. 

Some, like my sons, climb mountains. Others embark on a pilgrimage. My friend hikes the Camino de Santiago, and he's on his sixth journey now. Whatever our path, life draws us forward. It is for this reason, that I read with a sense of awe for all the hours upon hours writers put into their books. 

I'm much behind on my Kindle, but I've committed to dive deep and lighten its weight. Presently, I'm focused on the Wake Robin Ridge series. Marcia Meara is a gifted writer, and I'm entranced by her stories. 

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I'm also reading a nonfiction book -- Secrets of the Light. Brinkley writes of his realizations after three Near Death Experiences. Though most of us have not had a NDE, there's a good chance we've come close. Many of us have touched mystery through our personal struggles and wondered why. Why me? Why now? Why … ?

Doesn't that question, why, in all its various forms, drive many of us to write? Reading Meara's series, I'm mindful of her characters' questions and answers, and as I read, I discover my own. Do you have a similar experience? 

Have a wonderful week, my friends. I hope to focus on your books soon, if I haven't already done so. Happy reading and writing! ❤️

25 Comments
CS Boyack
3/13/2023 04:59:37

A lot of thought went into this post, and it inspires a lot of thought.

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Gwen M. Plano
3/13/2023 05:42:42

I hope it resonated in some way with your experience. Thank you, Craig.

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Priscilla Bettis link
3/13/2023 05:11:25

Coincidentally, I just finished Marcia Meara's 2nd Emissary book. It was a touching read. I haven't heard of Secrets of the Light, but I did enjoy another NDE book called 7 Lessons from Heaven by Mary C. Neal.

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Gwen M. Plano
3/13/2023 05:49:01

I find the NDE accounts fascinating and comforting. I haven't read Neal's book, but I'll put it on my list. Proof of Heaven by neurosurgeon Eben Alexander is quite intriguing. Thank you, Priscilla. 😊

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Karen Ingalls
3/13/2023 06:03:37

For me writing is cathartic. I dig deep into myself, I learn new things, and reflect on the old. Reading is learning about me and the world around me.
Writing and reading are two blessings.

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Gwen M. Plano
3/13/2023 06:40:14

You've captured it so beautifully, Karen -- two blessings. Thank you, dear friend. ❤️

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Joan Hall link
3/13/2023 06:47:09

I've begun reading Marcia's Wake-Robin Ridge series. She is a gifted writer. Have an awesome week, Gwen.

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Gwen M. Plano
3/13/2023 08:19:46

It's amazing that we're reading the same series at the same time. Hope you have a wonderful week as well. 😊

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JILL A WEATHERHOLT link
3/13/2023 06:58:28

The ability to read and write are gifts many take for granted. Thank you for the reminder to remain mindful of our blessings, Gwen. xo

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Gwen M. Plano
3/13/2023 08:20:33

It's an incredible blessing, and your books are living proof of that truth. ❤️

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Liz Gauffreau link
3/13/2023 13:40:15

You are so right about that, Jill!

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Staci Troilo link
3/13/2023 08:16:23

There was a show a few years back (Matthew Modine and Jennifer Beals) called Proof. It was about NDEs. Fiction, of course, but fascinating stuff.

I love your reflections on writing. Thanks for sharing, Gwen.

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Gwen M. Plano
3/13/2023 08:21:46

I'm glad you enjoyed the post, Staci. Thanks so much! 😊

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Pete Springer link
3/13/2023 08:35:10

Reading and writing allows us to connect with others and ourselves. I often find long-forgotten memories when I read. Some experience, sometimes from 50 years ago, will flash into my mind. It's like taking a trip without leaving the house.

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Gwen M. Plano
3/13/2023 09:40:06

So true, Pete. Thank you for pointing that out. "Taking a trip without leaving the house" - beautiful!

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John Howell link
3/13/2023 10:50:38

A good question that sometimes has no answer. Why do I write? I guess cause it's there. Enjoyed your post today, Gwen.

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Gwen M. Plano
3/13/2023 12:10:06

Thanks so much, John. Only you can answer why you write, but I suspect part of the reason you write is that you enjoy the challenge. 😊

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Dan Antion link
3/13/2023 11:01:20

I have always enjoyed reading because it lets me imagine the scene instead of having it play out in front of me. Non-fiction (books and much of the research I do) also tends to set my imagination in action. I think my teachers said I was "easily distracted," but I prefer to think that I was just getting into the subject ;-)

This is a nice post, Gwen - Two for two today!

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Gwen M. Plano
3/13/2023 12:22:25

Thank you very much, Dan. When I was a kid (on a farm, miles from any town), books were a way for me to travel--just as you describe. My library card became my passport, and I used it as often as I could. As for your teacher, I'm sure she recognized that you had and have a great desire to understand. 😊

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Yvette M Calleiro link
3/13/2023 12:13:26

I've read one of Marcia's books and can't wait to get back into the series. I began writing novels as an escape from a very stressful time in my life. Those times are long past, but I continue to write because of my love for writing. Great post, Gwen!

Yvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com

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Gwen M. Plano
3/13/2023 13:27:24

Wonderful, Yvette. I think writing opens a door for us, and once open, we can't help but continue the journey. ❤️

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Jan Sikes
3/13/2023 13:35:23

I love this post so much, Gwen. I love reading and always have. It opens such unknown worlds that I'd otherwise never experience. Thank you SO much for reading and reviewing Jonah. I deeply appreciate that. I have the Wake Robin books waiting for me on my Kindle and I know I am going to enjoy them. Oh, for more time. :) Thanks for sharing!

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Gwen M. Plano
3/13/2023 14:44:10

Unknown worlds for sure! As readers we get to travel and explore, dream big and small. It's a blessing. 😊

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Liz Gaufreau link
3/13/2023 13:49:40

I write because I'm miserable when I don't. It's as simple as that. The reasons for how I write and the questions I try to answer are not simple at all. When starting a new piece, it's often prompted by curiosity about a person and/or a particular situation. The further in I get, the more emotionally invested I get in the characters, and I don't want to do them a disservice.

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Gwen M. Plano
3/13/2023 14:52:13

Beautifully described, Liz. Thank you. I suspect we approach writing similarly. It's amazing how attached we can become to our characters. 😊

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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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