Writing can be such a lonely endeavor that I do think community is also important.Meeting at cafes and exchanging work and reading to each other and giving each other little bits of encouragement and feedback and thoughts, I think that's an incredibly rich experience because what it does is it gives you a sense of community but also purpose. If I know I'm going to meet you in a cafe next Tuesday, I'm going to write something that I can hand to you. Discipline is such a challenge for so many writers and so I think that that's a key benefit of being in a group.
Cheryl StrayedI had to go on without my mother, even though I was suffering terribly, grieving her.
Cheryl StrayedI was amazed that what I needed to survive could be carried on my back. And, most surprising of all, that I could carry it.
Cheryl StrayedUntil we as a gender refuse to wear any shoe that would be uncomfortable to walk a mile in, weโre perfectly screwed.
Cheryl StrayedSo release yourself from that. Don't be strategic or coy. Strategic and coy are for jackasses. Be brave. Be authentic. Practice saying the word 'love' to the people you love so when it matters the most to say it, you will.
Cheryl StrayedI actually don't have any fear of people reading Wild and going out unprepared. Because one of the best things that ever happened to me was that I went out unprepared. And when you really think about it, all I did wrong was that I took too much stuff, which is the most common backpacker mistake. The part that I wasn't prepared for is the part you can't prepare for.
Cheryl Strayed