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When I was a young kid I would lock myself in my room for hours on end and read.
Then I’d get up, eat some food, go back to my room and read again.
Even in high school, when I was drowning in study and assignments, I’d head to the State Library and do assignments on a Sunday morning then sit on the grassy hill nearby for the rest of the day. I’d immerse myself in the latest novel while taking the occasional break to stare at the murky river flowing by.
I found myself back on that grassy knoll last Sunday afternoon. I’d been to a writer’s group meeting nearby where we gave feedback on each other’s work.
The lead-up to each meeting is always a little fraught for me. Once I send my pages out I feel exposed and worry that my writer friends may read my work and shake their heads at its mediocrity. I worry that I may not be good enough and that my dreams of one day finishing my book (so I can write the second and third), is nothing more than a pipe dream without merit.
But inevitably I am surprised by their generosity of spirit and their praise for when I get it right. And over the last year, there is no doubt their constructive criticism has helped me improve my work…once I’ve allowed enough distance to let it sink in.
Whether it’s an idea or a belief, it’s sometimes difficult to hear another’s point of view about something I hold dear. After all, when I’ve laboured over it or believe in it so passionately – how could someone else possibly understand? How could they get it?
But, when I allow a little distance, there is inevitably some truth in their comments to be faced; some little nugget of insight that will help me improve my work or expand my mind. And that’s when the glimmer of a new perspective, that’s not my own, will frequently take me in a whole new direction.
There was no overwhelming criticism awaiting me on Sunday. Instead there were just more unique insights to help take my work to a new level. And I felt inspired to keep going.
Afterwards, as I wandered along that grassy hill overlooking the river, I found myself wishing for a book to read.
Then I realised I have my own book now, I just need to finish it.