I read Life of Pi this summer, and these quotations, both from the same page, seem to be nice summaries of the way writers can come to the page. I hope I’m never a writer that confirms what you already know. I hope I always see the world differently after I’ve lifted my pen from the page, and I hope you see higher or further or differently after you’ve read my stories, too.
Also, the story begins with the premise that, after you’ve read Pi’s story, you will believe in God. We all know the ending, I thought, so the fact that the boy lives doesn’t seem to be proof that God exists. I don’t mean to sound trite, but I guess I’ve read that arc too many times. There has to be something more than the fact that we know Pi lives through this terrifying boat ride, is what I thought as I read. The first quote, the one about bringing something to our stories in order to understand them, I wonder if that’s the miracle. I wonder if that’s the proof that God exists. He’s not going to do it for us, though. We have to meet him somewhere. Is it in the story we meet Him?
If you like, my essay, “Stealing Grace,” is on Relief this week. I write about my friend Meg Jenista, failed DIY pursuits, the Prodigal Son, a homeless man sneezing on me, and why writing feels like stealing grace. All in one essay. I’m not sure I pulled it off, but I gave it a try.
Here’s a book to look out for. Writers, readers, teachers, people who adore words – be on the look out for Runyan’s new book. I was asked to write a blurb for How To Write A Poem, so I’ve been reading the proof all week. It’s outstanding. You’ll want a copy for you and all your friends.
Are you looking for a good blog to read? Do yourself a favor and check out Stephanie DiMaria’s poetry and prose on her website, Beautiful Dust. She and I teach together, and it is an honor to sneak in a few words with her in the hallway during the middle school breaks. I’m looking forward to doing that again, soon.
Have you heard about the Coffee+Crumbs shop? Prints and cards are for sale, and they are gorgeous. Personally, I’d love to read the above sentence every day for the rest of my life.
Need something to collect those places you’ve claimed from stories you read this summer? Becky and I still have a few more Summer Reading Journals.
Hope the summer is going well for all of you. Thanks for reading!
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