This Week’s Two New Articles

Answer to the travel picture on Home Page: Osaka, Japan

Looking back, I realize I’ve spent more than half of my life in the Midwest since my college days. The first time I encountered the changing of the tree leaves on campus when autumn arrived, I was in awe of nature’s beauty. Every day, as I walked down the same path, the leaves’ colors would change and become more vibrant. I took numerous photos and even collected a few unique leaves to place in my journal. Then came piles upon piles of fallen leaves, and soon winter crept in with gusty winds and snow.

Later on, during other trips, I’ve seen entire valleys of trees turn into waves of color, but the thrill I felt in my younger days had faded. No matter how beautiful a photo is, it could never capture the scale of the scene, nor preserve my feelings in that moment. I gradually stopped taking pictures of autumn color. Once I had my own home, the leaves in the front and back yards became more of a burden than a joy. If I didn’t clear them today, the wind would blow them into my neighbor’s yard tomorrow, or theirs into mine. To maintain a friendly neighborhood, we all do our part to clean up the leaves as quickly as possible.

As for disposing of leaves, many communities have specific rules—they can’t be thrown away with regular garbage. In some neighborhoods, residents are asked to push the leaves to the curb, where the city collects them. Other neighborhoods require residents to put the leaves into large paper bags, and left at curbside for collection. One year, I gathered eight large bags in a single week. Even with the help of a leaf vacuum, it was hard labor.

Whether admiring the autumn view or laboring to clear the leaves, I harbor a strong sense of changing seasons. Soon, the trees and plants will enter their dormant period. Years of experience have taught me that when warmer weather returns, new leaves will sprout on the branches. When I see a tree stripped down to bare branches, I look forward to the arrival of the next cycle. This is hope.

The 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption depicts life in a 1940s American prison. The main character, Andy, who was wrongly sentenced to life, meticulously planned and eventually escaped. He not only regained his freedom but also brought justice to corrupt officers. After parole, his good friend found money that Andy had left for him, along with a note. It revealed where he was, ending with, “Hope is a good thing.” Andy endured his suffering and executed his escape plan effectively because he had hope in God and held onto the hope of freedom. His hope went beyond simply escaping prison; it was a liberation from what society had imposed on him.

At any stage of life, we need hope for the future. A friend once asked me, “After retirement, with no more contributions to the society and frail health, it feels like I’m just waiting for death. What’s the point of living?” There is no simple answer. I do believe that to keep going, we must have hope. Although hope may not always come to fruition, it motivates us toward goals and helps us plan our next steps. An old hymn, Lead, Kindly Light, says it well, “I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step enough for me.”

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The subject line in the email stated: “Anoka Library Featured Author Program: Reply by 10/31.”

I clicked it open, and the first line read, “Dear Ruth, Congratulations! You have been selected as one of Anoka County Library’s 2025 Featured Authors.”

Wow, truly unexpected, since I didn’t start writing fiction books until 2021.

Attached to the email was a questionnaire for me to fill out. The information would be used by our Anoka County Library in 2025 to promote my work and help readers connect with me.

One of the questions was: “Tell us a little about your writing process. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?”

Hmm. How should I answer? After some thought, I jotted down the following.

I’m a PhD biochemist and have published 120+ scientific books and papers. Although I’m a latecomer to creative writing, I’ve published several books since 2021. Given my extensive background as a biochemist and prolific publishing history, my approach to writing carries over some elements from my scientific work.

Writing Process:

My writing process varies depending on whether I am working on scientific publications or creative writing. With a strong foundation in research and analysis, I often start by outlining the main ideas and themes I want to explore. Creative writing allows me more freedom to weave in elements of fictional storytelling with scientific accuracy. I find it helpful to set aside dedicated time for writing each day, which helps maintain momentum and fosters creativity.

Research:

As a biochemist, meticulous research is second nature to me, whether I’m working on a scientific book or integrating creative concepts into a fictional narrative. Before beginning a book, I spend a considerable amount of time delving into relevant literature, both scientific and creative, to ensure a well-rounded understanding. The length of the research phase varies depending on the complexity of the topic, but it often spans several weeks. I also enjoy speaking with friends in different fields, which can offer new perspectives and enrich my work.

Most Difficult Part of the Artistic Process:

Transitioning from scientific writing to creative writing presents its own set of challenges. The most difficult part for me has been learning to let go of the structured rigor that scientific writing demands and embracing the more fluid and imaginative aspects of creative storytelling. It involves allowing myself to experiment with different narrative techniques and character developments, which can feel uncertain at times. Also, balancing accuracy with creativity, particularly when dealing with scientific themes in fiction, is an ongoing challenge.

What do you think of my response? Do you have any suggestions?