The Words We Most Want to Hear
Let’s do a word exchange!
I’ll say yours if you’ll say mine…
What we need to hear.
It was a quick comment in response to his incredible post. I dashed it off, read more posts, finished writing for the day, made dinner.
In case you missed it, Roy Schlegel’s Medium Joy Suckers is pithy, smart, transformative pleasure:
He made me laugh.
He made me think.
There is nothing better in this writer’s world.
So, dear reader, I responded with a happy clap (didn’t need any prompting; I know what to do) and a quick comment.
He responded back, including “I’ve long-wished someone would include ‘rollicking’ in a positive comment meant for me.”
I asked what he most wanted to hear about his writing and his response was: “a true reason for being.” Wow, that would be something, wouldn’t it?
Maybe it’s time that we’re upfront with others about what we most want to hear about our writing. I don’t mean hard shoves or pestering a reader to say it. That wouldn’t count.
I prefer what comes unsolicited — although I can offer a nudge in the right direction if you ask.
I am writing this with clenched stomach, locked jaw, rigid smile. A writer colleague landed a stunning deal. Huge.
I knew her when. We coaxed and coached and jollied one another along the path to published novelist — and now she’s signed a contract. She is real. With a deal.
Right now, my word is breathe. It will change soon, to tea probably, but right now, I’m at basic survival level. Breathe. I want to remember it so that I do it.
Professional or any form of envy, I guess, is neon bright blaze of what we want in this world. It highlights what matters most. The next question is what we, meaning I, do about it.
I give myself the words that I want most to hear. I say them, I write them, I create a rhythm/rhyme as I walk hard, long, and fast toward the beach.
He appreciated “rollicking” and wants “a true reason for being.” Is there any other reason to write, to read, to write to writers about how they made you think and feel? How marvelous to be so clear, so upfront!
You’ve got it, Roy: your piece and your generous response did offer a true reason for being on a day when I’m having trouble breathing, have an event tonight where I am going to do my best to be open, to learn, to appreciate the work another writer has accomplished. I’m going to read your work and take full-bodied, whole-hearted joy in the words, in the sentiment, the smarts, and the person who shared his words with all of us, rollicking, delighting, and making our days.
