.jpg)
Margaret looks at the gifts we receive and give
Is being able to write a successful novel a gift? Or is it luck? Or is it in fact plain and simple hard work? I’m in two minds. The gift of being able to string a few sentences together is within the capabilities of all of us. But to expand those words into a full length novel is far more than a gift. In essence it means taking that gift of being able to write those few words and adding to them until they become a whole book-length story.
If only it were that simple!
Writing is as draining as doing a manual job. Believe me, at the end of a day’s writing I flop down in the nearest armchair thoroughly worn out. The gift! Is it worth it?
A gift is also a present, so isn’t that what writers do – give their readers the gift of their imagination? Although it takes many months of hard work it is ultimately our gift to the people who read our books. I read, we all read, and I appreciate all the hard work that has gone into the books I read.
My six year old grandson wrote a story the other day. Only one page but it was a story he had thought up and written down so that we, his family, could read it. He was so proud.
So next time you read a book, think of it as a gift from the author.
Great thought, Margaret. Occasionally, there re those gifts you just wish you could take back and exchange.
ReplyDeleteToo true, Anna. Unfortunately it happens sometimes.
DeleteI honestly believe it is a gift that not everyone has (to be able to write and tell stories). But the benefit is that, as you say, the final product can be looked at as a gift to our readers.
ReplyDeleteOh, and six year olds? Their stories are ALWAYS gifts! :-)
So many people have given readers gifts over the years that it is good to give something back.
DeleteI'd add the gift of imagination to the gift of being able to string words together. And maybe perseverance is another gift as we struggle through our stories - as you say, it can be draining at times, but we still keep going!
ReplyDeleteDo writers ever really stop. Paula. If the story's in yur head you have to get it down. Like my little grandson writing his story down. I hope we all carry on for many more years to come.
ReplyDeleteI don't think everyone is blessed with the gift of writing.
ReplyDeleteBut just like other talents and gifts we are blessed with, it's up to us to nurture and use the gift: for ourselves and others as well.