This psychic reading given by Edgar Cayce at his home on Arctic Crescent, Virginia Beach, Va., this 12th day of July, 1939, in accordance with request made by the self - Mr. [1731], Associate Member of the Ass'n for Research & Enlightenment, Inc.

Present: Edgar Cayce; Gertrude Cayce, Conductor; Gladys Davis, Steno.

TEXT

1. GC: 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:
2. EC: We have the body, the enquiring mind, [1731].
3. In relationships to the activities for which the body is best fitted, these we find have been a part of the experience of the entity. This has in a manner APPEALED to the entity, yet there should be the realization that one seldom springs into activity without a preparation or a growth into such.
4. Hence as we find, the preparation should be taking varied forms of endeavor; attempt to write stories for the local paper, or for other papers, or for such magazines as OUTING, RECREATION, SUNSET, or those that would ring the opportunity of the entity attempting to develop a style, a means or manner of expression; and by reading such reports in all sources.
5. Work at same a given time or period each day. Get the "feel" of attempting to apply self in those directions; and we will find that this will bring then the abilities INTO activity in such a way and manner as to make same not only a practical thing but remunerative in its every nature.
6. Keep ever first and foremost those motivative principles or influences or forces as has been indicated. Not merely that the entity desires to become a writer for pay, or for money, or for fame. But have something worth while telling, and do it in a manner that is and will be interesting to others.
7. Practise it, as ye would thy lesson of ANY sort. It will take work, effort, prayer, conscientious activity, but the entity will succeed if it will work in that direction.
8. Ready for questions.
9. (Q) If I continue my efforts as I am now doing -
   (A) (Interrupting) Not so very well as it's now doing. Rather apply self in the direction as has been indicated; and then gradually step same up. Give so much time, - not the haphazard manner, but just as if there were being paid a fortune for each effort, each day; choosing various things - the most commonplace - and make them interesting to others!
10. (Q) Should I seek employment to bring about financial assistance?
    (A) If it is desired or needed, do so.
11. (Q) If employment becomes necessary, where could it be found?
    (A) This must be sought because of that which is the natural desire, or should be, for the very character of story with the background in the vicinity in which the entity may apply itself the better, see?
12. (Q) Will entity be able to make a living by writing, in the near future?
    (A) If there is the application of self in the manners and way indicated, yes.
13. (Q) Is the Hardy agency the proper outlet for the writings?
    (A) This may be very well, but let's have something first to offer the Hardy agency! Let's have something that is worth while printing without even considering pay! and so written in such a manner and way that it will receive the response, the criticism of those for whom the entity would have a message.
    Do not write merely for the act of writing. Have something to say and SAY it well - in an interesting manner, in a constructive manner, in a way in which it will be a helpful experience for those who would read same.
14. (Q) What special type of story?
    (A) As indicated. Take the VARIOUS types. See as to what the entity has to write about! Has he anything to write about fleas, or elephants? or anything to write about mosquitos or ants? anything to write about sand or coral? anything to write about sea or clouds? anything to write about climate or the cause of same? ANY of these! Have a message - and give it - in a manner that will be a helpful experience.
15. (Q) Am I on the right course in thought, effort and work, to bring about happiness and security for my family?
    (A) If it is in keeping with that which has been indicated, then it is correct. If it is in that attitude as given, "I know this and I want to do this, and want to do that," it isn't correct!
16. (Q) Any other advice for the entity at this time?
    (A) Do as has been indicated. Be sincere and honest with self. Seek to give something of self. Know the meaning of writing one word that would be helpful to ANYONE, - and it'll be more helpful to self.
17. We are through for the present.

    Copy to Self
    Copy to Ass'n file

BACKGROUND

1. See 1731-2.

Edgar Cayce Readings © 1971, 1993, 1994, 1995 by the Edgar Cayce Foundation