I was supposed to launch my book on Saturday.
Sure, it went live but when it came to tooting the horn and blasting out a fanfare, I just couldn’t.
Like most people, I’d been staring in horror at rolling news reports from Paris till the wee hours of Saturday morning. This on top of the shocking events in Garissa, Kenya and Beirut, Lebanon. Followed by the predictable knee-jerk reactions from people who precede their divisive fear-mongering with phrases like, “I’m not a racist, but…” At least that made my Facebook clear out easier. Closer to home, two friends received seriously worrying health news. Announcing my latest novel not only seemed insensitive and crass, but my heart wasn’t in it. Who cares?
Then I heard that a group of writing colleagues and I had managed to achieve something wonderful with a team effort. News stories of kindness, heroism and strength in the face of terror began appearing below the headlines. Another friend and I hatched a plan to raise a smile from someone who’s not had much to smile about this year. Finally, a fellow author wrote to congratulate me on my new book and share her review. It brought more tears to my eyes, but this time of gratitude. I wrote back and explained my inertia. This was her reply.
Your storytelling and the reading pleasure it gives is like a little candle. And it gets added to all life’s other many little candles of decent, ordinary pleasures to remind us that the darkness doesn’t always have to win.
That hit home. For many years, my mantra has been “Do No Harm”. Don’t wreck the environment, hurt people’s feelings, spread fear and paranoia, judge others (well, apart from their tastes in music), destroy achievements or be cruel to anyone or anything.
Anne’s inspiring comment makes me realise that’s not enough. I need to do more good. To practise random acts of kindness, make art, offer refuge, create beauty, engage and empathise, support and applaud. To light another little candle.
So here’s today’s.
Human Rites, available everywhere as ebook and in print.
jjmarsh 
November 15, 2015 at 16:52
Go you! Live, write and be a wee beacon of light 🙂
November 17, 2015 at 16:40
Your words lit the flame, missus. Jx
November 15, 2015 at 20:16
I absolutely agree! I withdrew from social media yesterday, feeling really sad and broken. I retreated into the pages of a book, and it lifted me, made me smile. It helped me to remember that there is light, there is love, there is hope. In a dark world, we need all the candles we can light, so shine brightly! Good luck with your new book. I’m sure it will sparkle. x
November 17, 2015 at 16:39
Where better to escape than into a book? I’m with you, Sharon. Thanks for your good wishes.
November 16, 2015 at 08:05
A new book and great wisdom: much to celebrate here.
November 17, 2015 at 16:38
Thanks Carol and see you next weekend at the launch!