It doesn’t take a certain kind of life to be a writer, because any kind of life will do.It’s not a matter of social pedigree, or having a blue-ribbon educational background, or even a flair for the arts.All that’s required is a heightened level of attentiveness.And being given the privilege of wrestling with your problems in solitude.

(Okay, so maybe a reasonable facility with one’s native language will also come in handy.)

It’s really just a variation on the “grow where you’re planted” thing.The “stand still and look, until you really see” approach to daily living.That’s all it takes.

Robert J. Cavanaugh, Jr
July 16, 2021