Writing
After having my daughter Bea, I finally sat down to write. Memories, stories, fantasies came forth. It was great. Better out than in.
I had written extensively and professionally before, but to a brief. For an audience, not for myself.
I had fantasies about going the whole way, but other, less isolating pursuits spoke louder. But I have kept writing, and will never stop. No idea where it’s all going, but I laugh as I recall a Leunig cartoon… something about a man going to see a Physician.. “Doctor, doctor… I’ve got this thing inside me. It’s hurting me. Please, please. Take it out.” Doctor asks “what is it?” of course. “A book Doctor, a book. I think it’s a book.”
Have you ever had this feeling? I sure have. Blogging certainly releases the pressure, and there are other pieces of life-saving surgery pending (41,000 words for the MA over the next two years… phew. Hope there’s not too much blood loss. Must plan to allow some post-operative recovery time.)
Some further quotes found just now that help relate these thoughts.
“I write for the same reason I breathe - because if I didn’t, I would die.” - Isaac Asimov
“Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.” - Cyril Connolly
“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart … Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” - Carl Jung
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” - Martin Luther King Jr.
Until I work out how to update my old fashioned writing website, I will just add some other stories that never got collected, via this blog. They are several years old now, from what feels like a distance land, with all that has taken place and transformed in this short/long life so far.
First of all, there are several stories up on the original “Here” writing website, which (if anyone is actually out there? But thanks Cyril, I’m with you) is the best place to start.
Then, there was…
The Surrealist’s Ball - just for fun.
Food & Art - deeper ruminations
First Day of School - sweet, vivid memories (with an edge)
Italian Hotel - power, breastfeeding & gender - a short story
My New Friend & Bees - free child voice (inspired by the questioning nature of children and their fascination with guts)
The Oracle - a short but zapping mystery revealed
Days of Milk - fantasies of being a kindergarten teacher
Lick Hum Dresser - sensuous, Australian, languid short story
Has been good to look back, reread, remember what I have been doing with my words over those years. All part of the learning journey. While some have been published or broadcast, most are yet to be read. Not sure what to do with them really… two many interests for one lifetime…