Hi Meltingpot Readers,
Recently I asked my facebook friends for suggestions on what I should read next. I actually experienced a three-day crisis because I didn't have a book on my nightstand to read. Nothing seemed to satisfy or grab my attention. I was agitated. I dreaded going to bed. I felt unmoored. Well, not anymore.
Last night I went to the main branch of Philadelphia's public library to hear Tayari Jones and Danielle Evans read from their most recent work. Jones' new novel is called Silver Sparrow and is about two sisters and their bigamist father. Evans is the new wunderkd on the block whose short story collection, Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self, has been hailed as a masterpiece, but I just wanted to read it because I love the title.
But seriously, after hearing these women read and speak about their experiences as writers, I was so inspired. I felt excited to get back to my own languishing manuscript. I stayed up late to read Silver Sparrow. I woke up this morning and read one of Evans' stories as I ate breakfast. Reading sustains me. Good stories inspire me. And now I'm happy again. I guess that's why I'm a writer.
What inspires you? What do you have to have in your life to keep moving forward? I'd love to hear what other people depend on to keep their spirits fed.
I'm so listening.
Peace.
3 comments:
I have had Silver Sparrow on my Kindle for weeks -- I have been afraid to read it. Mainly because I had a bigamist father. On the one hand I feel that reading it could give me certain perspectives but mostly I am fearful it's all going to be too close to home. Sigh.
I actually just heard Tayari Jones read in Baltimore this week, honestly I think Immaculee Iligizaba, author of Left to Tell inspires me, Claudia Mair Burney writes like toni morrison, her use of Language for a christian author actually knocks me out.
Anon,
I can't imagine. Let us know if you do decide to read it.
Alli,
Thanks for the names of the new authors to check out.
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