Is it Art?

In The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron states that, art is illuminating, that it shines a light, and that it sheds light on our inner darkness. That may well be true, but I'm not sure what I'm creating is art. I certainly wouldn't describe what I'm doing as art. And even if I wanted to write something more artistic, I don't think I'd be able to do it. You see, I learned a long time ago that you can't fake it as a writer, you've got to write the stories that come to you in the voice that feels correct. You know it when it happens, it's like hitting the sweet spot when you're golfing, everything just feels easy and right. For years I tried to write horror and fantasy for adults, I even tried writing a more literary-style of story, and it always felt pretentious. It was only when I started writing for kids that I actually felt at home. And the stuff that I write for kids is all about the action and my attempt at being humorous. If a reader walks away after having a few chuckles then I feel like I did my job. Those are the types of stories that come into my head and those are the kind of stories I feel good about writing. But I'd say they're pretty far from Art. So, am I shining a light on my inner darkness? Maybe I should get a psychiatrist to read my books and evaluate what they might say about me. Really, I don't know if they reveal my inner darkness and I don't care. I love writing them and that's all that matters.

Lesson: Write what feels right.