I must confess I haven't read nearly enough lately. As I've concerned myself with actually getting paid to write due to by admiration of living in an apartment rather than a cardboard box somewhere my priorities have shifted. Still it is important to remember where you really want to go as a writer, the things that inspired you, and how a constant redefinition of self should be on just about everyone's to do list.
I've pulled from my shelves two books I hope to finish over this next week-- or at least get really close. Composing a Further Life: The Age of Active Wisdom by Mary Catherine Bateson, a former professor of Anthropology and English. The book, which I'm currently a couple chapters into, explores the concept of "Adulthood II" a time when middle age adults often redefine their future. There's a lot I can take from this. My kids are in college, I'm taking on a semi-risky career move with freelancing. Taking a leap of faith isn't easy. I grew up the youngest in a big family where it is often difficult to hear my own voice, let alone get anyone to listen. Maybe that is why I write things down. That way I know it is real.
I have also always found writing "guide" books inspiring and motivating. A while back I bought a used copy of Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, which somehow I haven't read. So that is also on my reading list this week. Between the two books, I should have much reflecting to do.
Books, whether they are fiction, poetry, guidebooks or something else teach us not only about the people that write them but also about ourselves. I look forward to making that journey and planning my next turn,
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