Comments on: True Story

By: Candice

Candice — Fri, 19 Jan 2018 18:57:55 +0000

In reply to Melissa G. What a great metaphor, Melissa. The locked room. Many people keep those doors locked, or they keep those memories in a box on a closet shelf and never look inside it. Sometimes I wish I was more like those people.

By: Melissa G

Melissa G — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 06:16:14 +0000

This is a wonderful read.
Yes, the best stories are honest and kids have an instinct for this… I was going to say more on the subject, but realised that it was mirroring what you’ve written here. I concur.
You know, in many ways, an honest writer is much like a great actor. To produce truth that resonates they need to reach into themselves. Everyone has a mental room or two that they keep locked. But storytellers do what others cannot, and they enter those rooms.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 16:50:26 +0000

In reply to Candice. I will check that out! Thank you. I'm eager to see where these thoughts take you as a writer. The best is yet to come! :-)

By: Candice

Candice — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 12:24:20 +0000

In reply to Michelle.

Michelle, my next Bookology Magazine essay (which this post is originally) is the subject of what you worry about, what are you supposed to be doing as a writer. I worry, too, even after 36 years of writing children’s books. Maybe especially after all those years.

I’m not writing the books that I’m meant to–I’ve gone off my path. I’m taking *your* advice and listening to myself and the story. Thank you!

P.S.: My Bookology column, “The Big Green Pocketbook” comes out the first week of the month. I don’t cross-post that essay to my blog until the next piece comes out.

By: Candice

Candice — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 12:18:53 +0000

In reply to Ruth. I see the small truths all the time in your big canvases, the little touches that tell me nothing in your vision is overlooked.

By: Judy Schachner

Judy Schachner — Tue, 09 Jan 2018 05:10:11 +0000

In reply to Candice. Same to you my friend! xo

By: Ruth

Ruth — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 22:42:06 +0000

I am all for small truths. Wonderful, insightful post, Candice.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 21:20:26 +0000

Thanks, Candice. Much food for thought. Gosh, I go ’round and ’round with these ideas. What am I doing or supposed to be doing as a writer? I tend not to worry but rather to write as a listener to the story, trusting my own reader’s ear. What appears must feel true to the page, to the characters, to the story as a whole. You help me understand that we write and read what we need. And perhaps we can trust ourselves more than we often do. Thank you, again!

By: Candice

Candice — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 19:37:02 +0000

In reply to Jeannine Atkins. Law, I have tons of books that will never see the light of day, but I felt that story should be out there and kept trying and trying. It's been a huge relief just to let it go. I don't know if I'll ever write as bravely as some do (you!), but maybe what I do is enough. Thanks for stopping by, Miss Jeannine!

By: Candice

Candice — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 19:34:21 +0000

In reply to Ashley Wolff. Lovely statement . . . and very kind words. Thanks.