If you have ever read or seen the Arthur series, then you know exactly who Fern Walters is! If not,
then I feel sorry for you, but she is an amazing character. Fern Walters is a
secondary character in the series Arthur
by Marc Brown and she is the embodiment of me. She is shy, a daydreamer and an
imaginative writer.
Recently Season 20 of Arthur was released on PBS Kids
and I watched the second episode titled “Fern's Flights of Fancy”. In this
episode Fern decides to enter a writing contest in the newspaper after Buster
mentions it. Everyone remarks that Fern is a prodigious writer and should
enter, so she does. She writes a remarkable story and awaits the results.
Unfortunately, Fern idea is rejected and feels unworthy of her talent. She
gives up her dreams of being a writer and tries to indulge in other hobbies.
Yet she cannot help to daydream and write in her diary. George Lundgren, her
best friend finds out from Harry Mills, a reporter of the newspaper that he
believes Fern will be an astonishing writer but she was outvoted. George tries
to inspire Fern to enter other contests and gives her story to Francine to
publish it in the school newspaper. The story is published and all the students
clamor, she is an amazing writer and valued her story. Although Fern is dismayed
with George she thanks him and elects to write again.
The reason I mentioned this episode is because as a
writer we all shared this feeling. I’ve entered contests and did not win all
them. That feeling pits in your stomach and you go over your writing with
disappointed eyes. Feelings of failure grow into despair and the idea to give
up is a strong one. One would not admit this, but I teared up during this
episode. The connection with Fern was a strong one and I hoped she wouldn’t
give up. She didn’t and the proud feeling swelled inside.
“Fern's Flights of Fancy” is a cautionary tale of not
to give up. With rejection comes acceptance. You won’t win all but you can win
some. Do not compare yourself to others but focus on your own work.
Happy Writings!
