MCPL: Pivot From The Artist You Are Now

I have a post up graciously hosted by MCPL that, as I read it for the manyth time, makes me feel rather vulnerable...in a good way. It speaks volumes about my development as a writer and editor and, generally, how I move through the world. 

Here's an excerpt:

"I started ONE ART when I did because I finally believed I had enough editorial experience to make good decisions and, moreover, to do a good job wearing all the necessary hats. A good editor has to try to see from all sides. This requires a strong sense of what it feels like for The Artist who is submitting work to you. You need to know how to be a good literary citizen. A good artist knows the importance of stewardship in The Arts. You don’t usually start out with this; in fact, maybe it’s best that most artists do not. You start out hungry. You want to be heard. But, sooner or later, you realize you want others to be heard too; equally as much if not more so. You want to help voices that matter to you be heard by others. You want the honor of making those voices rise up. This is the important work of editors."

Read the full essay here. I hope you will, because I believe it contains insights I've spent much of my life mulling over with intensity and sincerity. 

All for The Arts.

~Mark