Photo: Filip Mishevski
The only qualification I had when I first started writing for a living was an accounting diploma. That, and some six years of hairdressing experience.
So I was surprised to get a call from a local NGO about my mentorship application I had sent in just the day before. Apparently, someone like me—who’d blundered from one writing niche to another—did have something to offer the next generation.
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Photo: Alexandru Zdrobau
Would you continue writing even if no one reads your work? On the other hand, would you voluntarily write something meant for your eyes only?
Would the act of expression itself please you? Or would you write only to the promise of monies and adulation?
Oh, don’t look at me that way. I assure you that this question isn’t as silly as it seems. There have been famous authors who didn’t set out to be published, after all.
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Photo: John Fornander
“Oh wow, The 2013 Tax Handbook is here!” My colleague tore through the protective film and rifled through the tome. “I wonder what’s new this year.”
“Wait,” I said. “People actually read this? I thought it was only for reference.”
“Of course! You work in auditing and you don’t?”
“Uh, don’t we look up the terms as needed?”
“Shh,” my colleague said, holding up her palm.
“Oookay… I think I’ll go do some spreadsheets now.”
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Photo: Bruce Mars
We’re always told to never judge a book by its cover, but we always do. We can’t help it. It’s how we survive. For instance, what goes on in your mind when a stranger approaches you in a dark alley?
First, you’d probably call yourself an idiot for wandering in dark alleys. Next, you’ll be sizing up this person to see if they’re a threat.
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Photo: Joseph Frank
Do you ever look in the mirror and think you could stand to lose a few pounds? Or do you feel like a lazy sack of lard when you wake up a couple of minutes before lunch?
We all have shortcomings that trigger our negative feelings, and these moments of pain can be useful tools for improvement, yet the world’s managed to frame it as an enemy, as something to be avoided.
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Your Friendly Malaysian Writer 