Edgar Cayce Readings, 1731-2

Time and Place: 10:50 to 11:00 A. M. Eastern Standard Time. ..., Florida.

TEXT

GC: You will have before you the Life Reading given November 3rd for [1731], born June 6, 1903 in Buffalo, N.Y., now living at ..., Fla. The entity having chosen to undertake the writing as suggested in this Reading seeks further and specific guidance for beginning and carrying forward his work in this field. Please correlate the urges further regarding this ability and give directions that will be helpful in taking the next steps. You will answer the questions he has submitted, as I ask them:
EC: Yes, we have the information as given for [1731].
In considering all circumstances in the present, as we find it would be well to accept the offers for the material security in part offered; but well that the entity apply self in preparation for cultivating the abilities in the field of repartee as may be considered in those things given.
Under the circumstance, and connecting with the duties thus involved, it will require that there be such a connection as might be obtained through association with such as Hamilton Institute for preparation in that character of endeavor.
As to those efforts already made, in such publications as Sunset Magazine - or through such agencies as may be designated or indicated through connection with such an institution as Hamilton, may be an outlet for the endeavors.
Considering, then, that which has been indicated in the information from the life experiences, there is seen the MENTAL attitude, - and if this is then made with the innate and manifested desire to be constructive in such, there only needs be the effort put forth to bring the greater opportunities, and opening ways - through the efforts - for the succeeding of the entity's efforts in those directions.
Ready for questions.
(Q) Is the writing, as being done by the entity, of the nature required?
(A) This as we find is leading in the right direction. One that the entity might read, for the awakening of the abilities, is John Kendrick Bangs.
(Q) Should the entity attempt such as newspaper column, advertising, fiction, radio script, etc.?
(A) As has been indicated, with the trainings, it will ALL be a part of the entity's efforts at times. But those such as booklets, or as might be an inducement or incentive for others in conversation or speech AS repartee, would be the more efficient outlet for the entity; though the advertising may become an ACCEPTABLE part, AN outlet for the efforts of the entity.
(Q) Considering all, what should be the first steps toward this preparation?
(A) As indicated. As circumstances, now, are to be somewhat altered, - through the channels as indicated would be the better manner. But by ALL MEANS prepare self FOR the abilities in the writing field! No matter how much time or how much effort may be necessary for the material conditions, prepare the self mentally and materially for the exercising of the abilities.
We are through for the present.
Copy to Self c/o [849] - Special Delivery
Copy to Ass'n file
Wired to [849]

BACKGROUND

See 1731-1.

REPORTS

11/30/38 Mr. [849]'s letter: "As you probably have guessed, Mr. [1731] is more or less in a bewildered state about his new life but his reading this morning seemed to satisfy him and he went off determined to follow it."
6/19/39 [1731]'s letter to [849]:
Dear [849] -
After three or four attempts to produce something even remotely constructive, things have become so serious, I beg for your help. It's Jamie. [Fictional character of one of [849]'s books.] The moment I write a word he starts his evil tactics, zipping across the table, sticking his tongue out and more often than not, his thumb is at his nose while his fingers wave frantically. When I attempt to correct a page, he jumps into the little cupboard, slams the lid down noisily and rings the bell, shouting, "He don't know nothin'. He has to re-write." But that's not all. Commas bring out his true self. "Go back to school, you lug," he sneers. Twice he broke my pencil point and when he was still outraged because they continued to appear, he knocked my pencil out of my hand to the floor. I have removed the bell but to no end for he flips the lid as if it were the catch on an ice box door, jumps in an effort to beat his last mark and shouts, "You can't concentrate, your story's like a fifth grade essay, boy, what slush." This morning he had all three of our watches, demanding to know which one was his. I plead with you to finish with him, get him bound so that he will be proud and contented until a critic takes a whack at him like he is doing to me.
Your brutish friend blubbered tears of anguish in his coffee because he carried you wrong side in and I expected he was going to take to strong drink. However, I talked him in to going fishing so that he might forget. Later I noticed a high tide so I think he went swimming instead.
I hope you and [1521] made Washington without being overcome by nature's unrestricted sense of duty, although I presume [1102] might be the object of no little concern inasmuch as it was her first flight. Anyway, may you be resting easy and drugless when you read this wish that your trip was not an ordeal but a pleasure.
[Wife] thanks you for your thoughtfulness; to wit: (there goes Jamie again). Thanks, [849].
Here's luck to you.
but I say, Let's stop talkin', Get to walkin'. I suspect it's been difficult for you to read this far but paper and pencil cage my thoughts and I pray the forthcoming reading will assist me. I feel like a traveler who is lost but believes he could make the journey if he knew the proper direction and the distance of it so that he might conserve his food and strength. The following questions may not be in proper form for the reading, so please edit them as you see fit.
You will have before you the body and enquiring mind of [1731], ..., Fla., who seeks information, advice and guidance as to his life work, and just how he may proceed to get started on it. You will answer the questions he has submitted as I ask them:
1. Should the entity write short stories for magazines? If not what should it write? 2. If the entity continues it's efforts as it is now doing, could returns be expected this year or should it seek employment to bring about financial assistance? 3. If employment is necessary for the entity, where could it be found? 4. Will the entity be able to make a living by writing, in the near future? 5. Is the Hardy agency the proper outlet for the writings of the entity? 6. Is the entity on the right course in thought, effort and work, to bring about happiness and security for it's family?
In regard to the first question, you know how much I am at sea about what I should do, if and when I can.
Best of luck for a swift recovery and please thank Mr. Cayce for his kind interest in me.
Just a five o'clock boy. [1731]
P.S. As I read the above questions, I'm sure you can clarify them so as to bring out the TYPE OF STORIES and the course I should pursue to LEAD to accomplishment, as well as what further preparation is necessary.
I'm sure you understand that it is not PATIENCE that I lack (as I did before) but it is vital that we conserve our small bank account until I get something other than a rejection slip.
7/12/39 See 1731-3.