“Adoption—Do writers live a dog’s life?”

“Writers should never fear getting old because unlike professional athletes whose performances decline with age, authors continue to learn, gain in wisdom, profit from insight, benefit from reflection and improve with age.” Judith Land

Writing is a concentrated form of thought describing what obsesses us—ideas that are essential to our well-being—images that are burning to get out. Books on adoption, family and parenting have noticeably increased in recent years. The Internet has seen explosive growth in participation because it provides a public forum for the open exchange of ideas that provides an opportunity for anyone to say something important without restraint or restrictions. We write because we have something to say. And then, with the click of a computer key, share it with the world.

Authors say that writing is the most fun you can have by yourself—a path to inner peace and solace—but anyone who has ever written a book or memoir knows that you have to “work like a dog.” Centuries ago dogs lived difficult unpleasant lives as herders, hunters and watchdogs. They were fed scraps, slept outdoors and died young. The expression “living a dog’s life” had negative connotations of punishment and repression but over time the meaning changed. Today, dogs are raised as pets, indulged with every comfort and treated with kindness. They are coddled, spoiled, and groomed. They are taken on vacations, driven around in cars, featured in photo books and given comfortable beds. They are fed nutritious meals that help them stay healthier and live longer. They live a good life and a pampered existence in exchange for unconditional friendship. We all know pleasant environments stimulate our senses, help us clarify our thoughts, and aid production. Without a high level of concentration in a setting conducive to writing, certain ideas can never reach fruition. What about you? Does your lifestyle more closely resemble the life of the classic working dog or a modern pampered pet?

Adoption stories that enrich the lives of others are tales of childhood that describe the struggles the main characters face and the life-changing events they endure. Writers are motivated to tell adoption stories because they resonate with people of all ages and cultures. In order to succeed they must work like dogs to organize and transcribe their thoughts, create blogs, and freely express themselves. They exchange ideas with others for a variety of reasons—to add value and worth to their lives; to experience the joy of fabricating something of significance; to bring new ideas to life; to solve a mystery; to enjoy the creative process and gain the satisfaction of educating, entertaining and inspiring others.

Authors who are uniquely gifted speak with clarity in a lush descriptive voice that draws the reader into the moment to help them see what matters. Their stories resonate widely because they know that the greatest motivation for humankind is the pursuit of meaning and purpose, not happiness and simple pleasures. Aspiring writers must initially accept the lifestyle of the traditional “working dog” before they can achieve the reward of a better future and a pampered life.

To writers and dog lovers everywhere—I wish you Godspeed.

Judith Land

 

 

Author website: http://www.adoptiondetectivejudithland.com