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Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Envy and Creativity
From time to time I come across a book that is more than a good book. These books create envy in me as I read them, because I wish I had been the person priviledged to write them!
When I read The Chronicles of Narnia, I kept wishing I had been the person to create Narnia rather than C.S. Lewis. When I read The Hobbit, I wished I had created Hobbits and their rare adventures! But Narnia was not within me, and neither were Hobbits. I am thinkful for the people who were priviledged to craft them.
One reason I want to write is to be a part of that creative process. I dig within myself and search the world around me to find the means of creating characters that come alive in stories of high interest and excitement. I hope to grow into creating better and better stories to live in vicariously. I don't know how far I will progress in that endeavor, but I know I can only get there by attempting it.
In the mean-time, I am thrilled when surprised by a highly creative and ingenious book. I am reading one of those books now. I have only read the first three chapters of The Mysterious Benedict Society, and already envy is growing. My mind is asking, "How can he be so creative? How does he come up with these ideas? How did he make this world work so effectively?" The most haunting question is, "Why couldn't I have been the person to write this book?"
Trenton Lee Stewart has created a world that is delightful to travel through, and I am enjoying every bit of it. I am glad he is gifted with the talent to create such a story. Maybe my turn will come. If I am not destined to create such worlds as these men have, I am still richer for having experienced them. Best of all, the discontent created in me will compel me to create what I can, which is far better than creating nothing at all.
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3 comments:
I knew from the moment I held a pencil that I wanted to write. It took me until I was 36 years old though to confront my fear about whether or not I was good enough. I enrolled at a local community college and learned from the experts (English instructors) how to write effectively. The compliments and the education I received encouraged me to pursue my writing. However, raising my family came first and now that they are grown, in moments when the kids in my daycare allow me, I steal time to write a sentence or an idea. I would highly recommend returning to school and ask who the toughest English instructor is. She (or he) will be the one who will teach you how to be a successful writer. Much luck to you!
Sounds like fun, Theresa. did you go to Parkland?
So very true! On one hand I marvel and say, "Why can't I write like that?", but on the other hand I'm just so immensely glad that someone can and I get to read it!
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