I must offer apologies in advance. My writing might be light in the coming weeks as I dive deeper into editing my fantasy novel. I’m smoothing out some bumps and preparing to send it over to a professional editor which is the next step for my book I hope to publish. If you’re curious about my novel, please find a sample chapter of it below.
I won’t leave you empty handed even when I’ll be knee deep in editing. If I don’t have time to write something new, I’ll share something old…or in this case borrowed. Reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck taught me how to write a story that lived across generations. It also revealed a villain who was so originally and simply evil that I was stunned. Granted, I think I first read East of Eden when I was thirteen (I was an odd child), but Steinbeck had a huge impact on me and my writing…and of course my life.
Here’s a letter he wrote to his son that I love to pull up and read every now and then that I’d like to share with you today:
New York
November 10, 1958
Dear Thom:
We had your letter this morning. I will answer it from my point of view and of course Elaine will from hers.
First—if you are in love—that’s a good thing—that’s about the best thing that can happen to anyone. Don’t let anyone make it small or light to you.
Second—There are several kinds of love. One is a selfish, mean, grasping, egotistical thing which uses love for self-importance. This is the ugly and crippling kind. The other is an outpouring of everything good in you—of kindness and consideration and respect—not only the social respect of manners but the greater respect which is recognition of another person as unique and valuable. The first kind can make you sick and small and weak but the second can release in you strength, and courage and goodness and even wisdom you didn’t know you had.
You say this is not puppy love. If you feel so deeply—of course it isn’t puppy love.
But I don’t think you were asking me what you feel. You know better than anyone. What you wanted me to help you with is what to do about it—and that I can tell you.
Glory in it for one thing and be very glad and grateful for it.
The object of love is the best and most beautiful. Try to live up to it.
If you love someone—there is no possible harm in saying so—only you must remember that some people are very shy and sometimes the saying must take that shyness into consideration.
Girls have a way of knowing or feeling what you feel, but they usually like to hear it also.
It sometimes happens that what you feel is not returned for one reason or another—but that does not make your feeling less valuable and good.
Lastly, I know your feeling because I have it and I’m glad you have it.
We will be glad to meet Susan. She will be very welcome. But Elaine will make all such arrangements because that is her province and she will be very glad to. She knows about love too and maybe she can give you more help than I can.
And don’t worry about losing. If it is right, it happens—The main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away.
Love,
Fa
Hey, Jade! I have an anecdote I hope makes you smile. Your post is one of those full-circle moments me. You see, I've been trying to build up the courage to read 'East of Eden' since 2007.
I had already been familiar with John Steinbeck through 'Of Mice and Men' and 'The Grapes of Wrath' from high school and college, but for some reason, I had never actually heard of 'East of Eden' until I was introduced to it through Meg and Dia's music in 2007 😉
Because of Meg and Dia, and with the help of Google (and keep in mind, these were the days before Google knew 'everything' and you really had to deep dive), I learned about how amazing 'East of Eden' was. I read enough of the plot summary online to realize 'If I read this book, I know it is going to affect me in a very profound way and stay with me forever.'
Of course, in 2007 I bought a copy from a bookstore (remember those?) as soon as I could, but I've been afraid to read it, ever since. As soon as ebooks became a thing, I bought a copy of one those, too. Still too scared. Yep, I've even got the Kindle app on my phone with 'East of Eden' all ready for me to click on. Still. Too. Scared.
Maybe your post will give me the strength to finally sit down and experience 'East of Eden' for myself... 😊
...and maybe after that, I'll muster the the courage to read 'Rebecca', which I've also been putting off since 2007 🙃
Take care, Jade. I look forward to all of your writing ✍️