Dear Heather,

This letter is for Heather Hubler's Write me a Letter prompt. You can read more about it here:

Dear Heather,

Oxidized is a science word and I know by your own admissions that you are in fact, ‘into science’. I picked that particular term to meet the caveat that my letter must contain every letter in the alphabet and let’s face it, x and z are probably the hardest letters to incorporate with any semblance of authenticity. So there. Check that box. I reckon the rest of this letter will unequivocally flow effortlessly now, since I’m knocking the hard letters out of the mix right off the bat.

Speaking of bats, it’s Spooky season – or as most normal people call it - Autumn. I know from our previous conversations that we both swelter and sweat in the summer months like a nun in a cucumber patch, but alas, the seasons changed and we can relax and enjoy the few days of crisp fall air. It’s nice to be able to sit outside and not have boob sweat. Aimiright?

I have to admit, when I read your challenge, er, gauntlet (of course it's a gauntlet - you're a magical realism / fantasy writer) I knew that I wanted to make you laugh a bit to lighten your mood ( I hope that bit about the nun caused a chuckle) and perhaps spew coffee from your lips in quiet appreciation of my our shared deprivation.

Seems like life can get heavy so often, in the blink of an eye and it’s the words, or the people behind the words that can shine a light and be the beacon that gives hope.

To all mankind.

I channeled Tolkien there for a minute. Must have been the inserted meme.

Seriously, though. Isn’t that what we, as writers strive to achieve? To create ambiance, build a world so complex in its simplicity that the readers are suckered into our fantasy on a page? So lost in thought, captivated by sentences and the art of the story. Turning page after page well after midnight, with eyes so tired they rather quint and chance farsightedness for the rest of their life instead of quit reading. Mesmerized with the flawed heroines - let's face it, every hero needs a character flaw, and the spunky underdogs that defy the odds and surprise everybody.

We become so invested in the story that when we get to the end it feels like we’ve lost a friend.

That’s what reading does. It’s the best distraction ever. My granny used to say if you have a book in your hand, you always have a friend nearby.

What I’ve realized since I’ve joined Vocal is that there are so many wonderful creative people with big ideas. What I’ve learned about myself more than anything else is that no one expects you to keep it all together while you’re trying to get where you want to go. In fact, I think the more we fall apart, the better stories we write.

Because if we fall apart, we had to feel something, had to scream in the darkness and shout at the moonlight. Fight it, embrace it. Fight or flight, nature or nurture - one way or the other, we all come out different on the other side of our battles. Because we care.

People that don’t give a shit can’t bleed on the page. They just can’t. It’s those that overcome the obstacles, learn from the hardships they’ve endured that create the most compelling works.

I’m so honored to have met so many creative people here on Vocal. I count you as one of my favorites, too. Of course, you should know that already but I'm putting it on the record. You’re the biggest cheerleader for everyone. Not to mention the most badass poet and one hell of a fiction writer.

I know you’ve had some obstacles these few months. I have every confidence that you will see it through, meet the challenges head-on. Know that you’ve got a friend in me, cheering your artsy self on from afar.

Remember it’s okay to let some things fall apart.

I for one can’t wait to read the work you create through all the trials and tribulations. The only difference in a writer and an author is the latter didn’t quit.

They just embrace the artful beauty of themselves.

Your friend,

Dana