Do You Obey the Call?

Lucy Maud Montgomery

But the materials of story weaving are the same in all ages and all places–births, deaths, marriages, scandals–these are the only really interesting things in the world. So she settled down very determinedly and happily to her pursuit of fame and fortune–and of something that was neither. For writing, to Emily Byrd Starr, was not primarily a matter of worldly lucre or laurel crown. It was something she had to do. A thing–an idea–whether of beauty or ugliness, tortured her until it was ‘written out.’ Humorous and dramatic by instinct, the comedy and tragedy of life enthralled her and demanded expression through her pen. A world of lost but immortal dreams, lying just beyond the drop-curtain of the real, called to her for embodiment and interpretation–called with a voice she could not, dared not, disobey.

{L.M. Montgomery, from EMILY’S QUEST, 1927}

I discovered the delightful, imaginative red-head Anne Shirley when I was eight years old and fell head-over-heels in love with all of the books. Anne of Green Gables (#1) and Anne’s House of Dreams (#5) are my two favorites in the series. I was aware that Montgomery had written other books for children, but I never sought them out. I guess it’s because I had such a girl crush on Anne that I didn’t feel it was necessary to read any of Montgomery’s other work. How silly of me! (Love is blind, as they say.)

I finally got around to reading the Emily series, and while Anne is still my favorite, Emily is a special heroine, too. What I liked most about the series is Emily’s devotion to writing. Anne is a writer, too, but she doesn’t actively pursue publication the way Emily does. I love the above quote so much because it’s perfectly said about how I, and I’m sure many of you, feel about writing. 

I’m not sure how often I’ll be posting on my blog this year. I’ve got BIG writing plans for 2013, and I'm determined to be published in some way (whether it’s a novel or a tiny story) before age 30, which is rapidly approaching. Okay, not for another three years. But still! Every year seems to pass faster than the one before it. So I’m not sure how dedicated to blogging I’ll be. Though I’m for sure participating in April’s A to Z Blogging Challenge again! I really enjoy that blogfest. :)

My blog posting will probably be sporadic on Wednesdays and Fridays for now. But I’ll definitely continue posting quotes on Monday! I have so many wonderful ones already saved that’ll fill up many Mondays to come! I love sharing with you the quotes that inspire, encourage, and motivate me in the hopes that at least one will do the same for you, too. 

What does writing mean to you in 2013? Have you made your writing goals for this year? Do you obey the call?

Have a wonderful weekend, Zigzaggers!!!