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I was 7-years-old when I first knew I
wanted to be a writer.
I was creating a short story, “The Clock
that Wouldn’t Tick,” on the front porch of my family’s tiny,
two bedroom home. Traffic whizzed by as my sisters
begged me to play, but I couldn’t hear them. I was in
a story. There was no place else I’d rather be.
Since then, life twirled in other directions. I grew up,
went to college and took jobs as they came along. I’ve
held many titles, but the simple act of setting words on the
page has remained my heart’s desire, helping me make sense
of this crazy world.
When a friend’s wife died, I headed straight for my laptop.
When I hear something funny, I reach for my notebook and
record it word for word. When I see an elderly man
riding a Harley while wearing white sneakers with Velcro
straps, I take notes. Life is hilarious, tragic and
beautiful. I want to live it … notice it all … give
it voice.
I no longer have my first story, “The Clock that Wouldn’t
Tick,” but I remember it was a tale about a clock whose time
had stopped. While her friends ticked on, she remained
paralyzed and unwound. A day finally came when she was
given the chance to do what she was made to do – keep time.
She did so with enthusiasm and joy. She found her
“voice” and resolved to not have it silenced again.
And so it is with writing. My
first story has found me again.
As a columnist and author, I am working out my voice
with enthusiasm and joy. I am deeply grateful to those
willing to journey through my pages, read my words and
consider them.
Thank you.
I’m the author of the forthcoming book,
When Faith is a Four-Letter
Word, a memoir of the years that
my pastor/husband and I lived in center city Philadelphia
intent on “saving the city for Jesus!” We left after
four years feeling bruised and battered like Bruce
Springsteen sings in his song, “Streets of Philadelphia.”
When Faith is a Four-Letter Word illustrates the struggle,
hope and humor of living in the “City of Brotherly Love”
even though it frequently told us to, well … Go to hell!
To be notified that When Faith
is a Four-Letter Word is available, jot a quick note to
eileen@eileenbutton.com. I’d
love to hear from you!
Keepin’ the Faith,
Eileen Button
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