• Home
  • Blog
  • Contact

Write more effectively and profitably with Wordsmith Stars.

Conversations@WordsmithStars.com
wordsmithstarswordsmithstars
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Word Witty
    • Answers
  • Classes
  • Wordsmith Stars Journal
  • Call for Submissions
  • Contact

What Other People Think

Home Inspiration & EncouragementWhat Other People Think
What Other People Think

What Other People Think

November 19, 2019 Posted by Sandra Gould Ford Inspiration & Encouragement

This photo-illustration makes me think of  Maya Angelou‘s response to criticisms of her literary choices.   The United States Poet Laureate said,

I know some people might think it odd — unworthy even — for me to have written a cookbook, but I make no apologies.  The U.S. poet laureate Billy Collins
thought I had demeaned myself by writing poetry for Hallmark Cards, but I am the people’s poet so I write for the people.

The seven Xs in the picture clearly represent warnings, advising caution and preparation for danger.  But X also represents the unknown, a constrained expression of the zero, a glyph that suggests infinite possibility.

When developing something new, the Xs can stand for voice of doubt, criticism and censure that can railroad creative ventures and stop us at the tracks.  In this image, the decrepit fence  has a big hole and warning words on the big cross face the other direction.

This picture and Maya Angelou’s words remind me that sometimes we have to find a way past the gates and their keepers to the openings and opportunities that are ours because they are ours alone.

Write on!

First published  August 30, 2015,
Original Wordsmith Stars blog

0
Share

About Sandra Gould Ford

Sandra Gould Ford is an author, educator and former steelworker who presents arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. She belongs to the Author’s Guild and Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. Her first novel was published by St. Martin’s Press. Sandra has won several writing awards and fellowships along with founding an international literary magazine and establishing a writing program at a mega-jail.

You also might be interested in

Underground Airlines

Underground Airlines

Nov 20, 2019

Author:  Ben H. Winters Accept that Abraham Lincoln never became[...]

ORSTY Answer

ORSTY Answer

Nov 20, 2019

  RYOTS a tenant or peasant farmer in India (pl.);[...]

Win NaNoWriMo Part 2 of 4: Special Space
Blank screen laptop computer with accessories on the table

Win NaNoWriMo Part 2 of 4: Special Space

Nov 20, 2019

When I first visited artist retreats like Hedgebrook, Yaddo and[...]

Recent Posts

  • Jimmy Santiago Baca
  • Evening Star
  • The Minx
  • The Tap
  • Giannina Braschi

Archives

  • November 2019

Categories

  • Inspiration & Encouragement
  • Story Talk
  • Tips & Tools
  • Word Witty
  • Word Witty Answer
  • Writers Speak
  • WS Stars Journal-Essay
  • WS Stars Journal-fiction
  • WS Stars Journal-Poem

About Sandra

http://wordsmithstars.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/SGF-Short-Bio-MP4-Smallest.mp4

Art Auction-Bid To Win

Visit Steel Genesis: Stories and Images about Metal, Mettle & Personal Genesis

Lifting hearts and mind, awareness and humanity.

Let's get in touch

Send me an email and I'll get back to you, as soon as possible.

Send Message
Stay informed, inspired and updated. Free. Sign up for Succeed and Soar.

About Wordsmith Stars

Wordsmith Stars provides information, inspiration and resources for writing and and publishing. Wordsmith Stars is produced by Sandra Gould Ford, an author, artist and educator who presents literary and visual art to encourage, refresh, enrich thinking and inspire. Visit: SandraGouldFord.com

A Tribute

Find us here

  • 412-731-8482
  • WordsmithStars@aol.com

Submissions Open September

Pitch-In, Support Wordsmith Stars.

Pinterest Tips for Writing Well.

© 2021 · WordsmithStars.com

Next