Authors … Don’t Let Your Words Disappear or Die …

Trees have been on my mind as winter begins to exit the season dance card. I saw changes in them over the last month. The wind where I live has been more active and stronger than I can remember in the 30-plus years I’ve lived in Colorado at this time. I’m surprised with the howling we sometimes hear from the inside of my home as I see the naked branches sway—sometimes breaking branches from a heavy snow. At it’s a time of me looking, even yearning, for the first emergence of the amazing shade of the new green that my 20 plus trees promise with the coming of spring.

A few articles crossed my reading this past week—don’t you wonder how things all of a sudden land in your lap that trigger your blogs?—anyway, trees, the Ken Burns film on the National Parks, and Easter Island came into my thoughts.

An old article by Jared Diamond’s “Easter’s End” in Discover magazine revealed the transformation of a vibrant, lush Easter Island into a no-man’s land. With a focus on trees, islanders chopped down one by one until they were all gone.

When they were gone, the palms didn’t come back. Did not come back!

And yet, you have to wonder—didn’t anyone speak up? Didn’t anyone say, “Whoa—things are not looking so good around here with the greenery disappearing?” Didn’t anyone make a connection that trees just might be a good thing?

And then another thought came through—one that bubbled up, “What Happened On Easter Island—A New (Even Scarier) Scenario” by Robert Krulwich that I found in NPR News that was more about behaviors and the direct impact on our environments. In it, I’m taken with the “dummy down” that seems to routinely happen in so many things that I observe; and it alarms me. In fact, spooks me. You can read his article HERE. 

Those of you who have been to my home know that I LOVE trees … it’s always one of the first things I plant—starting with a few “focal” ones to set the stage and then literally babies that I get for under $50 to do all the fill-ins over as time goes by. I mean, with a little nurturing, twigs get very strong. Not just one or two—lots of them. My purple robe locust are an all-time favorite as the first green appears to later deliver brilliant clusters of—you guessed it—purple bursts shouting out.

I look for color variations and patterns … my goal is to create harmony in my front, back, and side yards—no matter the size. Trees and flowers have always brought me joy—I can’t imagine not having them in my life and world. And enclose me from street and neighborhood noise, giving privacy on my deck for my preferred type of outdoor living. Writing takes place. Conservations with friends are enjoyed with my favorite peach iced tea … and of course delicious meals where I can seat up to 20 comfortably. It’s my choice and place to be—as good as a getaway.

This means that I won’t be silent when I see the destruction of things I feel are critical for my well-being and for those of others. The changing seasons always leave me in awe; the glories of water flowing fuel my writing and my creativity. I want to protect the environment.

Oh, I’m not what they call a “tree hugger” … but I want to slow down the chopping. And yes, I do get it that nature sometimes does natural burns and that some forests do need trimming—but not destroying. When I was working in Alaska for a full month several years ago, the vastness of it was amazing—the glaciers left me awe-struck and the experience of the midnight sun and the size of the summer crops was breathtaking … I came away with—leave this place alone. Not knowing when I first went there that many parts were considered a rainforest, the last thing I wanted to see was mankind taking it away.

So … where am I going here? We authors … we writers … have the power of our words. Are you using them for just not your stories? Are your eyes open to your surroundings? Are you connecting what you see and what you experience with the strength of your fingertips and convictions? Is there a cause you deeply care about that your “gift” might help it articulate better—even when your name isn’t visible? Think about it …

I don’t want to see the last tree die. And, I don’t want my words to die. How about you? Are you planting trees? Are you creating and using your words? Are you using them? Are you sharing them? 

Dr. Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. Often, she must roll up her writing sleeves and become a Book Doctor, juicing up storylines and author words. She empowers authors and works directly with authors who want to be seriously successful and has been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the ’80s. Judith is the author of 48 books and 60 book awards including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Success for Authors and Writers, and How to Create a Million Dollar Speech. Her personal memoir When God Says NO-Revealing the YES When Adversity and Loss Are Present is a #1 bestseller on Amazon and her historical fiction debut The Secret Journey and The Secret Hamlet. The Secret Rise, book 3 and her first cookbook, Cooking with Judith will be published in 2025. Collectively, her books have earned over 50 book awards. Judith speaks throughout the year at publishing conferences. 

©2025 Judith Briles – The Book Shepherd All Rights Reserved.