Don’t Let Your Words Disappear or Die …

Trees have been on my mind as fall enters the scene. I saw changes in them mid-summer this year. 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. I’m surprised with the howling we sometimes hear from the inside of my home as I see the trees sway—often breaking branches.

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.

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 one, “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, scares 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. I look for color variations, 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.

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 three weeks 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 the man 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?

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 44 books 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 Secret Journey. Collectively, her books have earned over 45 book awards. Judith speaks throughout the year at publishing conferences. 

Throughout the year, she holds Judith Briles Book Unplugged in-person and online experiences: Publishing, Speaking, Marketing, and Social Media. All are two-day intensives limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. Join Judith live for the “AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing” podcast on the Toginet Radio Network HERE. 

Follow @AuthorUYOUBooks and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a “Like” at AuthorYOU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her.

©2023 Judith Briles – The Book Shepherd™ All Rights Reserved.

AuthorYOU is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Ongoing education programs delivered face-to-face and online, the weekly Book Publishing Tips ezine, webinars, member-only events, monthly live programs, and the mini one-day Extravaganzas are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Become a VIP AuthorYOU member at AuthorYOU.org.

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AuthorYOU is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the author who wants to be seriously successful. Ongoing education programs delivered face-to-face and online, the weekly Book Publishing Tips ezine, webinars, member-only events, monthly live programs, and the mini one-day Extravaganzas are tools designed for authors pre, during and post publishing of their books. Become a VIP AuthorYOU member at AuthorYOU.org.

Latest posts by Judith Briles (see all)