A week or so ago Irene Latham shared from authors some quotes that have resonated with her. I, too, have collected some of these HIDDEN GEMS that I keep posted on my bulletin board at my work station.
The first comes from E B White:
"Genius is more often found in a cracked pot than a whole one". I love how this reminds us that frailty and imperfection are much more unique and interesting than the sameness of perfection. I try to keep this in mind when I flesh out characters.

Kathi Appelt, MG author of THE UNDERNEATH wrote this on page 201:
"Purring is like praying. To a tree, a cat's purr is the purest of all prayers, for in it lies a mix of gratitude and longing, the twin ingredients of every prayer." For me, this reminds me to listen to the non-human voices of the world - there are so many voices in the natural world that are celebrations of life and prayer.

Finally, even though he was not a middle grade author, the influence and genius of ROD SERLING - creator of the TWILIGHT ZONE - lives on. His work has transcended generations and is still referenced in our culture. His quote:
"Light candles if the darkness warrants it, but remember that your salvation is in your capacity for human warmth - in that remarkable propensity for love."
AMEN.
Published on April 12, 2018 06:00