On Saturday I went out to dinner with some fellow writers, and their various spice, and as I drove home I was hit with an intense melancholy because the evening was over, and there was no-more-party.
Most of the time I don’t notice that I’m alone because I have this crowd of whispering ghosts walking at my side. Richard from the EDGE books, Tracy who will be the hero of IMPERIALS is demanding my attention, Linnet is still insecure, Shepard notices things and wants to comment.
I wonder if in an earlier time the church would have deemed us writers to be possessed?
I love the metaphor you used here..” a crowd of whispering ghosts.”
As far as I know, those who COULD actually read and write back then were only allowed to read and write what was considered church appropriate literature, and save a scant few, I imagine most did not dare to deviate. A virtual “thought crime” in those days, punishable by law-for all to see. We’ve come a long way. I’m very glad for imaginative writers, “ghosts” and all. 🙂
A bit off topic, I admit, but as far as the idea of a “personal God”…(and I know I’m opening a can of worms here) the older I get, my opinions on this subject have changed. I rather believe it all depends on one’s idea of what exactly God is. I used to think it was all about the bigger picture. Heaven vs. Hell and all those religious scare tactics of old. But now I know parts of me exists in the very tiniest bits that make up the entire multiverse. I have experienced incredible things (sober, now 😉 ) that can’t be explained by coincidence. Extraordinarily beautiful visions and “chance” occurrences when I needed them the absolute most. There is something going on much greater than me. Of that I have no doubt. I just don’t know what to call it.
I have been on a slow journey away from faith, Andy. I have great respect for people who do believe so long as they don’t push those beliefs on me or make laws based on the particular tenants of their church, mosque or synagogue.
On the other hand the cosmos fills me with wonder, and each discovery made by scientists adds to that sense of awe. I don’t need a “god” in that mix to celebrate the universe.
Melinda, these past few weeks have been very stressful and just crappy all around. I have not been able to find gainful employment due to reasons I won’t go into here.
I have not been able to even afford to pay my Android cell phone bill for a few weeks and have had no service. I got home this afternoon (after another very frustrating situation, just mad as a wet hen..) and all of a sudden, my Android is working..updating and there were voice messages, and a job offer. I’m like, “what the hell?” I checked the account- someone had PAID the $55 cell phone bill. I just broke down. It’s the absolute nicest thing that has happened to me in such a long time. I’ve asked everyone I know, but no one is taking credit.
That’s what I was talking about when I said “when I absolutely needed them the most..”
I am so glad that this happened for you, Andy. It’s wonderful to hear about people behaving well in the midst of so much bad news — shooters in Oregon, chemical weapons in Syria, etc. etc. You have a good friend who ever they might be. And congrats on the job offer.