(My) Two Stars
The best review I've ever received
At my desk, where I do most of my writing, there’s a small frame containing an honest, handwritten review of my very best work.
I framed the review to preserve its contents, and I keep it on my desk to help me stay grounded when the feral colony of critics in the back of my mind start throwing shade.
In the front of my mind, where I do all my dreaming, there’s a memory containing a brief conversation with an ambitious, up-and-coming young filmmaker who offered to turn all my books into movies. Even the ones he hadn’t read yet.
I tap into that memory to remember what it feels like to dream without judgement or limitation. And to know that someone out there believes in me and my stories. Even the ones I haven’t written yet.
Somewhere in the Stock Fiction archive, where I keep many of my stories, there’s a short missive about the artist’s quest to leave a mark. To have something of their own creation make a difference in the lives of others.
As artists we are so willing to work so very hard for so very long (sometimes forever) to be seen and celebrated, that we don’t often stop and think about the innumerable ways we already are.
Like any dream-drugged creative craving “success,” I’ve spent many a year now chasing validation. Praise from peers, honorable mentions, badges, gold stars, favorable reviews, atta girls from higher-ups. And I’ve been lucky enough to earn a couple of awards and a few generous blurbs from my contemporaries that I can whip out when I need to prove to the universe I have a dog in this fight.
But I often wonder what I’m really fighting for.
Because none of those highly sought after rewards are worth more to me than my son’s earnest promise to read all of my books and adapt them into films one day. Or my daughter’s beautifully written response to a prompt she received at school to write about someone she’s grateful for, which also happens to be the best “review” I’ve ever received.
“I am very grateful for my mom. I am grateful for her because she always makes me feel better when I’m sad. You could describe this person as funny, awesome, and helpful because she tells a lot of jokes and she helps me on my computer. Without her in my life, I wouldn’t be able to be as happy as I am now. I know that my mom also is special because she lets me help with cooking. I think mom makes this world a better place because she brought me into this life.”
If all I really want is to be seen and celebrated, then I’m already a success.
As for the dream of something of my own creation making a difference in the lives of others … that’s already come true.
Not once.
But twice.
Wishing all mothers and mother figures a very special day today. Especially the ones balancing creative pursuits and motherhood.
I see you. I celebrate you.
Congratulations on all your success. 🥂💜
Hi there.
It’s been a minute.
Whether you’re new to this space or a long-time reader and supporter, I invite you to take a spin around my updated About page. The Stock Fiction archive has been recently renovated in preparation for the next chapter in my creative story.
I would love to tell you what that chapter entails, but I’m quite sure I don’t know.
We’ll have to turn the pages together to find out what happens next.
Until then, I remain yours truly and in fiction,
Family love beats stranger "love" any day.
This is so sweet. Love the pics! Happy Mama's Day!