Contributions: what can I give

I have been thinking a lot lately about my place in this world and what I contribute. Since retirement, my “work” has become volunteering, writing, and painting. As I write this , my community in Minnesota has been ripped apart by the presence of federal immigration agents terrorizing residents. I ask myself daily, “what can I do?” The only platform I have is my voice. When I say “voice” I mean the platform of my work: my writing and painting.

They say that writers write about what they know and have experienced and observed. That is certainly true for me. While I love a good story, I think writing is more than story telling. A good story sheds light of real issues. A good story is one that makes issues relatable by giving them a human face.

I’m currently looking for a publisher for my first novel and working on the sequel. The novels are historical with many parallels to what I am seeing today. History does tend to repeat itself. Our issues are not new.

Finding and agent or a publisher is difficult for several reasons. First, I am a grain of sand in an ocean of would be writers. How can I distinguish myself? Writing a concise synopsis that encompasses the many challenges and issues faced by the characters is nearly impossible. Second, I am not a cookie cutter writer. Agents and publishers want something that fits market trends, something easy to sell.

Despite the obstacles, I will continue to write and to paint. Both make me think, make me analyze life and my own experience and values. The feed-back I get tells me that they do the same for others. My last book did not earn me the income I had hoped for, but it gave me something much more valuable than money. It earned me hugs and thanks for helping people through their personal difficulties. That is the power of art (written or visual).

I am eternally grateful to my audience for validating what is in my heart.