Hey, as I begin my 10th book, yes! Wow - 10th! I’ve been thinking a lot about writing. When I’m introduced to someone new, they often say, “It must be great to be a writer,” or, “That’s so cool!” Often they tell me they are thinking about writing a book but don’t know how to begin. Well often, my stories start on the backs of envelopes! When inspiration hits, it often flies as well. No time for that fancy paper blank book! Grab the idea while it’s still around. Maybe it will get used later and maybe not. Collecting those wisps of ideas is the starting point of storytelling. Fortunately, today it rained and that meant I stopped playing and sat down to write.
One of the most poignant lines I know comes from the movie V for Vendetta. The heroine is reading a hidden text that says, "This is the only autobiography that I will ever write and God, I'm writing it on toilet paper."
And you know what? It changes that reader's life. It doesn't matter if the autobiography is true, false, printed, handwritten, lined up in verse, or spattered as paint on the wall. It tells a story that speaks straight to the heart.
They say there is a book in everyone. Sure. Maybe some days I feel like all I have is a comic strip... so I'm taking a break from my work at my writer's desk (aka - the breakfast table) to write about writing!
Yes, I think everyone has something to share - maybe even a book in them. That just makes sense to me - every life is a story filled to the brim. So, if you've been thinking about it - why not join me and just write your story in whatever form takes your fancy?
You don't have to be confined (for weeks as we were last year in France) to the rules of anyone else. (ha ha - yes, a confinement pun...argh) It doesn't have to be a book with X number of Chapters, perfect grammar, or lots of prose.... It doesn't even have to be a book. Maybe you have poetry to share, or photos, or short stories, anecdotes about your family or life. Maybe it's just a "Hey, I'm here and I'm thinking!"
In this digital world sharing has become a way life. And I'm glad. I can post my thoughts and photos and just as easily delete them again if the whim takes me. But take note: That doesn’t make them disappear. Once in a server it will always exist somewhere - remember that whenever you post! I think - so how would I feel about my mom reading this one day?
My only advice - and I know it's biased - is to put out the vibe you want to receive - or as my mom used to say, "In private you can be a mess, but in public - be the best you that you can possibly imagine." I've always tried my best.
Yes, I do cultivate writing in cafes or editing while sitting by the seaside. But hey - sometimes, I'm in my pjs all day just hanging out with a cup of java and writing at the kitchen table and it's all good! What counts is sharing with one another what it is to be alive. So, why write? Why not! You have unimaginable, unique tales to tell. Maybe you'll surprise yourself and write that book! (or a comic strip even....)
Come on over any time. Feel free to join me on my Facebook Page and talk about writing - or about not writing, even! I think the thing about creating is the sharing. The human contact. I want to hear from you - AND - I'll be cheering you on!
Until next time, mes amis, big bisous! (You know sorta virtual French hugs & kisses from La Reunion France)
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Or here to go on the second Why Write Essay
We share the same need to get words from our brains into a medium others can see.
ReplyDeleteYes, you know the feeling well, mon amie!
DeleteOh man girlfriend - just reading this now as I just finished watching "The Tender Bar". You gotta watch it - on Prime Video. Maybe I'm supposed to be writing. I should stop calling myself a wannabe. The line in the movie that impressed me most (and there were many of them) "You're a writer the day you say you are". Love it. By the way, my first writing attempt was a memoire, which I also never finished. And wow, could I add to that now!0
ReplyDeleteYes, you should add to that memoir. And write Buddy’s story. I will never forget your family Thanksgiving anecdote! You have tales to tell. You are a writer and will be much happier if you let your talent out. Think of it like dancing in the dark. Perhaps no one will see it but you will know the joy of having done it. And in the doing you will find satisfaction. Write because you long to write not in order to please anyone else.
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