By Jennifer Hallmark

I finished reading a book by Madeline L’Engle, A Ring of Endless Light. Inside me, emotions surfaced, then sank into a quiet place. I thought about what I’d read, turned back and re-read a couple of passages, then thought some more.

I’d been challenged by her words. Not challenged to write a book like her or even because it is a Newberry Honor book. This went much deeper.

Could I be brave enough to write from the deepest part of me like I believe L’Engle did? I’ve been trying for a long time. It seems almost funny at fifty-six years of age to still be trying to pen words that are as real as I can make them. In some ways, my words at this moment are. My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope, is an example of me learning to be true to myself. There are good places within its pages, words, and phrases that reflect truth and reality. But not as much as I would like.

But I will keep pressing forward, reading constantly. The books, the authors in my past and present that write the truest, whether I totally agree with them or not philosophically, are the ones I remember. Classics don’t become classics only because they are entertaining.

Like I read in The Velveteen Rabbit, “Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.”

I keep stretching myself. Learning the craft of writing is good. Blogging and marketing are important to me. Click to tweet: But my number one goal is to become as genuine as I can, as much me as I can, and somehow transfer that realness to paper. #WritingCommunity #amwriting

So, I look at the books, the authors and I say thank you for your kindness. Your words have challenged me and keep moving me toward the kind of author I pray to someday become.

“Authenticity: The courage to be yourself.”

Anonymous