A letter in last week’s Grapevine reminded me that I have been meaning to give some feedback for the writer, Quinn Ireland. Seeing what I knew to be a youth writing in the local paper was a breath of fresh air. It reminded me of when I learned to write a character sketch in school. It reminded me of a time when I wrote for pleasure, without feeling that I had to earn a paycheque from it, or an award, or a spot on the bestseller list.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who is sick and tired of adults and their never-ending opinions, not just the letters, editorials, columns, and feuds in the local papers, but in all media. We’re all so opinionated and sooo intelligent and so hypocritical and so damned boring. Maybe the bright young voices of Denman Island should start their own paper. It could feature writing, drawings, photos of other artistic creations and inventions, links to musical compositions, etc. I would much rather learn about what the future world changers are thinking, feeling, and making than have to hear the tired, regurgitated arguments of “adults” ad nauseam. It’s pretty obvious that we’re not going to change each others’ minds, anyway, at least not that way.
So thank you Quinn, for reminding me to do what is enjoyable. For years now I’ve been sporadically working on a children’s book and a sci-fi TV series. It’s sporadic because I get stuck in perfectionism and self-doubt, but you’ve inspired me to keep going because when I do it, I love it, so I’ll just do it for the love of it, with no expectations in mind. And though there very well might be a bestseller in you, (or me) I figure that as long as you’re doing what you love, you’ve already succeeded because you’ve carved out a little bit of happiness in this life. So cheers to you for sharing your voice. Thank you!
Carie McGregor
