I love quilting. There is something relaxing about being able to choose beautiful fabrics, cut them up and create beautiful designs. There are so many ways to present the same fabric that no two quilts ever end up looking the same.
Last night I attended a quilting club sponsored by our ward enrichment board. One of the other women told us how her sister-in-law had been over to visit and grabbed a quilt off the couch to wrap around her little girl. This horrified the quilter. She didn't say anything at the time, but almost had a panic attack watching someone use one of her treasures. She makes her quilts to be displayed around the home. They are not to be used.
I am at the other end of the spectrum. Every quilt I make is intended to wrap around someone. I like to display them, but ultimately, I make them to be loved, used, and eventually worn out and replaced.
I see my writing the same way. There are books out there that seem to be written for "display." There are words that are written, then praised for their beauty and form, and yet somehow untouchable by the common person. I want my words to be beautiful and accessible - something that wraps the reader in a blanket of enjoyment. I want my stories to keep a reader company long into the night because they are compelling enough to push away sleep. For me, stories, like quilts, are created to be shared and loved.
4 comments:
Wonderful comparison, Stephanie. ;)
I agree- that quilts and books need to be loved and used. I especially love your thought that you hope your book would keep people from sleep! Love it!
I think that since you are conscience of being this type of writer then you will have no problem becoming one. And I really look forward to reading your novel one day... so hurry up, girl!!
Are you getting so stoked for Storymakers? I am! Though- am nervous, I have to admit. I'm really excited to meet so many blogger buddies and talk with you again. ;) See ya in a few weeks, friend.
Beautifully said! I think one of my favorite things to hear from readers is that my book kept them up too late at night. Yes, I realize that often this is meant as a complaint, but I take it as the highest form of compliment!
Same with candles, some people never burn them because they look so pretty when they are perfect, but can anything come close to a candlelight dinner? Not in my book. I LOVE your analogy, I want my books to be that way too, a gift and blessing for the moment that has value in it's use.
Great blog! I love quilting too---just wish I could still find time to do both that and writing
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