I've been burning the wires during the past few days chatting with my fellow writing friends. One thing stayed consistent as we talked about our lives. We all made it through the stupendous White Christmas, that held many of us snowbound on our mountains for a week. And we are all writing here in the first days of the new year, all submitting our poems and stories for publication.
That stays with me, stays on my mind as I drive down the mountain with all snow gone now, myself finally out and about again, going to grocery and to the dentist. It amazed me that we are all writing, all submitting our work for publication. It gives me some unexplained hope. To be honest, I thought I was finished with the writing business. The business of writing is discouraging. I had two books published in 2010, but still I can not recommend writing as the way for anyone to find fulfillment.
Yet, here I sit, day after day. Writing. When I told my son I am writing again he was surprised. I said, "If I could quit, I would quit." And I think he understood. There was a glow of understanding on his face. It reminded me of many years ago when I finally finished my Bachelor of Science Degree and was propped up on my bed writing poems by the dozens. My son, such a small boy then, came in and jumped and bounced on the bed and did his best to distract me. I understood that he thought when I got my degree, I would be all his again. I told him I was working on a poem. He bounced more. I said, "Do you want me to quit writing?" He shouted YES. I said, "I can't quit." That was the end of that. He went on with his life and I went on with mine.
So, here I sit, years later. Still writing, with poems mailed to my favorite publishers.
About Me
- Nancy Simpson
- Nancy Simpson's LIVING ABOVE THE FROST LINE, New and Selected Poems was published by Carolina Wren Press (N.C. Laureate Series, 2010.) She is the author of ACROSS WATER and NIGHT STUDENT, State Street Press, still available on WWW at Alibris and Books Again. Her poems have been published in Southern Poetry Review, Prairie Schooner, The Georgia Review and other literary magazines. "Carolina Bluebirds" was published in THE POETS GUIDE TO THE BIRDS, Anhinga Press). "Grass" was reprinted in the 50th Anniversary Issue of Southern Poetry Review: DON'T LEAVE HUNGRY ( U.of Arkansas Press.) Seven poems were reprinted in the textbook, SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN POETRY,(McFarland.) Two poems were published in SOLO CAFE, Two more poems were published in SOLO NOVO."In the Nantahala Gorge" was published in Pisgah Review. "Studying Winter" was reprinted in Pirene's Fountain Anthology and "The Collection" in Collecting Life Anthology. Most recently, Southern Poetry Review Edited by James Smith, published "Our Great Depression," and The Southern Poetry Anthology Vol. VII: NORTH CAROLINA,Edited by William Wright, reprinted "Leaving in the Dead of Winter."
5 comments:
I am so glad that you are still writing, Nancy. I can hear your frustration but I am hopeful when I hear that you can't stop writing. Your writing is so inspiring and incredible. I cannot imagine not reading your words either. I think you may be in this for life. You were born to write; that's obvious whenever I read your poetry. Write on.
Thanks Judy. I appreciate your comment on this at the moment touchy subject.
Nice to know that someone else feels this way from time to time. It can be exciting occasionally but is often discouraging. I remember being young and thinking how romantic being a writer would be. . . ha! I also thought my children would think I was really cool. Instead, I think they see it as the thing that keeps me in my own world and not in theirs (as much as they would like).
Nancy I so love your writing. You have inspired me so much. I know I have a long ways to go and never know as much as you but sometimes I get discouraged so and then something happens that brings me back to that place in my mind I can't forget. You are the Queen of writing.
I wish I had your determination, Nancy. You are an inspiration to me. I'll have to de-stagnate my muse! Got any dynamite?
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