Comments on: The Birth of an Adult Storyteller

By: jerrywaxler

jerrywaxler — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:00:07 +0000

Thanks for stopping by, Terri. I’d love to turn back the clock and have a long talk with him about this subject, but since I can’t do that, I might as well do it in writing.

Jerry

By: TerriRains

TerriRains — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:22:34 +0000

Don’t be too rough on your dad’s storytelling… Here you are, years, later telling the ointment story, LOL…

Seriously, though, this was a real thought-provoking post. I like the way you wrestled so honestly with the desire to experience the “writers’ rewards”.

By: jerrywaxler

jerrywaxler — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:41:57 +0000

Thanks for the compliment, Bob. Your “nice piece” makes the writing worth my while. I just finished Steve Martin’s memoir, Born Standing. Comedians do it for the laughter. Writers’ rewards are less immediate, but just as welcome.

As for what exactly those wrinkles mean, one thing I know for sure. Everyone I know who tries to find the stories behind them feels renewed and rewarded by the effort.

By: jerrywaxler

jerrywaxler — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:37:26 +0000

Thanks so much for being a regular, Travelinoma. That is such a neat thing that my writing has resonated with you. So if as a reader you see the harmony of that process, the next step as a writer is to find readers that resonate with your writing. But just in case you become impatient, keep a list of all other benefits to make writing worthwhile- stimulating mental challenge, develop skills, add a drop to the ocean of culture, seek truth about self and others, uncover the story, find a road map to take you forward, etc.

By: jerrywaxler

jerrywaxler — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 01:32:13 +0000

Thanks Garret. I’m so glad you are finding guidance and inspiration from my blog. It’s also true that your feedback supports and inspires me. It’s a magical circle. I’m glad you have discovered more about your dad while writing than you knew while he was alive. This is something that can offer enormous hope for the many people who are afraid it’s too late.

By: bob w

bob w — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 15:26:15 +0000

Nice piece, Jerry. I wonder what the exact relationship is between those wrinkles and stories though. The more wrinkles we have, the more stories we get? Perhaps. And do those wrinkles actually conceal stories, or do they reveal them? Nice piece, Jerry.

By: Travelinoma

Travelinoma — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 23:55:06 +0000

I check your blog regularly, anxious to hear your insights and stories. You influence my life, and in turn the lives of those I influence. It’s interesting that I see this concept so well when I apply it to you, and yet I wonder what the point of my memoir writing actually is.

By: Garret Gillespie

Garret Gillespie — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:51:29 +0000

You touched me Jerry. I’ve been struggling with this for years. I’ve got pieces of manuscripts started, but the question of what to do with them is constantly in flux. Now my children are grown and my parents have moved on and I’m left with how to leave something. I have a greater appreciation for my Dad than I was able to achieve during his lifetime. I’ve been humbled by the challenges of life, work, parenthood and marriage. And the experiences have given me a greater understanding of where Dad was coming from. I’m greatful for your blog. Thanks for your time. I’m working to refine how I want to share my stories on my blog and your guidance is an inspiration.