Tessa, thank you for taking the time to write these three replies. On Facebook, I’m a member of several groups, but as I’ve made inquiries about the novel I’ve been working on in a couple groups, there have been many who have said they can’t wait to read it because it’s about a time and place they once shared, too. They anticipate a story like the one I’m trying to finish. So in that regard, my writing is bridging a gap they feel, particularly since the location is now closed and no longer anything like it once was.
I thought your one good advice point was funny as can be, because I moved 644 miles away from my own mom and four younger siblings and the bassackward country town they live in 20 years ago this month. Tensions among them all seemed somewhat strained cycles. I so understand the benefits that can come from distance.
In my own way, I have come to realize that the reason I write is because of what Rainer Maria Rilke says in his first letter of response dated Feb. 17, 1903, to Franz Xaver Kappas. Kappas, a young poet, had sent him some of his work seeking review and praise. But Rilke countered by telling him that Kappas needed to stop “looking outward” about his writing.
He goes on to fully agrees with you.
“No one can help you or give you advice, no one. The only thing to do is: Go into yourself. Look for the reason that is making you write; see whether it has put down roots in the deepest place in your heart; admit, in all honesty, whether or not you would die if you weren't allowed to write.” (Letters to a Young Poet, Translated by Damion Searls, pages 4–5. 2021.)
Per your comments about prayer and inner reflection, by all means, I respect what you believe about God, or the lack of one, i.e. from the aspect that you clearly know how you feel. You’ve taken a stance. Think of those in this world who either cannot take one, do not know of the options, or are too engrossed with themselves to care!
Thank you again for sharing. Thank you, too, for sharing your cut-and-dried worldview. Reading your pronouncements of exactitude are a breath of fresh air. In my cauldron of ideas lately is how darned tired I am of reading, “Let me show you how I made 10 gazillion dollars in two weeks,” “How to write on Medium and be in line for the Medal of Honor!” or over to YouTube for “How you need to buy my book on creating three business funnels,” those on drop-shipping, setting up a store, blah, blah, balh…. cos it’s due.
Sincerely,
Donald J. Claxton
