Thanks so much for you comment Jackie. And thank you for all your years in the classroom. I remember my six years fondly, but to look back on a legacy in education such as yours must make you so proud. Happy writing 🙂

What a thoughtful post, Jim. And I love the story about your mom. In many ways, I see the writer-reader relationship the same, not only the act of reading and its inherent cost and expectations, but inside the story world, as well. Story happens when both give something. Thank you so much for your comment 🙂

The book reminded me of a story my mother told me once. She had a conversation with an elderly relative, a woman in her eighties, who had three children who had dedicated their lives to their mother. They had never married or really had their own lives (they were in their sixties themselves) because they were so centered on being there for their mother. She told Mom that she hoped Mom's children would be as devoted as hers; Mom told me the idea made her skin crawl and said that was not at all what she wanted for my siblings and me. She lived a life of service herself, as a teacher, but was no martyr.

I've had similar reflections on books I've loved at different points in my life, and then looked back on and seen them quite differently and as more problematic than I'd realized when I was younger. I've only written non-fiction so far (clinical reference books) but still want to write novels now that I'm fully retired. This gives me more to think about as I'm building stories. Thanks again.

I absolutely adore this comment, Sam! A perfect way to express why we do this crazy thing we love.

I love everything about this reply. So thoughtful and eloquent. Thanks for your words, Sam 🙂

Write for you, if the end is full of all the magic of story and character and style it may thrive through the ages. If you aim for legacy you are marketing toward a future consumer and may easily miss the mark today. Love the story while it lives in the creation, if the love shows young readers will catch that and remember and pass along to the future this small moment of inspiration.

As authors, write for joy, finish and move to the next creation of wonder you have in you. Be a creator not an interpreter.

Becky, I love your ideas. Focusing on universal themes opens the door for a remembered work. When a writer pours hundreds of hours into a novel, you can bet there is a profound nugget of wisdom that is the motivating force. In some reader's minds that nugget might shine like a diamond. For others, it may need polishing to be a major attraction. Either way, a writer has no control over the reaction of readers today or tomorrow. The author can only take joy in having created a masterpiece (even if it is only in his/her mind).

"While we can't fully write for the future, we can be mindful, and then write accordingly."

This has absolutely been my practice with several clients' work. We are so grateful to our sensitivity readers! As far as ghostwriting, it's been tricky, at times, with memoir. The goal is to capture the authenticity of thoughts that shaped their decisions, but when looking back over a long life, it is through a filter of the times. Thanks so much for your thoughts, Denise 🙂

While we can't fully write for the future, we can be mindful, and then write accordingly.