In Gardens they Grow

An article about writing and dealing with suggestions.

Aside from writing of articles, stories, and poems, which I do to keep my mind sharp and my memory working well, one of my part time hobbies is photography. The other hobby is gardening. And it is because of gardening that this topic of writing circles back to rewriting. --- Let me explain.

Anyone who reads my offerings may notice that I “Note” rewrites. 

If I have rewritten the document, then I note two dates, the original and the last time the document was rewritten.

The two dates are not saying that the document has been rewritten once, the two dates represent the first and last date of writing, and rewriting. In actuality, that bit of writing may have been changed many times over the years. 

Why do I do this? --- Because of the gardeners.

Everyone who comments on my writing becomes a gardener to me.

A good gardener knows better than to cut the hell out of my bushes. So, it is the good gardeners that say things like, “I like what you have grown, but maybe it is a too large for the space that it is in.” 

Or they may say, “Gee, this plant has very few flowers, and yet, it is all about spring.” Or they may even say, "I don't like this kind of plant, so I don't care much for your garden.

'Tis true, all gardeners do not like all types of gardens, but that doesn't matter to me. Because these are the gardeners I listen to, and these are the kinds of suggestions that I use before making changes to the plants in my writer's garden.

Oh sure, maybe these gardeners aren't all professionals, but they do know what they like and what ketches their eyes, words wise.

So, you see, I plant each plant and let time and the gardeners help shape them into something pleasing for those that want to take a peek over my backyard fence. Even the Jaybird when he gathers nuts from the Iron Feeder, makes noises when he visits. 

And those are the main reasons I post them for others to read. The other reason is that I like many gardeners.

However, I do not allow my original plants to be hacked to bits, replaced by cookie-cutter plants dictated to me by so called professionals. Those that would have everyone believe what they were taught, and told how to plant, the perfect plant. You may know the plants that I'm talking about, they are the ones that look just like all the others.

I write this because I am reminded, by the critics of the past, those that thought that they knew best for everyone concerned, but in actuality, they were only doing what they were told and taught, for they teach from books.

*Walt Disney was told that he lacked imagination. The man who created many stories, an epic empire, and worldwide theme parks was once considered to not have much imagination.

*And did you know that Dr. Seuss had his first book rejected 27 Times, and by different publishers. It took a while for this book to become published, but eventually it was, and Dr. Seuss became a tremendous part of the literary world, and our lives.

*Stephen King threw away early drafts of "Carrie" before it became a success. Mr. King got very frustrated with it and threw away early drafts of the story. In addition, when he finally finished it, it was rejected 30 different times.

It is unlikely we would have the epic horror, and its empire, if it weren’t for Mrs. King. She found some help and she made sure Carrie was published.

*J. K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter without much of a plan for success. When she first wrote the book she was living as a single mother on welfare. She created the Wizarding world, but, according to her, she was rejected "loads of times", by different publishers.

However, I have no dilutions of grandeur, as did the ones listed above. I just used their stories to point out that not all critics and editors know what is best for all writers. 

And at my age, what good would success do me? It's too late to enjoy it.

So, I just plant what works in my garden and listen to what the unpretentious gardeners say. Then I trim as needed and watch the flowers grow where they will. 

Some years are better than others and some flowers are prettier than the rest.

JE Falcon

03-10-2022

rew. 03-11-2022 :)

Reviews

[Writergurl]

*Did you know that Dr. Seuss had his first book rejected 27 Times, and by different publishers. It took a while for this book to become published, but eventually it was, and Dr. Seuss became a tremendous part of the literary world, and our lives.

I like this part, is this true?
very intriguing write

[JE Falcon]

Thanks for the reply, and yes to your question. Just Google "Dr Seuss's books rejected" for more info. :)

[Dave Brown]

Uh Oh
Looks like I better dig through my compost pile

[JE Falcon]

LOL! --- Every little bit helps. And so begs the never answered but often fertilizing question, "Does a bear poop in the woods? --- Thanks for the visit.

[Mike Keenan]

Too often, we fall in love with externals such as words and phrases that we think are so wonderful. The gardener, to use your metaphor, is the seed. The words nourish the seed. Success is not important when it's external. But when the gardener feels a resonance with the seed, the spirit flows, and that is the essence of poetry. I like your honesty JE.

[JE Falcon]

My Grandmother always said, "Honesty is the best policy. Well, it is until you start hurting people's feelings.