I am also a writer in Maine, an aspiring author, and I want to say thank you for this post.
I know that I will never make enough from writing to sustain myself, but it has always been more than just a hobby. A vocation. What a lovely sentiment.
Hey, V: So happy to hear from another Maine writer! Honestly it lifts me up to know others are also viewing their writing as their vocation. It’s like being in a guild! A guild of craftspersons dedicated to the art of storytelling. So thank YOU for dropping this note. Much, much appreciated.
I love the concept of a guild of craftspersons, sharing stories simply for the love of it!
I am working on the first book of a fantasy trilogy. It has been in my head for a long time and I only recently (less than a year ago) started writing it down. I forgot how much joy writing brought me until I started seeing this story become something more than thoughts swirling around in my mind.
I love your definition of "vocation" as it applies to writing. Once upon a time, I imagined earning enough from my fiction writing to quit the day job. Now I see that shouldn't have been my focus at all. But those years weren't wasted. I enjoy reading your thoughts on creativity.
I don’t think it’s terrible to hope to make a living writing. Some people do. Many more USED to in the days we were coming up as young writers. What this does is create a layer of meaning and purpose when money and outside validation are scarce. Keep the light blazing and the pen moving, Catherine! No matter how many people read our words, we have put some goodness into the world. An exploration and meditation on being human in an increasingly machine-ordered world. This I believe.
I hope you're feeling much better with that tick bite! Yikes! Glad to see you're writing articles again and hoping you get to dive back into Liv's world soon! Always love reading your posts, Shelley!
Enjoyed reading your words as always.....I think your idea is right on point. Maybe just following your heart is enough. If something happens, great! If nothing happens, great! The ability to string words together, and move another human being has got to be the greatest reward. There are so many people who cannot do that. There are many who cannot craft a beautiful paragraph. To be able to write one that moves someone, even if it's just ourselves is wonderful!
I am also venturing into a major career shift from “professional ____” to a creative role. It’s exciting and also completely unsettling. Until I read things like this and am reminded that creativity is really an extension of the true me. I can do that! (Weirdly, I was also bitten by a tick this year—a month ago—first time ever—and I live in Maine. It’s been quite the scary journey. Hoping it’s all behind me when I finish this course of antibiotics). Sending healthy wishes to you.
Wow, these ticks are brutal in Maine this . I hope you feel better after the antibiotic. Also, good wishes for your new creative venture! Sharing your insights and way of seeing the world in whatever art(s) you have chosen is important—essential really—to a healthy, functioning society. So bravo! I’m glad this essay spoke to you.
I am also a writer in Maine, an aspiring author, and I want to say thank you for this post.
I know that I will never make enough from writing to sustain myself, but it has always been more than just a hobby. A vocation. What a lovely sentiment.
Hey, V: So happy to hear from another Maine writer! Honestly it lifts me up to know others are also viewing their writing as their vocation. It’s like being in a guild! A guild of craftspersons dedicated to the art of storytelling. So thank YOU for dropping this note. Much, much appreciated.
I am glad that I found you on Novlr! Looking forward to reading more of your work.
Novlr is really cool. What are you working on now? Book or stories or…?
I love the concept of a guild of craftspersons, sharing stories simply for the love of it!
I am working on the first book of a fantasy trilogy. It has been in my head for a long time and I only recently (less than a year ago) started writing it down. I forgot how much joy writing brought me until I started seeing this story become something more than thoughts swirling around in my mind.
That’s awesome. Keep that feeling of joy and awe and wonder and the best kind of PLAY there is as you write. It truly is the best part.
I love your definition of "vocation" as it applies to writing. Once upon a time, I imagined earning enough from my fiction writing to quit the day job. Now I see that shouldn't have been my focus at all. But those years weren't wasted. I enjoy reading your thoughts on creativity.
I don’t think it’s terrible to hope to make a living writing. Some people do. Many more USED to in the days we were coming up as young writers. What this does is create a layer of meaning and purpose when money and outside validation are scarce. Keep the light blazing and the pen moving, Catherine! No matter how many people read our words, we have put some goodness into the world. An exploration and meditation on being human in an increasingly machine-ordered world. This I believe.
This was so comforting to read
Aw, I’m so glad! Thanks for stopping in and commenting. It means a lot!
I hope you're feeling much better with that tick bite! Yikes! Glad to see you're writing articles again and hoping you get to dive back into Liv's world soon! Always love reading your posts, Shelley!
Thank you.
Enjoyed reading your words as always.....I think your idea is right on point. Maybe just following your heart is enough. If something happens, great! If nothing happens, great! The ability to string words together, and move another human being has got to be the greatest reward. There are so many people who cannot do that. There are many who cannot craft a beautiful paragraph. To be able to write one that moves someone, even if it's just ourselves is wonderful!
I love this perspective, Wendy. You are right—there is much to be grateful for.
I am also venturing into a major career shift from “professional ____” to a creative role. It’s exciting and also completely unsettling. Until I read things like this and am reminded that creativity is really an extension of the true me. I can do that! (Weirdly, I was also bitten by a tick this year—a month ago—first time ever—and I live in Maine. It’s been quite the scary journey. Hoping it’s all behind me when I finish this course of antibiotics). Sending healthy wishes to you.
Wow, these ticks are brutal in Maine this . I hope you feel better after the antibiotic. Also, good wishes for your new creative venture! Sharing your insights and way of seeing the world in whatever art(s) you have chosen is important—essential really—to a healthy, functioning society. So bravo! I’m glad this essay spoke to you.