What to do with one's inner life?

The post below might seem like it's 10 years too late. Truth be told, I have been working on it intermittently for about that long. I never really knew what to do with it since it started as a personal piece of writing - a way for me to sort out the events surrounding September 11, 2001. At the time, I was living on Allen Street, very close to "ground zero." Unlike so many people in New York, I was not injured and I did not directly know anyone who died. That said: my story felt too little and unimportant to share anyone else.

In September 2010, I began a writing class at Santa Monica College. Since I didn't have any "new material," to turn in, I printed a draft of "Allen Street." That night, the teacher called on my to read my creative writing. I read my story out loud for the first time ever. Afterward, the students are allowed to offer feedback. I was very touched my the classes response. (Of course, one girl thought I was selfish to write my own thoughts when others had died and suffered so much on that day.) But, most of the class responded in a way that touched me. After class, a number of students came up to me and told me that my story made the events of that day seem real to them.

Biking home from class that night, I was moved to tears. I guess I didn't think anyone else would want care to read a fairly undramatic version of the events of September 11. I also was reminded of how greatly September 11, 2001 affected me.

Last night, before bed, I read an article by Dani Shapiro. I found her words inspiring:

"As a writer, my inner life is my only instrument. I understand the world only by my attempts to shape my experience on the page. Then, and only then, do I know what I think, feel, believe. Without those attempts, I am lost."

There are other short stories that I have written, based on my inner life. I hope to find a medium for them. I have wondered what to do with "Allen Street," and after reading the atricles that came out for the 10 year anniversary of 9/11, I am content to share my story with anyone who wishes to read this blog. (This blog entry contains the other writing I did around this topic.)