Tuesday, June 11, 2013

to the writer


"You are going to have to give and give and give, or there's no reason for you to be writing. You have to give from the deepest part of yourself, and you are going to have to go on giving, and the giving is going to have to be its own reward. There is no cosmic imporance to your getting something published, but there is in learning to be a giver."

Bird by Bird
Anne Lamott


How does one "give" with their writing? I'm still working on this one, but I'm thinking it has something to do with being a truth-teller, writing things that are true and that matter in even the smallest way. I think it means not giving the cheap, easy way out but writing from the depths of ourselves in a way that gives readers the sense that they are not alone. Thoughts?






9 comments:

  1. Beautiful! I just got Bird by Bird for my birthday last week. I think this "giving" is about being vulnerable and real and authentic. It's about sharing all--the beautiful and the ugly. I think it takes a lot of self-reflection and self-awareness.

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  2. I love this quote and the thoughts it sparks. I was just thinking of writing tonight as I wrote my last post...

    Thank you for sparking my brain to think! I may have to check out this book!

    ...beautiful photograph too!

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  3. This is a beautiful quote! I think that giving is being real, honest and authentic about what you are writing. Since I have been blogging, I feel like I am "giving" something to others through my writing. They can relate to a lot of my posts and that makes me feel good because I am giving them hope and faith that all is well.

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  4. Beautiful quote! Something to think about absolutely!! have a GREAT day sweet girl, love Katie

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  5. love this. i totally agree with the idea of truth-telling. i think giving in your writing means being vulnerable. opening up, allowing others to really see what it is you are trying to convey.

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  6. I stumbled across your blog and happened to fall in love with it. I've added it to my favorites. You are beautiful and you write so wonderfully! xoxo

    loveekierramakayla.blogspot.com

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  7. This is so true, Heather! I'm a huge fan of Anne Lamott; that book should be required reading for all writers. I think honesty in writing is super important, but there's also this outpouring of the soul that takes place if you're truly writing something you're passionate about. I think that's why so many people are afraid to share their writing with others: it's like sharing a really deep part of themselves.

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  8. i like the "truth writing" - you are so right.

    Phil 4:8 // Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things........

    write about such things!!!

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  9. I am wrestling with this. There are memories and thoughts that I want to be only mine, or only mine and my husband's, etc. There is something about being the only ones who know that makes an experience or quirk or idea feel special. I fear that giving too much through my writing will lessen how special something is to me--even more so if I can't capture its essence--that will "reduce it."

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