Tonight I am drawn to acknowledge the 50 year anniversary of the classic "To Kill a Mockingbird," written by an old Southern gal named Nellie Harper Lee. This novel was one of the first to throw a light on that dark corner of my soul where my love of reading lay waiting to implode. This phenomenal author debuted this tale after four years of her time and energy, and drew critical acclaim for her amazing story. Sadly she never wrote another.
I often wonder why. Was it the fear she'd never be able to spin another yarn as deeply stirring? Did she even try only to believe it might never come close?
Reading and writing are a package deal. One of the first pieces of advice I ever received from my writing teacher was to "read, read and read some more." No problem. It's what comes natural.
Great authors inspire. They engage. They direct. They lead crowds. They live quiet lives and realize big dreams. They teach new authors how its done.
I often wonder if I'll ever be so fortunate as to have something that I write touch the hearts of so many for so long. One can only wonder...
No comments:
Post a Comment