Good Morning!
Welcome to my newly updated website!
My youngest son was playing the guitar this morning, just kicking back riffing, and I was astonished at how every chord he picked resonated with me. I guess it shouldn’t surprise me since he is, after all, my son. Naturally, we have similar ear structures, common emotions, and similar likes and dislikes despite the difference in our years.
But then I reflected on how there are musicians I don’t have any personal connection to who seem to repeatedly resonate with me, too. Diverse musicians, from Chris Botti–the absolute best jazz trumpeter ever, or Imogen Heap, who I’m sure you know, to my worn, much-loved, old Eagles albums, and even good old Mozart. At the same time I know there are lots of people who don’t care to listen to these musicians I think are so extraordinary.
Writing is the same way. As writers we aren’t playing for the whole world’s approbation. We’re writing to an unknown, but specific audience. An audience that, hopefully, resonates with our particular characters and themes, an audience the “gets” the way we see the world. We are writing for readers who feel understood and “touched” when they read our words. They feel moved by the images, language and experiences we portray.
That takes some of the pressure off, doesn’t it? As writers’ our goal isn’t to please everyone with our work. That’s impossible. Besides, I write for the sheer joy of it. Like my son playing his guitar in the early morning, I sing/write whether anyone is listening or not. My goal is to compose words, thoughts and stories from my heart, and do it well enough that they resonate in others. I am fortunate when you write me to tell me how one of my books cheered you up when you were sick, or that your jaw dropped when you read page 146, or I made you laugh out loud at a time when you really needed it. Thank you for your notes and letters. They let me know someone is humming the same tune with me.
