Isn't that just one of the joys and comforts of getting a little older - knowing yourself. I think it brings a quiet elegance and grace and you certainly have that Barbara! xo
Hi Debra, I like that thought very much, that we are the sum of our experiences. I've never known a writer before, I am looking forward to reading your books, and visiting your blog. I'm originally from Whittier, Ca. I miss So. Cal so much sometimes. I'll always be a CA girl inside! You're right about this game of getting to know ourselves better with this online world of blogging. I think it is the greatest thing, and I am meeting such interesting people. I just love it!
Oh Barb - you said it all there!! We are the sum of our experiences!! As one who has read all of your books but one...I adore how you write! Your character studies are deep and full. Your story lines always delight. I see you in your books - I do! That beautiful, delightful sense of humor and soul that comes through in your writing!! Of course I never mind if one of the characters bears my name...LOL! I am loving your reveal!! Love you sis, Sarah
Kelly, Thanks so much. Whittier, huh? There is something about California that never really leaves your blood. Have a great day!
Sarah--You're too kind. Thanks, sweetie. And I think I have used your name for a character, haven't I? If not, I'll have to remedy that soon. :p) Luv ya! xo
What a wonderful way of putting our life into a very easy equation...the sum of all our experiences. One can tell when reading a book whether or not the writer writes from the heart. They always ring true. I really must read one of your books and just now found the link in the sidebar. Lets put it this way, if your books are a easy to read and heartfelt as your posts, it will be a total pleasure!
I write what I like to read - and like you, sometimes I write to work through things, even if I am not aware I am doing it until much later after the book is completed!
When I write books, I write them from myself. Thematically speaking, they're about what I care about. And even though they're romance novels, about two people who fall in love, or overcome terrible odds, or odds they've stacked against themselves, their struggles are mine in a strange way. Struggles I've been through in one way or another in my life. Things, I am still working out for myself.
They say to write what you know. I know this: the things that have happened in my life are the sum of me. That equation is what makes me write books, because, like you, like all of us, sometimes those equations don't add up in our lives.
My themes (and after writing ten books, I can clearly see them) are about injustice, about redemption and about the healing power of love. Pick up any of my books and if those themes speaks to you, you will probably enjoy them and find them between the covers.
What I have learned: As I work through these things in the pages I write, I heal. I get stronger. I have gotten stronger. And while I may not have completely figured out all I should know about these things, I understand myself better than I did once when I imagined myself as a writer of books. I know who I am.
11 Comments
Close this window Jump to comment formWriting as personal journey -- great!
October 18, 2009 at 6:28 PM
Isn't that just one of the joys and comforts of getting a little older - knowing yourself. I think it brings a quiet elegance and grace and you certainly have that Barbara! xo
October 18, 2009 at 7:15 PM
Hi Debra, Yes, definitely a journey. Isn't it fun? As is this trippy little game of getting to know ourselves online. Thanks again, hon!
Dear Bonnie, Aww, thank you. Those are words I would absolutely use for you. :P) xo
October 18, 2009 at 8:03 PM
Hi Debra,
I like that thought very much, that we are the sum of our experiences. I've never known a writer before, I am looking forward to reading your books, and visiting your blog. I'm originally from Whittier, Ca. I miss So. Cal so much sometimes. I'll always be a CA girl inside! You're right about this game of getting to know ourselves better with this online world of blogging. I think it is the greatest thing, and I am meeting such interesting people. I just love it!
Hope you have a great week!
October 18, 2009 at 9:06 PM
Oh Barb - you said it all there!! We are the sum of our experiences!! As one who has read all of your books but one...I adore how you write! Your character studies are deep and full. Your story lines always delight. I see you in your books - I do! That beautiful, delightful sense of humor and soul that comes through in your writing!! Of course I never mind if one of the characters bears my name...LOL! I am loving your reveal!!
Love you sis, Sarah
October 19, 2009 at 6:44 AM
Kelly, Thanks so much. Whittier, huh? There is something about California that never really leaves your blood. Have a great day!
Sarah--You're too kind. Thanks, sweetie. And I think I have used your name for a character, haven't I? If not, I'll have to remedy that soon. :p) Luv ya! xo
October 19, 2009 at 7:05 AM
Barb you empower yourself over and over and that can only be a good thing.
Love Renee xoxo
October 19, 2009 at 8:23 AM
What a wonderful way of putting our life into a very easy equation...the sum of all our experiences. One can tell when reading a book whether or not the writer writes from the heart. They always ring true. I really must read one of your books and just now found the link in the sidebar. Lets put it this way, if your books are a easy to read and heartfelt as your posts, it will be a total pleasure!
October 19, 2009 at 8:56 AM
The sum of all our parts ... good, bad ... that's us. Growing up is a learning experience. I think I've learned enough for awhile! ;D ;D
October 19, 2009 at 12:47 PM
Sweet Barb just so you know all of my Wednesday's women are made up.
Love Renee xoxoox
October 21, 2009 at 8:19 AM
beautifully said - *smiling*
I write what I like to read - and like you, sometimes I write to work through things, even if I am not aware I am doing it until much later after the book is completed!
October 21, 2009 at 5:12 PM