Today’s quote comes from Sarah Barnes. Sarah is my friend as well as a journalist, columnist and fierce activist for her daughter Meredith, a special needs child. I first met Sarah at the American Statesman where, even as an editor, she supported writers to tell the whole story, no matter the length. When I asked her what quote buoys her as a writer, she gave me two.
“Ok, the first quote is from my favorite author, Flannery O’Connor. It’s not particularly literary, but, as a non-fiction narrative writer, I find it really inspirational.”
“I write because I don’t know what I thinkuntil I read what I say.”
“The second quote comes from Helen Keller. Helen Keller seems to invite laughter from everyone. She has been maligned for more than a century. This quote, however, is one that gets me through the day in terms of writing about Meredith from an journalistic and activist point of view. It’s also a quote that will be applicable to Meredith for the rest of her life. Oh, hell, it’s applicable to all of us.”
“Never bend your head. Always hold it high.Look the world straight in the eye.”
