When you write, you lay out a line of words. _x000D_ Soon you find yourself deep in new territory.
Annie DillardRead
This grant gave me more than memories; it gave me a crucial experience that is formative to all writers: the ability to perceive that we become writers in exile, where what we write is the only link across distance and time…I became a Maryland writer because the community of Juneau took me in.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the transformative power of community and experience in shaping a writer's identity.
In this quote, Paula Vogel reflects on how a granting experience not only provided her with cherished memories but also significantly influenced her development as a writer. She highlights the importance of feeling connected to a community, specifically in Juneau, which helped her understand that writers often exist in a state of exile, bridging gaps in distance and time through their words. This collective experience formed the foundation of her identity as a Maryland writer.
Themes
WritingCommunityExperienceIdentityExile
In practice
Example use cases
In a writing workshop, discussing how the community can shape a writer's work.
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