I remember when I was in my late teens; I read my first novel by Milan Kundera. Like a lot of his readers, it was The Unbearable Likeness of Being. It changed my life somewhat, I’m not entirely sure what it was but it lit something inside of me and it was then that I decided that I wanted to write. I have always loved reading, but through his words I read art and I wished that I could do the same. This particular novel is rather melancholic but as I discovered more, I appreciated his sometimes-comical study of people, their needs and raw imperfections. I find it rather beautiful and could only wish that I would be able to create characters and scenarios the way he does.
I always thought that I would love to write novels, and the truth is, I’ve begun quite a few, yet each time I hit a blank which usually wasn’t too far into it. In retrospect it’s most probably not the type of writing that is cut out for me or at least, at this time in my life anyway.
I feel that I’m at the right place here writing this blog. I have this little commitment to you and to myself to meet here three times a week and share something about what I’ve discovered or love, most of the time it’s about home decoration or anything food, occasionally a little rambling like this – an idea to live with. The best part is that it’s a discipline that I don’t have to discipline myself with because I want to be here, in fact I look forward to being here all of the time.
Are you doing something that you love? Do you have anyone that gave you that first spark of inspiration?
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I remember seeing “Unbearable Lightness Of Being” at the movies years ago and was equally as touched. It’s wonderful you can keep writing through this blog (something for you) whilst raising children.
Thanks Catherine, it’s so important:)For you too x
I love hearing book and author recommendations – I have a long list of books I need to read and ‘Unbearable Lightness of being’ is on that list! I just need more time in the day and must admit since Ive been blogging/crafting/creating I don’t read as much…sad!
Anastasia, don’t worry, our time will come. I don’t have a huge amount of time with the kids now. I’m so exhausted when I hit the bed:)
The Celestine Prophecy was almost a one day read for me-I absolutely loved it. The film, however, was such a let down! I also went through a period of loving Paulo Coelho too, but since having the kids I can count the number of books I read on one hand!! Hope your having a great start to the week Mel-it’s got absolutely freezing over here! :-) x
Hi Caroline. Oh yes, The Celestine Prophecy – loved it also:) And Paulo Coelho, one of my favorite, in fact my son is named after him (different spelling) and an Italian singer Paolo Conte. Rug up x
hi Mel, my parents are both Czech, so Milan Kundera is a writer close to my heart too. there is something about his way of seeing/describing things that is very familiar! I also am very inspired by what I read: it is hard for me to pick one in particular but generally those writers that capture the minutiae of everyday life and people are the ones i enjoy most.
@JoAnna, thank you so much for the thumbs up:) I really enjoy those kind of reads also – I’ll go check him out thanks!
@Nic, Oh I love the Czech Republic, what a lovely heritage you have – I only spent a short time there in Southern Bohemia & Prague but it left such an impression.
Hi Mel!
I have never read anything by Kundera so I am glad you posted this. I really enjoy reading your writing – it’s always very clear and comfortable.
When I first started my business I was so inspired by many of the entrepreneurs out there that write encouraging others to follow their dreams. One of my favorites is Chris Guillebeau.