I guess every writer knows the Flannery O’Connor quote: “I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say.” Other variations are attributed to other writers, but the meaning is the same. We write to figure out life in general and ourselves in particular.
I don’t write memoir. The events of my life are not revealed in my fiction. Yet every second I’ve lived is recorded in my brain, and it’s with that same brain I conjure up the stories I write, so what I think must be revealed in what I write. Right?
So should I feel inadequate for not writing something deeper, something of substance? Won’t I be judged shallow or even less intelligent than those who write great literary truths? Should I be shamed for aspiring to take up space on someone’s shelf or e-reader? Do I even dare consider myself a real writer?
No. Probably. No. Heck yes!
While all the great literary minds are writing and discussing the deep truths, the lofty ideals, the matters of substance I’ll write about the fundamentals of being human. I’ll write about ordinary people and how they make it through this thing we call life—or don’t.
That’s honest work, don’t you think?
Linda Cassidy Lewis 
Great thoughts, Linda! I recently heard a great podcast about the very same topic on “I Should Be Writing” by Mur Lafferty. We absolutely need all kinds of writing for all kinds of purposes. So, onward and upward, fellow word lover! 🙂
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Thank you, Leah. I’ll have to check out that podcast. 🙂
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I’ve always thought your writing has plenty of literary merit. In the end, all that matters is you’re writing what is close to your heart. Nothing takes that away.
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Awww, thank you, Michelle. 🙂 And yes, I’m happy to be writing what I care about most.
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Literature is an immensely wide field and so there is room for all kinds of writing. Writing from the heart about ordinary things and everyday people is my personal favorite. And by writing and reading about the “fundamentals of being human” as you put it, we discover that ordinary life is rich and meaningful. So, yes, it’s more than worth it.
Christa
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Love your comment, Christa. 🙂 Ordinary people love stories about ordinary people. Good for us, huh?
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Yes, my dear friend. It absolutely is! Every time I read Pat Conroy I think I should quit and never write another sentence. Yet, we can’t compare what we do to others. All we can do is tell our stories. *hugs*
-Jimmy
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And be glad there are people who read our stories, Jimmy. 🙂
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Your writing is pure and honest. That is what I look for when I read a novel. It is honest work to be sure and much needed.
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Aww, thank you, Darlene. 🙂 Pure and honest is what I look for too.
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