Easy reading is damn hard writing. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne
I love when quotes are so timeless. I have a great affection for Mr. Hawthorne. Not only was he a fellow New Englander, he started as a short story writer and struggled to make a living as a writer. A great read seems so effortless. The reader is swept away, pages are quickly turned and underneath it all the author was hard at work.
I just started the process of going back to college to finish my degree in Creative Writing and then to pursue my dream of a MFA in Creative Writing. And I’m old, so it’s scary. The financial aid is done, the application letter is in process, transcripts are being sent, and panic is setting in. I have a lot of “should ofs” and “could ofs” running through my brain. I should have finished college 20 years ago when I had the chance, but at 20 years old I didn’t know what I wanted, or how to get it. What are your writing dreams? and have you achieved them? If not, what is standing in your way of success? Today, write about your writing dreams, don’t hold back, dream big and then read about Mr. Hawthorne, he was an original. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
I too went to University when I was in my 40s, I did an English degree and have never regretted it, they were the best years of my life.
When I discovered Hawthorne I was ecstatic, I’d never experienced anything like his writing. His spirituality bowled me over, his sensitivity to women in ‘The Scarlet Letter’ felt wonderful, I’m still a little besotted!
Thanks Carol! I needed those words of encouragement. Mr. Hawthorne was ahead of his time.