The Joy of Writing

Promising writer and fisherman

It was my pleasure and delight to listen to my six-year-old grandson read his story to me yesterday afternoon. He was so excited to share it--and oh, yes, the illustrations that accompanied it. The story was about a "trdl" and a snake named Hiss. His eyes grew wide with excitement as he read the two animals went to the "mestrius" (Mysterious) Woods. He giggled when those words rolled off his tongue.


I told him I loved his choice of "sithering" slithering to describe the snake. And he agreed it was the right word for a snake.


I cannot tell you the end of the story because he is only on page 6 and it is going to be 13 pages long. It may be awhile before he finishes the tale because he has to draw the "trdl" and Hiss as they go along on their adventure.


Let me tell you what an adventure it was for me soaking in all the joy and delight this six-year-old exhibited at sharing this wonderful story. I hope he never loses this very special feeling of satisfaction and happiness he receives while writing a story.


I too sometimes get giddy when reading my own story. Or should I admit that? I chuckle at some of the particularly humorous phrases (funny to me anyway) and cringe at frightening scenes and even get a bit misty-eyed when I read an especially warm and meaningful conversation. I must say I enjoy the "work."


Yes we all have those days when we can't stick three words together, but then I remember the exhilaration when just the right phrases and emotions tumble out on the page. That keeps me going.


Hearing my grandson's giggles and chuckles as he read his work certainly reminded me of the joy of writing.