Saturday 2 April 2011

B is for Believing


    Every time a child says, "I don't believe in fairies," there is a fairy somewhere that falls down dead.
Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie.

Children have an amazing ability to believe. They read Dumbo and believe he can fly. That there are mermaids living under the sea. That animals can talk. And if you wish on a star your dreams come true. 

Then children grow up. 

We know an elephant can't really fly. We don't believe in magic, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny or Santa. We learn to look for the logical explanation behind something we don't understand. Sometimes we even stop believing in our own dreams.

As a writer, I like to think the only thing that can hold us back is the ability to believe. I need to believe in the words I weave, the worlds I create, and the characters who live there. Because (even though I know they aren't real) I have to believe in my characters. If I don't why would a reader? 

And maybe, when I write, I'm still that child who believes. 

So I'll clap for the fairies... just in case. 

22 comments:

Francine Howarth said...

Hi,

Hee hee, me too! Clapping along with the fairies like mad as they dance around me. (((Sigh))) Ever hopeful of fairy magic dust falling on my head once again. ;)

best
F

Anonymous said...

I remember my amazing abilities to believe everything as a child. The ability hasn't completely left me.

Have a great weekend.

Jessica Bell said...

haha! I'm glad I'm not the only one! :o)

Unknown said...

As a children's author, I'm constantly clapping! Hugs....

Jemi Fraser said...

Great post! Believing is so important. And such a big part of childhood & my adulthood too :)

Rebecca Dupree said...

I clap for fairies too! I'm glad I'm not alone. I'm also following you now! :)

Tracy said...

I clap for fairies and what a grea post for 'B'--unique!

:)
Happy A to Z!

Laura S. said...

What's this about knowing there's no Santa?!? You're getting coal in your stocking this year, missy. ;)

I clap for the fairies, too!

Jaydee Morgan said...

I'm still a big kid and believer at heart - heck, I still believe in Santa!

Renae said...

I clap for fairies! That's the great thing about having a little girl, she's into all of this!

Regina said...

I agree that clapping is required and our imagination and our characters need to be created and live on. I love to go to my own worlds and live for a little while. :)

Unknown said...

I love this post! We should all believe a little more, it makes the day that much better.


My A to Z

Devin Bond said...

Go fairies~ They're going to have a lot less keeled over fae if we all believe a little bit. :) Definitely can't get a reader to believe in a world if you don't believe in it.

Great post.

Josie Two Shoes said...

Great writing! Excellent approach to Believing, I totally enjoyed and agreed with what you wrote!
~Josie Two Shoes~
Two Shoes In Texas 
Monday Memories
Write A Letter Wednesday
Words In Motion

ali cross said...

I loved this: And maybe, when I write, I'm still that child who believes.

Just beautiful. And, PERFECT.

Carrie said...

Beautiful post! I think this is why I write MG: I want to keep believing for as long as I can!

Tara Tyler said...

blissful post =) happy b day!

Talli Roland said...

Loved this post! I'll clap for fairies, too. Happy B!

Lori M. Lee said...

Aww, what a lovely post. I still believe in fairies! <3

Heather Henry said...

I do believe in fairies, I do, I do!! :)

Anonymous said...

what an elegant sweet little post! I loved it! you made me smile, so thank-you and you make me want to clap for the fairies too!

Matt Conlon said...

Very cute. :) My daughters thank you all very much for clapping with them.


Matt Conlon dot com
Matt's Brew Log