{"id":602,"date":"2014-10-06T14:08:27","date_gmt":"2014-10-06T18:08:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cindyswriting.com\/?p=602"},"modified":"2014-10-06T14:08:27","modified_gmt":"2014-10-06T18:08:27","slug":"what-was-here-before","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cindyswriting.com\/index.php\/2014\/10\/06\/what-was-here-before\/","title":{"rendered":"What Was Here Before?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Getting a Historical Perspective<\/h3>\n

History geeks like me are always thinking about what a place looked like a hundred or two hundred years ago. For example, ever since I heard that the area around Plain City, Ohio, had been a hunting ground for Indians because it was where the buffalo roamed, I think about that when I’m driving past on I70. It’s so flat there, and I can just imagine it.<\/p>\n

I discovered a children’s book years ago when I went to hear the author speak at a library that gives perspective. Perhaps it’s just how writers think, I’m not sure. It’s called Who Came Down That Road<\/em><\/strong> by George Ella Lyon. It explores the fact that a road or path has probably been used by people and animals for centuries.<\/p>\n

\"51vgWM6qnXL\"<\/a>Historical Novelists Are Rightful Daydreamers<\/h3>\n

We live in the past, yet we’re writing for today’s readers. Can you see how that can make us a little bit…conflicted? (You thought I was going to say crazy, didn’t you?) This is why many novelists have “Do Not Disturb the Writer” signs on their doors. It’s a delicate state of sanity requiring much concentration!<\/p>\n

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Similar to the sign Jerry Jenkins has outside his office.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why You Too Should Envision the Past<\/h3>\n

We’ve all heard the adage, those who do not learn from the past are destined to repeat its mistakes<\/em>–or some version of it. I believe it is usually attributed to Edmund Burke. But whoever said it was correct. We need to know what came before so we can move forward with wisdom and thoughtfulness.<\/p>\n

So if you’re convinced, here’s a video I think you’ll enjoy. I have this kind of thing going on in my head every day. Let me know if this makes sense to you. \ud83d\ude09<\/strong><\/p>\n