"I was trying to talk about people, using the only tool I knew, which was the country that I knew...I discovered that my own little postage stamp of native soil was worth writing about and that I would never live long enough to exhaust it." --William Faulkner
Hubby and I participated in our second-ever 5K Volksmarch yesterday (last year's here), a "German-style walk" hosted by the local German Society in our area. A volksmarch is defined as "a people's march," a non-competitive leisurely walk along a marked trail. The goal of a volksmarch? "To develop physical fitness and good health and enjoy the camraderie of fellow walkers." We can attest to that--it was great fun, and the German food afterwards delicious! And in talking with my brother after the fact, I found out that years ago he participated in volksmarches where they originated--in Germany itself. He was stationed in the army there at the time and recalls great memories of the native soil he strolled through.
Do you agree with Mr. Faulkner, that the "little postage stamp of native soil" wherever we writers might live is worth writing about? I know I captured a few images yesterday from my native soil. Wonder how I might draw inspiration for writing from them. Hmmm...
A few samples of my postage stamp this October:
I must say I don't think I will ever exhaust the idea-possibilities abundant in my corner of the
world. What about you? What's your postage stamp like, and do you draw inspiration from what you see around you?
_____________________________________
I certainly do, and it is the one place we can write about authentically, without needing much, if any, research.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cathy. I haven't traveled as widely as you have, Kenda, so I don't have a lot of exotic locales in my head. Seems like all my plots are based in the two states where I've lived - Ohio or Pennsylvania. Just look at Stephen King. Anyone who reads his books would think Maine is the scariest place on earth! :-)
ReplyDeleteYes! I've found that my authentic writing is that with a setting right where I live or places I knew growing up. (And your postage stamp is beautiful!)
ReplyDeleteCathy, agreed--our postage stamp is a place we can write about authentically, and from what I see from your blog you have a beautiful, historical, and interesting place to write about :-)
ReplyDeletePeggy, you make a good point about Stephen King. Can we make our settings as spell-binding? Hope so!
Barbara, thanks :-) and your point about places we knew growing up is another key. Whether we're still living close by there or not, it's in our memory--another place we can draw inspiration from...