A Book That Changed Me

I joined Vocal in December of 2021. About a month after a big move and bigger change in my life. What does that have to do with this book you may ask? Well, this book has been a favorite of mine for many years. A cherished relic that I reread often. My favorite writer is Ernest Hemmingway, and this was the first story of his that made me fall in love with his work. Such a simple story and so elegant. I remember reading this story and feeling like it was such an easy story to write, now I was probably like 14 when I first read this so naturally, I didn't know anything about the real world. But this story made me believe that anyone could be a writer. It felt simple in nature and was an easy story to read and follow along to. I am not attempting to take anything away from Hemmingway, he was an incredible writer throughout many forms. The story was able to convey complex themes and plots while being able to be read by the average person. This story was a point for me where I thought maybe I could write someday, not concerned with notoriety per se but to just express oneself through a hobby. I remember reading this book again during the summer of 2021 when my life was drastically changing. Terrible breakup, quit my job, moved states for an even better job, quit that job after 4 months after hating it with no backup plan. Took a chance on something I thought I might enjoy and became a successful bartender and did something for myself. I began posting stories on Vocal in December of 2021 and have continued ever since. Even when money was tight, I would never get rid of my subscription because I knew that this was my creative outlet for when I feel like writing. This singular book made me believe that anything was possible. That's why I have always kept my Vocal+ membership. Keeping a dream alive that was instilled into me from reading a book at 14. It's crazy where your life can go when you try new things and find a little bit of inspiration.