Summary

The web content discusses the importance of tenacity and the intrinsic value of the creative process, as exemplified by Amelia Earhart, and encourages readers to engage with literature and art to enrich their own endeavors.

Abstract

The article, part of The Commonplace Book Project, emphasizes the significance of perseverance and the inherent rewards of the creative journey, drawing inspiration from a quote by Amelia Earhart. It suggests that the process of creation, with its uncertainties and mysteries, is as important as the final outcome. The author, Shaunta Grimes, advocates for a daily practice of reading poetry, short stories, and essays, as advised by Ray Bradbury, to nurture one's craft. The piece also touches on the legendary status of Amelia Earhart, her mysterious disappearance, and the impact of her life on popular culture, including books and films. Grimes invites readers to reflect on their own fears and the first steps they might take towards change, using Earhart's courage as a guiding light.

Opinions

Amelia Earhart's quote resonates with the author's belief in the value of the creative process, emphasizing that the decision to act and the tenacity to continue are the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of any endeavor.
The author expresses admiration for Earhart's embodiment of adventure, exploration, bravery, and feminism, and suggests that her legacy serves as an inspiration for pursuing one's dreams despite fears, which are likened to "paper tigers."
The article posits that trusting the process, even when the outcome is uncertain, is crucial to personal and creative growth.
Grimes shares a personal connection to Earhart's story, revealing her affection for a picture book that imagines Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt on a flight together.
The author recommends resources for further exploration of Earhart's life, including a biopic, a memoir, and a song by Joni Mitchell, indicating a multifaceted approach to understanding and appreciating historical figures.
A writing prompt is provided to encourage readers to confront their own hesitations and to consider the initial steps they could take towards achieving their goals, reinforcing the article's overarching theme of action and perseverance.

The process is its own reward.

Amelia Earhart on tenacity. (The Commonplace Book Project #22)

The Commonplace Project is a daily post based on Ray Bradbury’s advice to aspiring writers: read a poem, a short story, and an essay every day for 1000 days. These posts start with a quote and go wherever the rabbit hole leads. Follow The 1000 Day MFA so you don’t miss a thing.

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.” — Amelia Earhart

Amelia Earhart is larger than life. Everything about her is pure story. Her name is synonymous, for me, with adventure and exploration and bravery and feminism.

Even her death inspires stories. Maybe she was marooned on an island in the Pacific with her navigator. Maybe she changed her identity and became a banker in New Jersey. Maybe she was a spy for FDR.

I love the quote above. The process is its own reward — reminds me of a motto that anyone who has studied at Goddard College knows well. Trust the process.

I think it means that the process is as important as the end goal. Sometimes it’s mysterious. Sometimes you can’t see more than the very next step ahead of you. And sometimes it doesn’t lead to where you think it will.

But if you trust it, the process will take you — somewhere.

And, according to Earhart, the process is satisfying in its own regard. If you can find a way to be brave enough to commit to starting.

I am in love with this picture book written by one of my favorite authors, Pam Munoz Ryan, and illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators, Brian Selznik. It’s about Eleanor Roosevelt and Amelia Earhart sneaking away, in their evening gowns, for a flight in 1933. Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride.

Hilary Swank starred as Amelia Earhart in the 2009 biopic Amelia.

I’ve added Earhart’s memoir The Fun of It to my list for 2019. The title alone makes my heart smile.

Writing Prompt:

Is there some change or big decision you’ve been afraid to make? What would just the first step of the process look like?

Today’s Poem:

Amelia by Joni Mitchell. It’s a song, but I think it counts.

Lyrics here.

A ghost of aviation She was swallowed by the sky Or by the sea like me she had a dream to fly Like Icarus ascending On beautiful foolish arms Amelia it was just a false alarm

The Commonplace Book Project

An Experiment.

medium.com

Here’s my secret weapon for sticking with whatever your thing is.

Shaunta Grimes is a writer and teacher. She is an out-of-place Nevadan living in Northwestern PA with her husband, three superstar kids, two dementia patients, a good friend, Alfred the cat, and a yellow rescue dog named Maybelline Scout. She’s on Twitter @shauntagrimes and is the author of Viral Nation and Rebel Nation and the upcoming novel The Astonishing Maybe. She is the original Ninja Writer.