Comments on: Rookie writing

By: Gerry

Gerry — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 07:21:40 +0000

It was a search for humility that allowed me to safely land into your blog. I have often heard of such sites, but is my first experience viewing one. Regretfully I must admit, my desire to write is limited by the time I devote to it. I have written prose and poetry for self ammusement, or as a gift for a friend, but not to enlighten anyone. My career is demanding, and I have come to realize that it is the giving of myself for the benefit of others, that charts my course to humility. I have also discovered that effective writing is a lasting tool to affect my attempt at humility. Thank you for the opportunity to read thought provoking commentary. I shall write a poem that reminds me to embrace humility to better serve others, and carry it with me always.

By: Ashleigh

Ashleigh — Sat, 22 Jul 2006 18:56:11 +0000

Really enjoyed these thoughts on writing. I was challenged and convicted by your last couple sentences …

Writing about my life is one thing. Living a life worth writing about is a whole other matter. The latter is the better virtue

Loved that! Quite profound.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Fri, 21 Jul 2006 03:05:27 +0000

You write beautifully. I’ve always ‘wanted’ to be a writer - though I’ve always written. I assumed that only those who were paid for their work had earned the right to hang the ‘writer’ shingle outside their doors.

I think a writer can’t help but to write. Personally, I find there’s no greater pleasure than to evoke a certain emotion, or to hear ‘you made my day’ because of something I’ve written.

Well, as a mom, I guess there is one greater pleasure - first time obedience.

By: Mrs. P.

Mrs. P. — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 15:51:10 +0000

Amy, this is a most thoughtful and considered reflection on writing. If it makes anyone here feel any better, I have a PhD in English literature, and generally have excellent grammar and what is considered a fairly elegant style, and writing is still a slog for me (and I do a lot of it). Of course, whether or not I have any talent is questionable–but I think people who have heaps of it still can’t escape the hard-work element!

Keep writing, Amy; we’re all richer for it. I say that truly.

By: Gary

Gary — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 14:15:13 +0000

“Living a life worth writing about is a whole other matter” — and maybe the most important. Or maybe everybody lives that life, and has a story worth writing about; the challenge is recognizing and telling it in a way where people go, “hey, that’s me!” You’re doing that.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 11:09:08 +0000

Great post. I enjoy your style of writing and reading your thoughts.

By: Spunky

Spunky — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 02:28:11 +0000

I loved reading your perspective on writing. And if it’s any consolation, I just tried to read Old Man and the Sea by Earnest Hemmingway and I have to say, I much prefer reading a blog post to that book. It had what my daughter calls “a gum chewing” element. A whole lot of work and difficult to digest. Blogging provides nutritious bite size morsels that are usually delicious and easy to digest. I count your blog a nutritional staple in my diet.

By: Joanne

Joanne — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 00:20:30 +0000

What a lovely perspective you have on writing! My mom is an artist and loves art history and the likes. I have a difficult time appreciating all that she does. But I must say, I do appreciate fine writing, and I think yours falls into that category.

By: Miriam

Miriam — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 00:07:36 +0000

I so enjoyed this post, Amy. Thank you. I so relate. I started a blog a while back and been laboring to become a better wordsmith, relearn grammar rules I’ve long forgotten, share meaningfully, etc. I’d be embarrassed to let anyone know how long it takes me to compose a post (so out of practice of writing). But it is well worth it, isn’t it? It does somehow bring clarity. And the creative adventure of it all is so fun.

By: Lynn Donovan

Lynn Donovan — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 22:02:36 +0000

It was a blessing for me to land on your blog today. I have been struggling under a writing project for the last four days. Your words were eloquent and helpful. Thank you.