I'm sure everyone has seen the pictures of the devastation in Japan by now. And how could we forget what just happened in New Zealand? Or Haiti? Or, or, or... The list keeps going on and on. Natural disasters are becoming more common than, well, I'm not sure what. They just keep happening. Massive destruction and death tolls in the thousands seem to splash across the news every few months. Is anyone else nervous about who and where is next?
So what does this have to do with writing? Nothing. Except that maybe, just maybe, a book you or I write that gets published could be the means of escape for someone, somewhere, someday. Reading can take you away from the troubles in your life, and transport you into another place with another person (the main character of the book). At least it can for me. And I imagine there are millions of people who could use an escape right now all across the world.
And has anyone else noticed how amazing the author community is? How they band together to donate signed books and services and anything and everything they can think of to raise money and help out all the people and countries who are suffering? I am in awe. Maybe someday I'll have a book that is in enough demand to offer for auction. For now, I can only offer my prayers on behalf of the people of Japan and all those around the world suffering, dying, or struggling to survive.
If you want to see a truly chilling video of the true power of a tsunami, look at the link I posted on my FB page. I guess this is one reason to be glad I don't leave anywhere near a beach.
8 comments:
Such a tragedy! Truly devastating and awful. All the new pictures coming out are just chilling. All the news. I keep hoping we're going to start hearing miracle stories, if only to make it seem a little more hopeful.
I hope this for you, too, hon. I know exactly what you mean. It's hard sometimes because people will ask for donations, and I have nothing really to offer. But someday. For now we can join the auctions from the bidder's stance or just offer aid in any way we can. I think every little bit helps. But how good would it feel to be able to have a book to give, a way to raise far more than we can give ourselves.
The tsunami was so awful to watch. How cool that the writing community is banning together. They just totally rock!
I love how writers can all band together to not only help writer's but to help with disasters such as these. It's important to realize how good we have it sometimes. This was just a great reminder.
I would love for my stories to be a means of escape for someone. Making a difference is what it's all about.
The situation in Japan is truly terrifying. Earthquakes don't seem so scary now after seeing what the tsunami did.
It really is so hard to take in or understand. There is so much devastation going on in the world. Craziness. I do love your point here that we, as writers, can offer some relief to the soul. I hope we can do that. I love this community.
Thanks, Sara.
Books were my escape as a child from a less than happy home life. I'm hoping to have mine be the same for some other child in need.
My heart and prayers go out to the people of Japan. I just can't believe the heartbreaking devastation. And the way it keeps mounting - from the number of deaths to the nuclear disasters. So, so sad.
Most awesome. Very sad stuff but books are always my retreat too.
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