Influence

I believe that, more than anything else, the grief of constantly having to face down our own inadequacies is what keeps us from being writers. Forgiveness, therefore, is key. I can’t write the book I want to write, but I can and will write the book I am capable of writing. Again and again throughout the course of my life I will forgive myself.

Ann Patchett

In today’s world of social influencers, I admit to be underwhelmed by much of what I see. Books, on the other hand, have the ability to affect what I believe and how I think. They actually do impact my life.

A friend gave me the annotated version of, Bel Canto by Ann Patchett. It is exceptional. The notes are written in blue, fountain pen ink. This gives the writing a sense of personality it would not have if the words were typewritten.

More important, of course, is the writing. Ms. Patchett is laser focused as she tears through her work with an unmerciful critique. I read her notes and think, of course, there is no need for those adverbs. That run-on sentence should be broken up. She comments she never saw the need for commas at this stage of her writing. Did I notice any of this when I first read the book? Of course not, her writing is spectacular regardless of the editing she believes should have been done.

I can relate to the high standard she holds herself to. I am never completely happy with what I write. I never feel like I live up to my expectations. I read her own comments about her work and think she struggles with some of the same challenges I do. I admire her ability to look without bias at what she writes and acknowledge what could be improved.

Ann Pachett is, undisputedly, an accomplished, significant author. I am influenced by her writing, both as a writer and as a reader.

Peace be with you.