When I was young, about fifteen or so, I read The Fly by Mansfield, and that story has remained with me through the decades. About 2000 words, and she has created magic.
I had picked up a Mansfield collection last year, including stories like The Garden Party, which, imho, is perhaps the most striking and poignant piece she has ever written. And considering that the world lost her at the age of 34, she is awe-inspiring in the range and body of her stories.
I took the book with me on a short trip last week, and wolved it down whenever I found an hour.
I kept thinking, if I die tomorrow, I’ll have nothing worth mentioning.
This thought finds me often, and it spurs me on. Reading gives me a sort of peace, yes, it takes me away from my world into another’s.
But it also gives me a deep sense of unrest, as if time’s a-wasting and what am I doing about it?
Reading-writing-reading, is my dream-come-true setting. In order to write, though, one must not only read, but also live.
And I guess I have to be off to do some living now, before I can return to my study, and my blogs.
In the meanwhile, happy reading and writing to the writers amongst us all.
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Hi dear! Thanks for joining my blogfest. 🙂 Can't wait to read your entry, and everyone else's, on May 14th! Just wanted to let you know I added your blog to the list of participants. Yay!
Awesome blog by the way, I love the layout. I've heard of The Garden Party but haven't had the pleasure of reading it yet. I'll be sure to check it out!
~TRA
http://xtheredangelx.blogspot.com
Madeleine, yes, I do believe what is wrong with a lot of writers I read is that they have not lived or read enough. I try to do as much of both as I can :0)
Kittie, I'm sure you do a lot of good work, and are a motivated writer!
Janna, for me writing and living have similar priority these days…I want to get as much done as possible, because life can be so transient.
Dafeenah, I've always enjoyed reading and when, like these days, I don't get time to read, I steal some time in the toilet, in bed, in taxis and even in the kitchen!
Sounds like a great book. I don't get to read as much as I use to which is something I hope to change in the near future. I definitely miss getting lost in a good book.
There is such a connection between reading, writing and living (I write about it often.) For me, it's hard to strike a balance because when I'm doing one thing, part of my brain is on the other two. For me, living has to come first.
I hope you have fun with all three!
Lovely post! Yes, we have to experience life to write. I, too, feel the pressure that time's a-wasting at times, then I hear that others gasp at all I do. So, don't know, don't know.
Yes i can see your point to write well we need to live and to read everything and anything so we have something considered to share. Enjoy researching life :O)