Escapism, or a brief treatise on why I should write more thank you notes to more authors

[erica_ac]

A new book came for me in the mail today, Chalice, by Robin McKinley. Normally I would read it through all in a gulp and then re-read it slowly (this seems to be my pattern with anything new by McKinley). One of the strange effects of grief, however, is that I seem to be easily distracted, or perhaps that I seek out distraction. I like the TV on

Comments

[kayselkiemoon]

When you escape into a book, that book sends you back with gifts, whether you've sought them out or not. Some of these things are pretty tourist trinkets, but some are words and expressions that resonate with you forever, or valuable questions that allow you to exist more thoughtfully in your reality, or bits of humor, beauty, or warmth that you can pull out in your dark days for heat and light and comfort.

I agree. and the wording and images you use here on the subject really resonates with me.

I got my copy of Chalice this morning when I got to work, and read it during my break, and finished it by dinnertime. *hugs it* wonderful, wonderful.

Normally I would read it through all in a gulp and then re-read it slowly (this seems to be my pattern with anything new by McKinley).

heh, yep. pretty much. ^_^ right now I'm dreamily contemplating which of her works I feel like rereading. it's like snuggling up with a warm, well-loved quilt and eating chocolate chip cookies. at times just as vital an activity as exercise.

[d_aulnoy]

That was very eloquently put: thank you for that.

Coffeeem/Emma Bull (one of my own favorite writers) just posted a thank you to an anonymous fan who sent her a gift of gratitude in her LJ. I think it's something writers don't necessarily hear enough, but something that they're aware of on some deeper level: there *has* to be some kind of a symbiotic relationship in play between needing to *hear* a story, and needing to *tell* one, Ahab-like.

[shelly_rae]

Write her that note, she'll treasure it.
Anon