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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Makings Of An Author

As a mother, we are often proud of our children for the littlest things. Sometimes it's a great test grade they worked so hard to get. Perhaps it was something they said in kindness to someone else that touched your heart. Or maybe they did something they had never done before and succeeded. Either way, when our children do these things, we cannot help but feel that all our hard work as responsible, loving parents is paying off.

Yesterday, I had one such moment with my oldest daughter. To set the scene, she is a twelve year old girl with a very tender soul. She always thinks of others before herself and cares what others are going through in life. If she knows people are going through a difficult time, it weighs heavily on her heart and mind. Truthfully, she is one of the most thoughtful pre-teens I have ever met.

Anyway, she came home from school yesterday and told me she had to write a story for Religion class, one that shows a person dealing with a burden or struggle. The teacher allowed the children in the class to pick their plot and my daughter decided to write about a girl who was not well-off due to her mother losing her job. To top it off, the  girl was also having to switch schools because she had to live with her father until her mother could get back on her feet.

Upon hearing her story's conflict, I was immediately concerned. For one, my husband and I are happily married and love our children dearly. Secondly, we are not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, but we are certainly not struggling to make ends meet either. So where she got this idea of writing a story about struggling, divorced parents and their impressionable daughter was beyond me.

But what really blew me away, was hearing her actual story as she read it to me. Now granted, she didn't have it finished, but what she wrote was absolutely incredible. Her word choices were quite unique, and her use of adjectives, mildly scattered throughout, had added variety and color to her fictional tale.

I remember sitting their in awe as she read it to me, her emotions vividly coming out in the words she had written. And all I could think of was, "Wow, my daughter has a knack for narrating a compelling story. Would she ever realize this? And would she ever make the most of her talent?"

Though both my questions were completely rhetorical, I still wondered if she really would decide to be an author one day like her mother. As far as I was concerned, she had a natural gift, and not many understand that or even capitalize on it.

So, in being the proud, supportive mother, I hugged her tight and told her what a great job she did for writing something she knew little about, and portraying it all in such a believable way. And while I would never push my daughter in the direction I had gone, I was still happy to know she had acquired my creative side and was not afraid to show it.

Later, when we talked about her story and where she was going to take it, she had mentioned to me that she had so many other stories in her head too. That every day she thinks of a new story and wants so badly to write about them before she forgets.

I had to laugh. Whether she knows it or not, I think she definitely has the makings of an author! But am I ready for her to write romance? I think not.

I'm just glad I can help her to hone her talent and encourage her to make good use of it, if that is, in fact, the path she wants to take in life.

Anyone else have a daughter or son who's expressed an interest in writing? I'd love to know your story.



Visit RENEE VINCENT at: http://www.reneevincent.com/
or at her blog, PAST THE PRINT: http://www.pasttheprint.blogspot.com/



9 comments:

Tina Donahue said...

What a wonderful post, Renee. You're lucky to have such a wonderful child and family. :)

Linda Kage said...

Wow, that would so exciting to see your child's talent emerge like that.

My baby is only 8-months old. Her big talent is being able to turn the pages on her board book, well, unless she's sitting on it when she tries to turn the page...then she gets a little upset. I can't help but wonder what she's going to be like when she grows up though.

Virginia C said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Virginia C said...

Hi, Renee! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story! The eyes of a child see much...and they see it without the shutters of adulthood. Very lovely : )

jean hart stewart said...

Sounds just like my twelve year old granddaughter. Exactly. Since my father was an author I'm hoping she'll follow in the family footsteps. It's wonderful to watch.

Katalina Leon said...

Congratulations Renee for raising a compassionate, talented daughter. It's wonderful to hear about kids caring about others.
XXOO Kat

Renee Vincent said...

Thank you so much! Your comments were so uplifting. When I wrote this, I wasn't sure it would be received well since it really has nothing to do with romance in particular. But I was compelled to write it. My daughter made such an impression on me I had to tell the world.

Thank you all so much for giving me your feedback. I will certainly pass on your blessings to my daughter.

Happy Reading all!

Molly Daniels said...

My oldest decided to 'job shadow' me two years ago, thinking he could sleep late and goof off. Wrong: I made him write a story.

After a snarky reaction, he sat down to write and soon discovered what I mean about being 'in the zone'. And while his first attempt wasn't bad, it clearly isn't for him.

Now daughter, on the other hand, wrote her first 'book' at age six, complete with illustrations; was published with her fifth grade reading class, and has now been inspired to write more from her Mythology class. If she expresses interest in finding a publisher, I will certainly help her. But if not, then she has a wonderful story to show for her efforts, and I'll hang onto it should she ever change her mind:)

Renee Vincent said...

Oh, Molly what a great story! And for her to have it published with her fifth grade reading class is quite a wonderful memory! I am very sentimental so I know what you mean about saving it. I save everything my kids have written.

Thank so much for sharing.

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