Writers sometimes speak directly to readers,
generally using the term, ‘Dear Reader.’ Why? Well, because as a writer you are
incomplete without a reader, and use of an endearment demonstrates warmth and gratitude. Think of it as an
equation. Writer + reader = satisfaction (which can be interpreted as appreciation, or cultural/monetary success, and fame).
Writers without readers are pretty much like one hand
clapping...a lot of movement and effort expended without much of a result. (I’m not
disparaging diary writing in any way as a diarist's intent is generally different
to that of a novelist.)
Although the desire to write comes first, without the
reciprocation of readers to enjoy the work, the story may be
still be valid, but remains incomplete. Writers need readers, who, like shy blushing
maidens must be wooed with attentive devotion.
AWARD ALERT
Thank you, Inger, for nominating me for the Lighthouse
award. This is reciprocation – the essential component of the agreement between
writer and reader – that a writer offers something of value, and the
reader recognizes the merit of the offering.
As part of the award, I must nominate a number of
people in turn. So as everything comes in threes, here are my nominations (drum roll, please):
Vashti Q Vega:
one of the kindest, most supportive people I’ve met online. Always upbeat and
generous in her exchanges with others, her blog is an example of variety where
you can find everything from delicious cup cake recipes to horror
stories.
Christine Campbell: a genuinely positive person, Christine is a writer whose attitude
shines through her posts whether she’s fighting the plumbing or making video
trailers for her books.
Zenobia (Zee) Southcombe: a cheerful kind individual whose friendship and supportive words encourage me and many others.
(Bows and smiles from candidates, accompanied by vigorous clapping.)
Receiving the award also requires sharing three ways
you like to help others which meant I’ve had to think really hard ‘cos I’m as
selfish as the rest...but here goes...
When an old lady tripped and fell right in front of me
in the mall the other week, I was one of three women who helped her up and into
the nearest shop. None of us knew the woman, but I think we all understood that
this could have been our mother, our grandmother, or even one day - us. We
stayed with her till the ambulance arrived, because we wanted the reassurance of knowing she would
be taken care of properly.
I feed birds over the winter. One place I lived, I’d hide
the feeder in the bushes so the smaller birds would have something to eat. One cheeky robin
once sat on my wing mirror when I got into the car – as if to say – hey, where’s
the food?
The unnecessary suffering children experience in
parts of the world, whether from war, economic greed and exploitation, or lack
of basics like clean water has been known
to make me cry. This may mean I’m only sentimental, but my favourite charity
shop is Dr. Barnados, and I try to support such causes in whatever way I can. I’d like to see a youth club offering music, art, dance, sports
and all sorts of opportunities (extra tuition where needed) to youngsters – on every
block on every street. Dangling the carrot of material success as a formula for
happiness in front of deprived people doesn’t work; and not properly investing
in the creative development of children results in a loss to all of us.
(Whew! Stepping down from the pulpit now.)
Here are the Lighthouse Award rules in full:
Display the Award Certificate on your blog.
Write a post and link back to the blogger that
nominated you.
Share three ways that you like to help others.
Nominate as many bloggers as you like.
Inform your nominees of their award nominations.
Have fun!
And thank you, Inger, for – most important - reading
my blog in the first place!
Today’s
Haiku
TRUTH
you declare your love
your hands eyes language tell me -
you know how to lie
Useful
Links:
Follow these links and discover four amazing people:
http://mrsingerannajones.wordpress.com/author/ingerannajones/
I’m participating in the 100 Happy Days challenge,
which I find a genuine mood lifter, so please check out my happy pics (and join
me) on Twitter: teagankearney@modhaiku
Thanks for visiting my blog, and please do leave a
comment.
To all story lovers out there, good reading, and to
those of you who write, good writing.
