tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post9025741520737620654..comments2017-02-01T16:16:00.351-07:00Comments on Mark David Gerson's New Earth Chronicles: All That Matters Is That I'm WritingMark David Gersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06235005264532240677noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-45584065333255937032009-01-02T15:19:00.000-07:002009-01-02T15:19:00.000-07:00Hang in there. All writers have to deal with how t...Hang in there. All writers have to deal with how to <A HREF="http://liliannattelqanda.wordpress.com/2008/11/29/earning-a-living/" REL="nofollow">earn a living</A> until they can make it writing. But it seems to me that in a bad economy, you are better off struggling to support doing what you love as doing what you despise.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-3815449095508448082009-01-01T16:33:00.000-07:002009-01-01T16:33:00.000-07:00Ellen: Thank you for allowing yourself to be vulne...Ellen: Thank <I>you</I> for allowing yourself to be vulnerable here and for calling in the faith to be the writer you are. We <I>will</I> get through this. And we'll do it, in part, by be open with each other and recognizing that we're not alone.<BR/><BR/>Joie: We all lend strength to each other. Thanks for your comment.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-75210757628933501692009-01-01T16:21:00.000-07:002009-01-01T16:21:00.000-07:00Mark David ~ this column touched me immensely when...Mark David ~ this column touched me immensely when first I read it and I put it aside to respond to with appreciation. Your voicing those silent whispers of writers everywhere is lending strength to writers everywhere. My own muse taunts me if I am not attentive to where it resides. And everything you say about NOT writing being as impossible as not thinking. Thanks for illuminating the path a bit further than I can see. ~ JoieJoAnnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13878903328687328217noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-91487017790208388912008-12-29T15:15:00.000-07:002008-12-29T15:15:00.000-07:00What a wonderful post. Thank you for being so vuln...What a wonderful post. Thank you for being so vulnerable, as it inspires me to do the same in my blog and in my life.<BR/><BR/>Like many people, these days, I'm going through some hard times financially. Writing and coaching gigs that were paying the bills seem to be drying up, and I ask myself why? What does the universe want me to do instead. Sometimes, I get angry at the universe for seemingly sending me in a new direction (coaching) and then finding that the well is dry or at least not so full. <BR/><BR/>Lately, I've been getting into writing more than usual. I'd gone through a period of being quite sick of it. Quite fed up with the process. But lately, I am loosening up. Blogging has helped with that some. And then, when I listened to your "I'm a writer" excerpt from your CD the other day, I smiled. Because I AM a writer and a coach and so much more.<BR/><BR/>Somehow, we will all get through this difficult time. We just need to have faith. I say this as a reminder to both of us and whoever else is listening:><BR/><BR/>Anyhow, thank you for inspiring me to be who I am. In exposing your own vulnerability, you've allowed me to do the same.<BR/><BR/>With much gratitude,<BR/><BR/>EllenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-79044454022317094012008-12-28T20:54:00.000-07:002008-12-28T20:54:00.000-07:00Thanks for sharing your story, Trilby. Remember, a...Thanks for sharing your story, Trilby. Remember, all that matters is that you're writing. Your soul's call isn't about destinations. It's about the journey. Go for it!Mark David Gersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235005264532240677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-72635043867015373852008-12-28T19:57:00.000-07:002008-12-28T19:57:00.000-07:00Thank you. Your post is timely for me. I have been...Thank you. Your post is timely for me. I have been "writing" a play for me and had set a goal for March 2009. I'm afraid I will have to adjust the time line because I have not been able to write for the same reasons you wrote. But, reading your words calms me down. I feel more encouraged. I will write it. It will get done. Maybe in a different way. <BR/>Thank you for sharing your honesty.<BR/><BR/>My best, Trilby JeevesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-13947477956856363452008-12-28T16:57:00.000-07:002008-12-28T16:57:00.000-07:00Thanks, Layne. One of the things I have come to re...Thanks, Layne. One of the things I have come to realize in recent days is that although there are many things I do well (and love doing many of those things), only one thing (at this time) makes me cry when I talk about it: writing, and working on my novel, most specifically. That tells me all I need to know. Right now, all I can do is trust that following that call is the most important thing I can be doing. The rest, as I said in the post, is not up to me.<BR/><BR/>Open your heart to yourself and to your soul's calling. As I said to Malcolm (above), following that call is no guarantee of anything...other than your sanity! <BR/><BR/>Now that I'm writing every morning before I go to work, my whole attitude for the day in general and about work in particular has shifted. I'm actually in joy, even while heaving boxes and moving merchandise. No one's more surprised than I am.Mark David Gersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235005264532240677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-5043948659088544322008-12-28T16:46:00.000-07:002008-12-28T16:46:00.000-07:00Mark, I came over from twitter, and am glad I did....Mark, I came over from twitter, and am glad I did. I honor your honesty and open heartedness. My soul is calling me to jump back in to a few unfinished writing and publishing projects. I appreciate all you have to say here about your movement through your situation and your commitment. The economy does add an interesting factor. But, yes, the writing can and must be done. Sometimes I get lost in the web design work and photography, but I can't ignore the writing and the books that are waiting to be created. All the best to you! ~LayneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-12312314494990934972008-12-28T16:43:00.000-07:002008-12-28T16:43:00.000-07:00Malcolm: Thanks so much for your heartfelt sharing...Malcolm: Thanks so much for your heartfelt sharing. It is not always an easy journey nor is the path always straight. And a lot of the time we would prefer it to look way different than it does. The bottom line, at least for me, is that unless I follow the voice of my muse (which is also the call of my soul), I won't be alive. I may not be always be happy....but I'll be less happy if I don't. Keep the faith, Malcolm. I believe in you and I'm grateful that you're part of my life.<BR/><BR/>Joanie: We all do the best we can where we are and with what you've got. You're doing great, too. Just keep writing (if that's the call)!Mark David Gersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235005264532240677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-70537360000322692122008-12-28T14:27:00.000-07:002008-12-28T14:27:00.000-07:00Thank you for the post. I own that I am the person...Thank you for the post. I own that I am the person who needs the stability of a corporate job (and the health benefits) before I can write. Otherwise, I'm pretty sure I'd spend all my time worrying and not writing. But I appreciate and admire people who are able and willing to follow their muse <I>anywhere</I>.<BR/><BR/>Best wishes for 2009.Joannie Stangelandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06006768246992875405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-87640322910384553022008-12-28T14:17:00.000-07:002008-12-28T14:17:00.000-07:00I appreciate everything you have said here. Yet th...I appreciate everything you have said here. Yet there are times when I want my muse to go away or at least shut up.<BR/><BR/>My plans have always been to take what she inspires me to write and find willing publishers and audiences. Since this hasn't come about, I wonder if the Kabbalists' suggestion applies, that being that when plans get changed, the universe is trying to get your attention.<BR/><BR/>Perhaps the writing itself was all the muse cared about and that my profound clinical depression and financial ruin are intended not as consequences but as part of the writing journey as well.<BR/><BR/>It has, then, been a bumpy road and I frequently ask my muse whether she intends to always be this cruel.<BR/><BR/>I might forgive her tomorrow, but each time I do it becomes more difficult.<BR/><BR/>You have found your peace, I see, and your words motivate me to keep looking for mine.<BR/><BR/>Best wishes,<BR/><BR/>MalcolmMalcolm R. Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07840134761199335243noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-64517458868547534422008-12-28T11:11:00.000-07:002008-12-28T11:11:00.000-07:00You help remind me to count my own blessings. Tha...You help remind me to count my own blessings. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for putting that vulnerability out there for others to relate to.Pan Historiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01784598437235690294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-71985755747524461682008-12-28T10:57:00.000-07:002008-12-28T10:57:00.000-07:00Thanks, Robert. And keep on creating that wonderfu...Thanks, Robert. And keep on creating that wonderful <A HREF="http://www.robertgirandola.com/" REL="nofollow">art</A>.Mark David Gersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235005264532240677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-73455827559125248782008-12-28T10:55:00.000-07:002008-12-28T10:55:00.000-07:00I'm so glad my experiences are giving you the cour...I'm so glad my experiences are giving you the courage to continue. Write on!Mark David Gersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235005264532240677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-592036732395182862008-12-28T10:17:00.000-07:002008-12-28T10:17:00.000-07:00Very nicely put, Mark, your post came at the perfe...Very nicely put, Mark, your post came at the perfect time, when I was seriously doubting my ability to sustain my call to write. I shall, without a doubt, continue on! Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-5459284578080524722008-12-28T10:09:00.000-07:002008-12-28T10:09:00.000-07:00Mark - I really admire your honesty and sharing th...Mark - I really admire your honesty and sharing this with others - perseverance in the face of adversity is the highest form of faith. I am sometimes gripped with such fear and it is so 'hypnotic' because it pulls you from the NOW - the moment of creation - I love that you are using each moment as a creative moment and sharing your journey.Robert Girandolahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10123970985462206242noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-43117289322463697722008-12-28T08:55:00.000-07:002008-12-28T08:55:00.000-07:00Thanks, Ivan and Mary, for your comments. You are ...Thanks, Ivan and Mary, for your comments. You are among the miracles I'm grateful for.Mark David Gersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235005264532240677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-34804100018460326072008-12-28T07:14:00.000-07:002008-12-28T07:14:00.000-07:00very heartfelt and heartful post. always good to r...very heartfelt and heartful post. always good to remember these things, yes?Mary Richmondhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12987381109911597964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-35076133560818035152008-12-28T00:38:00.000-07:002008-12-28T00:38:00.000-07:00I'm glad you're showing yourself compassion in the...I'm glad you're showing yourself compassion in these hard times. <BR/><BR/>You're right about the miracles showing up in various forms. Sometimes it's a bag of pennies that equals a hundred bucks, and sometimes it's a hundred crisp dollar bills. The retail work closes the financial gap just a wee bit for a while, and who knows where it will lead, in both spiritual and mundane opportunities?<BR/><BR/>My best wishes to you during this period. We're braving the storm together, if seemingly apart.<BR/><BR/>Take care,<BR/><BR/>I.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02005943308747297947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-69664577200350106732008-12-27T21:38:00.000-07:002008-12-27T21:38:00.000-07:00Thanks, Autumn, for your words, your support and y...Thanks, Autumn, for your words, your support and your energy. I'm glad you're writing, and I'm pleased to be part of the inspiration that keeps you at it!<BR/><BR/>Blessings, <BR/>Mark DavidMark David Gersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235005264532240677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-17585742271460747612008-12-27T21:37:00.000-07:002008-12-27T21:37:00.000-07:00Your courage and honesty are inspiring, Mark...and...Your courage and honesty are inspiring, Mark...and those of us who draw from that well through your generous spirit and written word can be a well for you, too. Thank you for giving us a chance to show you support and I hope you will draw on that energy anytime you need it. I still rattle the chains of corporate bondage and dream of breaking free...and I write - in part because you're out there saying, "Write!" Keep going...stay strong...and make notes - there's got to be a story in all this!Autumn Heartsonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13533064862881845253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-84377848574288966672008-12-27T21:31:00.000-07:002008-12-27T21:31:00.000-07:00My current job is "of the latter sort"...though I'...My current job is "of the latter sort"...though I'm also looking at a part-time job as a magazine editor. So I could end up with an interesting blend of the two.<BR/><BR/>As for putting one's passion first, I agree 100%. I do believe that when we do the soul's work, the soul takes care of the rest (though not always in predictable ways!).<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the comment, Charlotte. Keep on coaching...yourself!!Mark David Gersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235005264532240677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-20867702827256267492008-12-27T21:26:00.000-07:002008-12-27T21:26:00.000-07:00Oh my God, what a moving post. I, too, have worke...Oh my God, what a moving post. I, too, have worked crappy jobs in order to keep my writing habit going and I know first-hand how soul-crushing it can be. I've always heard that writers have two choices in jobs: one that will use their writing skills, or a physical one that, while difficult, will at least allow their mind to roam free. Hope yours is at least of the latter sort. I'm so pleased you've recommitted to writing the next book. I coach writers, too and sometimes I have to stop and remind myself to do what I teach! I've also learned through it all that truly if I put my own writing first in some magical way everything else falls into place.Charlotte Rains Dixonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12657052065864065323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-74438567614396957222008-12-27T21:15:00.000-07:002008-12-27T21:15:00.000-07:00Beautifully put, Jo-Anne. At the same time, unless...Beautifully put, Jo-Anne. <BR/><BR/>At the same time, unless we allow ourselves to feel our fear (and all our feelings), it can be difficult to move through and past them. <BR/><BR/>Feeling them, of course, doesn't mean clinging to them. It means acknowledging them and letting them go. Otherwise, the muse surely will be extinguished.Mark David Gersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06235005264532240677noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22873106.post-15174007866606552102008-12-27T19:41:00.000-07:002008-12-27T19:41:00.000-07:00"Fear is like water, extinguishing the blazin..."Fear is like water, extinguishing the blazing muse." >Jo-Anne Vandermeulen<<BR/><BR/>Jo-Anne Vandermeulen<BR/>“Conquer All Obstacles”<BR/>Prolific Writer of Romantic Fiction<BR/>http://www.gr5mom2.wordpress.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com