December seemed like the perfect time to share this quote often attributed to Picasso (but probably wrongly so. Still, it’s a fine quote, whoever said it.):
The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.
When it comes to writing, I suspect that I’m better at helping others bring out their gift than I am at my own work. And now that I’m a bit older and possibly wiser, I’m pretty okay with that.
When my daughter’s story was selected for Chicken Soup for the Soul’s Angels and Miracles, I was thrilled for her! And recently, she was interviewed about her story for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. She made a point of mentioning that her mother was a writer and that I’d helped her polish her story and encouraged her to send it in–and she was disappointed when none of that part of the interview was included. But that’s the way it often is when writers lend a helping pen. We don’t help others tell their story for the glory; we help because there’s a joy in seeing a writer succeed, whether it’s one story that needs to be told or the beginning of a long and successful career.
There’s purpose there, in the giving away. And a purpose here is that I shared something over at the Muffin this weekend that you might’ve missed. It’s just a little bit of writing advice but maybe it’ll be the start of something BIG for you and your writing!
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
Cathy–Your daughter is doing better than me lately, Chicken Soup-wise.
Please tell her congratulations from me. I guess the apply doesn’t fall too far from the tree…
Well, I’m not so sure about that, Sioux. You’re a CS Queen! (But I’ll send along your congrats!)
Whoops. The applE doesn’t fall too far from the tree. I guess I need to APPLY some editing skills before I publish a comment. 🙂
Congrats to daughter and hugs for Mom 🙂
Oh, thanks, Charlotte! I could use a hug today. 🙂
Your daughter’s story was moving, and I’m certain she is an inspiration to others, just as you are to her.
The Picasso quote reminds me of the Mark Twain quote, which I’m paraphrasing: The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.
I’m heading over to The Muffin to read your post.
Love that quote (or paraphrase), Donna! I think most of us would be surprised to learn that someone, somewhere finds us inspiring. We’re just going along, doing the best we can, but oftentimes, yes, we’re quiet inspirations. Amazing the way that works…:-)
Cathy, I can so identify with being okay with helping others succeed, even if I don’t! The joy of others success adds beauty to life!
You ARE the Yoda. And you’ve been hugely successful, have published a lot, and won awards. That’s part of what makes it easy to look up to you…the other part is that you’re a genuine sweetheart. When all that good juju you’ve put out into the universe takes full effect, you’re gonna fly!
Aw, go on with you, Lisa. (And P.S. I could say the exact same thing about you. 😉 )
To know that I have helped others succeed by helping them edit, polish, or provide possible markets feeds my soul. You are such a generous writer. Hugs.
Yep, you’re wonderful about sharing your gift, Linda, and we thank you for that! ♥