"How did you become a writer? Is a question asked of me surprisingly often when
I visit schools, which I much enjoy not only as part of my overarching subtle
devious plan to get on the good side of the children who will soon run the
world, but also for the consistent entertainment of their artlessly honest
questions (the best ever: Is that your real nose?), and for the sometimes deeply
piercing depth of our conversations; we have suddenly spoken of death and
miracles and loss and love, while we were supposed to be talking about writing
and literature; and I have wept in front of them, and they have wept in front of
me; which seems to me a sweet gift, to be trusted that much."
Brian Doyle shares more in this delightful piece.
