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C08P19 – Good
I really enjoy writing for Dreameater, as he’s an interesting combination of a frivolous troublemaker and weary old man. As a result, you never know what kind of response you’re going to get. I certainly don’t think Mizha expected this one.
I wanted to return to the series I started a little bit ago, going through old work from when I was a kid. When I was 12, I was obsessed with the Redwall Series. I had just lost my home to a fire, and I think the idea of these tiny creatures with stout hearts and pure natures triumphing over terrible odds really appealed to me. I wrote a story (the first of many iterations) about a blue-furred wizard cat named “Larth” (I’ve always been terrible at naming things) that took many style cues from Brian Jacques. My mother wrote to him and sent a copy of this story. This is the letter he sent back:
The type is a form letter, but the hand-written note reads: P.S. Robin. I have read your mum’s lovely letter. One thing shines through it all Robin, you are a true warrior! Courage, fortitude, love of your family, and of literature. If I had a daughter, I would dearly love her to be just like you. Robin, you and your great mother make me feel proud – and humble to have encountered two brave spirits! P.P.S. Keep writing, you have good talent! – Brian
In April, I gave a presentation at a local elementary school to a fantastic group of students. Unfortunately, one student could not make it that day, and he wrote me a letter asking some questions. Writing that letter felt like bringing something important in my life full circle. To be able to give someone else something that I had been given, and pass on that encouragement and excitement. (And like the big sap I am, I’m tearing up a little just thinking about it – It was a big moment for me!) I very much hope that young man found my letter as invigorating and inspiring as the one I was fortunate enough to receive. Brian may no longer be with us in body, but he lives on both in his books, and in the giving and generous spirit he shared with me, and that I now try to give in turn to others.
What have you been able to bring full circle in your life? What gifts have you been given that shared in turn with others?
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Laughter. i make people laugh. It’s really my only redeeming skill. Everything else is just … blah.
Again, Dreameater has a good point. The creepy god is shaping up to be the most sensible person in this arc.
Awww! Brian Jacques was such a good man.
If ever I publish something that’s child-appropriate (unlikely, but still), I’d like to send a copy back to my old elementary school (if it’s still standing). I don’t like most of what I learned there, but at the same time, my teachers recognized my talent for creating and encouraged that. And I had plenty of free time to write, so I learned good creating habits.