Hey man, I really liked this. Your point about no longer reading to get lost, but to see how it is done, is very well made. I’m never sure about the notion of getting lost in a story, I think because - for me - it has always felt much more like finding and thinking about aspects of my self, and of the world..
I also find your position on how you feel about calling yourself a writer interesting. I am ambivalent: does the fact of writing make any and all of us a writer? Or does one have to be an externally published (as in by a kosher publishing house, rather than by other routes) and objectively recognised by readers and critics writer to use the term. In my own mind, I tend towards the second interpretation and probably feel better just saying I write. But, equally, I get absolutely the other view and see its affirmative possibilities. However, for me, being a writer (unlike being a reader as you say so well) is not magic in the same way…yes, it is the magical conclusion of reading (I mean one has to read to write well) but I guess there are other layers of external reality that are at play.
In any event, I enjoyed reading your writing here.
When I read this sentence: "I read to see how it can be done." I remember all those years ago why I started reading. I did it solely for the pizzas. I did it... for Book-It. If you put one word in front of the other, Peter, you'll always be a writer. 🤙🏼
Thanks for reading and I'm so pleased that it inspired your own idea, plus thanks for the re-stack too! I'll have to check out your page, nice to meet you here in the 'stacks!
Hey Laura, thanks for reading! I give a lot of books away to friends and family, plus I don't really have space for all my books. But yeah, still dream of one day having a library room
I have been selling a lot of books I've been reading lately in resales just to get a little bit back-- but I meant the books I do have that I've collected since a kid, that's what makes the bookshelves amazing. 📚
Hey man, I really liked this. Your point about no longer reading to get lost, but to see how it is done, is very well made. I’m never sure about the notion of getting lost in a story, I think because - for me - it has always felt much more like finding and thinking about aspects of my self, and of the world..
I also find your position on how you feel about calling yourself a writer interesting. I am ambivalent: does the fact of writing make any and all of us a writer? Or does one have to be an externally published (as in by a kosher publishing house, rather than by other routes) and objectively recognised by readers and critics writer to use the term. In my own mind, I tend towards the second interpretation and probably feel better just saying I write. But, equally, I get absolutely the other view and see its affirmative possibilities. However, for me, being a writer (unlike being a reader as you say so well) is not magic in the same way…yes, it is the magical conclusion of reading (I mean one has to read to write well) but I guess there are other layers of external reality that are at play.
In any event, I enjoyed reading your writing here.
Hey Nicolas, thanks for giving me a read and for leaving a lovely comment! This piece was a sort of free-write, but I also enjoyed how it turned out.
When I read this sentence: "I read to see how it can be done." I remember all those years ago why I started reading. I did it solely for the pizzas. I did it... for Book-It. If you put one word in front of the other, Peter, you'll always be a writer. 🤙🏼
Thank you for this 🙏🏼 Got a cool idea from your words. Restacked!
Hey Christine :)
Thanks for reading and I'm so pleased that it inspired your own idea, plus thanks for the re-stack too! I'll have to check out your page, nice to meet you here in the 'stacks!
Nice to meecha here too, Peter. I imagine you are more than Mostly Brave… more to come.
A writer is anyone who writes, and you, Peter, are a writer. I look forward to the day your book graces a library's shelves!
Thanks for the support Robin! I don't know why I struggle with my identity as a writer. All part of the job perhaps.
Beautiful writing, Peter! Yes, kind sir, you are a writer.
Thanks C.J. :)
You’re welcome
Keep calling yourself a writer.
I'll try my best :)
I too dream of owning a library. My bookshelves are amazing now but can't wait to see where they'll be in 5, 10, 15 years... 📚❤️
Hey Laura, thanks for reading! I give a lot of books away to friends and family, plus I don't really have space for all my books. But yeah, still dream of one day having a library room
I have been selling a lot of books I've been reading lately in resales just to get a little bit back-- but I meant the books I do have that I've collected since a kid, that's what makes the bookshelves amazing. 📚
This was a great read!
"I’m getting more comfortable calling myself a writer. I reckon if I keep writing and sharing I’ll be able to keep calling myself a writer."
Indeed, as I've discovered in every writers meetup or group I've been a part of, the simple tenet: Writers write.
So you absolutely qualify!