Inspiration

I’ve just finished Stephen King’s book, On Writing, which a friend of mine gave me.  It was a brilliant read – inspirational, riveting, and funny - a ‘personal masterpiece’.  Stephen interweaves his life experiences into an encouraging guide of the writer’s craft. It’s a story that’s meant to be told:  From humble beginnings to a troubled youth, through difficult times to success despite severe obstacles, and finally to a wisdom earned.

His stories and dark themes terrify me.  Cujo is based on the terror of a rabid monster of a dog.  Misery describes the psychotic tendencies of a fan who ‘hobbles’ her victim with a bone-crushing whack of a sledgehammer.  Yikes!

What I hadn’t known about was Stephen’s unfortunate experiences with the medical system.  I always try to pay attention to this, as a good doctor should maintain the right perspective.   He went through a hellish series of treatments for a chronic ear infection as a child.  Far worse, was his peds vs. van accident in 1999 which badly mangled him.

It was a ‘miracle’ that he survived those injuries – especially in rural Maine.  Fortunately he received lifesaving medical attention within the ‘golden hour’ of trauma and was medi-evaced to a tertiary care center where they could repair his shattered frame.  I’m hoping he’s fully recovered from that horrible day, but scars must remain.  At least he has his life to be thankful for, his family and of course the writing.  We’re lucky we didn’t lose him there.

I feel a new inspiration.  King’s mantra is ‘read’ and ‘write’ – something I wish I could do more of.  My ‘day job’ soaks up most of my time, but I’m feeling inspired –I will try to blog more.

Stay tuned, stay safe.  RW.