Open to Influence

I haven’t written in a while. Actually, I have. That’s what I’m here to tell you.

Near the end of last year, a friend (Thanks C!) encouraged me to submit a piece of writing to a Canadian magazine for their upcoming disability-themed issue. I reviewed the requirements and wrote a handful of pages on the metamorphosis of my view of the wheelchair, from disability device and enemy to freedom-maker and friend. She helped with editing, we went back and forth, and eventually, I sent in my writing on my new Submittable account.

It was declined for publication, but the process set me on a new path. A broadening path: I just submitted three poems and a short piece of prose (Micro; up to 560 characters) to The Offing magazine. Two pieces of my writing have been accepted for publication—one (had to be) exactly 100 words; the other, just under 500—and will be posted in June and July.

These are genres I’d never approached. The memoir and a couple of blogs were the only things I’d put out in the world. I’ve enjoyed some new challenges and I’m proud my growth and the work. A little nudge was all it took. I’m grateful for the suggestion, and the support that has followed.

I’ve also begun to write a monthly personal blog-style column in a local paper, The Hinesburg Record. Monthly if I can continue to dream up content. (C floated my name to its editor, an acquaintance. Thanks again!) This is the first, and I’ve already written the second, to be published in early June. Currently drawing a blank on what’s next.

Productivity has been good, keeping me going, but the other side of the coin, joy, has been harder to come by. It’s hard to find joy. Without it, I feel empty, a failing robot focused only on a series of tasks.