Maintaining "open"ness...

So, on a surprising whim today, I stopped off and picked up a copy of O Magazine. Never read one before, just thought I'd check it out. And the first article I see when I open the table of contents is described, "Creating Magic: How does a writer make a world out of words?" Well, instantly, I'm intrigued. This has been something on the forefront of my mind lately. I am actually fairly new to the world of fiction. I loved it as a kid, but again, somewhere after my life became a "plan", I lost the point of it. During my college years, I started reading books on serial murder and the paranormal (which I still love), and I started to form the belief that fiction was, in fact, pointless. I mean why make up stories when there are so many crazy things that really happen? Imagine how crazy it was when I opened a book a couple of days ago that my husband suggested I read (I actually just grabbed it to use as a prop in my photos, but got sucked into it upon sight of the first word) and after only the first few pages read the line, "What's the use of stories that aren't even true?"

Let me interrupt here to say I no longer follow this deceptive line of thinking, thanks to one of my former students. He was reading 1984 for school, and so I thought, what a great way to supplement my reading instruction, I will read it with him! Well, of course, I ended up reading it cover to cover, and he maybe got through 30 pages! But it was like this awakening. I looked forward to reading everyday. I mean, I used to look forward to reading my Zodiac books, and don't get me started on my Ted Bundy books, but this was different. I actually missed being there. I wanted to get back to Oceania. And, when I then read The Neverending Story, I couldn't wait to get back to Fantastica. And, with To Kill A Mockingbird, Maycomb County. And, like that, my understanding of the "point" of fiction was restored.

Ever since then, I have wondered if maybe I could write fiction. I used to do it all the time as a kid. I preferred scary stories and mysteries back then. But now I am drawn to fantastic tales of magic and beauty. I would LOVE to recreate a world as imaginative and inviting as Fantastica (Fantasia is the name they adapted for the movie, if you were wondering). And, this is why I was intrigued with my latest book, Haroun and the Sea of Stories, as it tells the story of a storyteller; and with the article in O.

In the article, three notable writers are quoted. The most amazing of which is Toni Morrison. Of course, everyone knows Toni Morrison is this accomplished writer. But, after reading her words, it's not just fluff, not even close. The woman is spot on with her connection to the text. The funny thing is her words echo my thoughts about photography. Since I've started this blog project I noticed that up until the moment I take the photo (and up until the moment I start writing), I have no clue what the result will be. None. In fact, I actually felt guilty about one photo because it just sort of happened. But that is what brought me to the acknowledgment that we, as humans, don't create. The creation flows through us. Almost like a spirit overtaking your body, but not in an intrusive way. The trick is to allow it to enter. You can't force creativity. And, as long as you appreciate the Source, you won't have to.

Toni Morrison said, "What I feel most is that because I am open and available, the universe- the idea- comes to me." Gotta get some of her books next...



Here is an example of a fictional setting! As you other Floridians know, it was a bright beautiful day today, so I had to manufacture this fake rain. I'm not thoroughly thrilled with the outcome, but I think this is definitely an idea I'd like to continue improving upon.