HOW WE WRITE . . .
by René Allen
There is a place and time wherein WRITING kicks into a person's soul. Sometimes it happens at BIRTH. At other times, it is a birthing process.
HOW WE WRITE is dependent upon what we experience in life. However, our "gift" of writing is not dependent upon those experiences but rather SHAPES them.
WE take our life experiences and internalize them. WE mold them, sometimes scoring them with our own marks and cutting them with our various prejudices. Slashing what may be GREATNESS undiscovered and wallowing in the depths of our own minds.
It is the depressive writer that bends and twists into a knot what was meant to be a smooth path. Agonizing internal sparks mark the makings of this type of writer. Unless distorted in spirit and bruised in ego, the ink runs dry. . . .
It is in the dry place ~ The desert of despair ~ that an Author is born.
The Author of a different kind and a renewed mind emerges to grace white paper, and squares of internet space with words of WISDOM, and words of TRUTH.
It is this AUTHOR that WE ARE. WE testify to the TRUTH of writers that write in spite of where they are in their thinking ~ in their mind ~ in their life experiences at the moment. Because as WRITERS, WE KNOW that moments pass whether WE click away at the keys or choose inks of various colours.
Because all that WE DO is written in our HEARTS. All that we imagine cannot go unspoken, unsaid, unbirthed. So WE WRITE . . .
HOWEVER, WHENEVER, WHEREVER, FOREVER.
March ~ 2009
By René Allen ~ For "HOW WE WRITE"
~ the creative makings of my "friend" till the end ~ Jennifer N.
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Blessings and best wishes - S.
Good stuff.
Some times we write to remember. At others we write to forget. And sometimes we just make lists...grocery lists...word soup...practice writing of our obituaries....here she lies...and still she lies...fiction...
My mother support the two of us when I was growing up on a widow's pension from the Army and her writing for magazines and newspapers. She even had a regular advice column once in a "romance rag" called "Ask Aunt Martha"! I never thought of myself as a writer because, in my adolescent mindset, my MOTHER was "the writer of the family".
It was only after I hit my 50s, had some time on my hands and got plugged into the "World Wide Web" that, on a whim, I sent a short (true) story in to the editors of an anthology and it was immediately paid and published, that I gave the matter any further thought.
I think, though, that being exposed to "the art of writing" at such an early age was one of the main reasons why I even thought I might be able to accomplish what I always considered a feat well out of my realm of possibilities (getting published).
lost ego
I'm glad you brought up the subject of . . . DEPRESSION -- It is a Topic of Discussion that WE will be touching upon over in Artistic Therapy during the months of April and May. WE have had many discussions about DEPRESSION in the past, as well as discussions on the many personality disorders that cause "depression" in the person with the disorder, as well as those in the person's life.
DEPRESSION can arise from many different factors ~ both physical and mental. Taking care of our personal well-being is very important. There are many times in our lives when we tend to neglect ourselves. Sometimes, we may become too hard on ourselves. Sometimes we do not take care of ourselves by eating right, sleeping consistently for the amount of time we need to, handling our life issues in a timely manner, and/or seeking assistance when we need it. These are just some of the things that if not watched closely, can lead to DEPRESSION.
Every issue has a solution ~ whether we recognize what that solution is or not. There is ALWAYS a SOLUTION to every problem. One thing is for sure ~ no one can help a person if they do not know what the person needs help with.
Although there are times when a person may not even know themselves what they need HELP with, talking can in and of itself ~ HELP.
Going to the next box Jennifer to touch on something else that you've said . . .
NIGHTMARES ~ Can come from too much internalization of issues by an individual; traumatic events in a person's life; and/or surroundings ~ including the people in those surroundings.
Mood Swings ~ are sometimes hormonal ~ although this is rarely discussed -- in both men and women. Mood Swings can also be the result of who happens to be in your life. It is very difficult sometimes to be in a GOOD MOOD when you do not like the people you are around, and/or the place where you happen to be or must be (like a place of employment).
All of the issues mentioned can be rectified by a change of mind. Our "thoughts" are very POWERFUL . . . Our "thoughts" can propel us to higher ground, a better life~style, a better job, a better social mix, a resolution to our problems and our difficulties. Our "attitude" does indeed determine our "altitude".
No one likes to be around depressed and moody people ~ especially not for long periods and/or extensive lengths of time. The result is people usually stay away from people who are depressed and moody. This can result in "aloneness" and "sadness". Who wants to be around someone who is always snapping your head off? And, if people have a choice of whether or not they want to see a perpetually sad face, I'd wager to say that they'd choose ~ not. . . .
It is easy to tell someone to "SNAP OUT OF IT!" ~ but not so easy to do for the person who who in that particular state.
YOUR WRITING Jennifer . . . next box . . .
"This resonates with me because I suffer from depression, have nightmares often, and get very moody. When I write, it's a release and very cathartic. Sometimes I think my reality shocks or concerns my readers, but the feelings I express in my poems, with the exception of my love for Aman, are usually temporary." ~ Jennifer Lee
Ahh ~ temporary is KEY Jennifer.
The "temporary" place is where "self" is discovered. Our "emotions" and "feelings" are oftentimes stored in the reservoir of our souls for later use in our quest for emergence as being at One with the Master. This emergence is sometimes quick ~ as in a "quickening". . . .
Being at One with the Master is being at one with ourselves and those around us.
How can the "gifts" burst forth without a span of fermentation (so to speak). . . .
The "pearl" has no luster unless is has been polished. And, the "pearl" does not exist without first being irritated and aggravated by the grains of sand that get under the shell of the oyster. . . .
And, so it is . . . that things that get under our skin have a way of bringing us to a level of "understanding" about the stuff that we are made of.
Jennifer ~ Thank you. From your words, this dissertation was born. I hope you add more to this Discussion.
THANK YOU for your kind words.
"Some times we write to remember. At others we write to forget. And sometimes we just make lists...grocery lists...word soup...practice writing of our obituaries....here she lies...and still she lies...fiction..." ~ Wilhelmine Estabrook
The "word soup" is a good idea for a Group of some sort Wilhelmine. {hint}
And the writing of obituaries I try hard not to do too often ~ ahahaha! But sometimes duty calls {eyebrows raising up ~ hoping not}.
Now, the "here she lies...and still she lies" is definitely NOVEL material for "fiction" -- and a GOOD TITLE too, I might add!
Oh the workings of your mind Wilhelmine -- Thank you so much for adding to this thread.
On to the writing, it helps to journal everyday and occasionally turn those writings into poems. I'd rather write when I'm upset than snap at someone. Since I started writing I have noticed that I spend a great deal more time alone and feel that perhaps I am becoming a pearl. What a lovely metaphor at the end of your dissertation. Thank you sweetie. Hugs, Jennifer
". . . The nightmares are about things that have never happened to me such as rape. I don't know where that comes from, to be honest." ~ Jennifer Lee
Jen ~ It is possible that you (like another Gather Member ~ and many other people) have the ability to tap into those who may need your assistance. Such as a woman in your life who has been raped, and needs support, or someone to talk to. It could be a neighbor, a co~worker, or a family member. You will know who this person is, because they will reveal themselves to you through conversation. You may already know who this person is, because they have brought up "rape" to you. This person needs support and understanding. Because you have felt what "rape" feels like in your NIGHTMARE, you can emphathize and sympathize.
You've also mentioned, "I'm very happy with my career as a first grade teacher, but have lost some of my faith in God as of late. I feel the spirit of the collective universe sometimes, but still question why my dad has to be the one to get cancer?" ~ Jennifer Lee
Regarding your father and his cancer . . . I lost my father through cancer, yet it was more because he gave up and willed himself to die (I believe). We talked about it at the point where he "changed his mind" about living.
We know in our heart of hearts that we all must pass from this existence, yet it is hard to accept dire medical conditions when it relates to our loved~ones.
Cancer is related to issues that "eat" at a person. Talking to others who have gone through the experience of losing faith in God during times of "questioning" always come back FULL CIRCLE...Through prayer, questioning is good. It helps us to SEE clearly and understand better the WHY ~ but you have to be OPEN to the ANSWER.
On a positive note Jen, I have also known many people who were diagnosed with cancer and told that they have only so long to live, and decades have sinced passed, without chemo therapy or any other western medicine. However, those individuals had a very strong belief in God. I believe that their "belief" made the difference.
Comforting thoughts and prayer is very helpful in the case of your father.
We'd definitely like for you to share with us more on ~ " . . . I feel the spirit of the collective universe sometimes . . ." ~ Jennifer Lee
Your WRITING is very therapeutic on many levels. I enjoyed what you had to say about your journaling and writing, and how writing . . .
" . . . is a release and very cathartic." ~ Jennifer Lee
Writing has a way of getting to the heart of every question that we are holding. The answers sometimes come through our own writings when we take the time to look deeper and closer at what is written.
The closer look gives us direction. What is inside of each of us is spirit, and Spirit never lies.
No matter how your writings may effect others Jen, they are meant to serve others because they are your "gift" to give. I enjoy your writings very much. And your creative talents shine forth through what you present to others. You certainly have a good EYE.
Pearls take time to be made Jen ~ and thank you for what you've said...
You are, of course, a pearl. . . .
Your Friend,
Rene
Blessings ~
Rene
"I love the way you take writing to it's core and interestingly how the core can be very different for each of us and for each day." ~ Karen E.
It is the core and the unique difference that each of us has that is the "gift" of the Writer/Author for (as you so properly put it) . . . each day.
Very nicely put Karen. I like the core that you present to us here on Gather you know.
Each day affords us the opportunity to go to a higher level and to look at our lives in a way that we did not SEE the day before. How beautiful the gift of LIFE.
Thank you for adding to this thread.
Jean ~ I do hope that you have copies of your mother's colume ~ "Ask Aunt Martha"! ~ How wonderful.
Being published as you've mentioned, is a wonderful feeling, and utilizing our literary "gifts" for the Writers and Authors ~ is just exactly what WE were born to do.
WE should all utilize the "gifts" inside of each of us ~ whatever they may be, at any given time that we come to the knowledge of who we are. And, some of us have many "gifts" and "talents".
Thank you for what you've shared with us Jean.
Blessings ~
Rene
Awareness is a topic that we will have to start a Discussion on Jen. Thank you for adding your input here in Artistic Therapy ~ WE are all enjoying your Articles.
HUGS ~
Your Friend,
Rene
"Yes, I know what you are talking about. Of course I do not know what type I belong." ~ Poddar
You are definitely a poet Poddar ~ But I do not think that the "literary gift" that you have is in any way limited to just poetics, nor do I think that that is the extent of your "artistic" ability.
You have so much to offer Poddar, and I believe that as you use your "gift" of poetics that doors open and you discover more about yourself and the world around you.
"Gifts" are like K E Y S ~ use them often and continuously -- it makes the LIFE that WE LIVE come ALIVE!
Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment on this Article Poddar.
Your Friend & Fan ~
Rene
I especially appreciate what you said about the "comment exchange" to this Article. It is the comment exchange that really helps writers gain new friendships, and new views of themselves. Writing is an ART ~ and HOW WE WRITE is always a Masterpiece in the Making!
I'm glad you stopped by too ~ HUGS to you MM ~
Your Friend,
Rene
Your Friend,
Rene
"I've found I write more and become more reflective when something tragic happens or I'm feeling "down". I find peace when writing and it seems to uplift me. Now, I just need to learn how to release the inner muse instead of trying to bind her." ~ Renda Brooks
Most of us Writers tend to do what you've described ~ WRITE when WE are in a reflective mode or when something has happened in our lives that causes us to PAUSE and reconsider our thoughts about LIFE, LOVE, FAMILY, and/or our individual and very personal "callings".
PEACE is always perfected in "stillness". And yet, "stillness" is either deliberate, or initiated by the forces that shape us. Those forces being spiritual in nature.
BEING UPLIFTED is always sought ~ even by the depressed ones . . . And, WRITING, like you've said Renda, is a way to "release", then "relax", and then "lift up!".
Your inner muse is an area in which Jennifer N. speaks about often. Maybe she'll add some advice here in relation to what you've said about your inner muse.
Thank you for adding to this thread.
Your Collaborating Friend,
Rene
HUGS ~
Your Friend,
Rene
This is great and I'm HONORED that you wrote this for How We Write. Of course this is getting featured as soon as I press submit here.
I've noticed that when in despair and down (I'm not sure I'd use the word depressed here) that I do hear that little voice telling me to write. I'm not sure if it's a way to escape, to deal with things or what, but I hear it.
Of course I hear it also when not in those moods, and those are the times that I write because I breathe. It's almost like you have to write. I have too many stories here waiting to be told, and if I don't tell them who will?
We all have these stories. We might not realize it here and now, but you all have them. Look. Look deep. Look within. Stop the daily noisemakers, the rushing the go, go, going and look. It is here that you will see them. See the world in a different light. Cock your head to the side. Take it all in, vary your view. It is there that they will find you, and you them. And it is there where you will see you, too need to write to breathe.
Yes, that's often how the plots find me. But, that's not the only way they find me. *smiles*
Beautiful, Rene, as always.
Your friend til the end,
Jennifer
The muse can be a fickle creature, can't she? Just look at her in my icon, looking down at me, lol. Okay, so maybe that's just a two foot tall fairy statue in a graveyard that I shot standing nearly on my head (if that visual doesn't make you giggle, I'm not sure what will, LOL)
Anyway, the muse. I'm not sure if you've seen some of my articles I've posted here about my ups and downs with my muse. From the moments that I've Pissed off the muse to Making Peace With The Muse. Not to mentionRandom Inspiration from a genre I don't write.
My best advice comes from a Jack London quote (and Stephen King has said something similar in his book On Writing *Get that book if you have not already read it. I reread it for a dose of inspiration and to keep me going at times. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
"You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club. Jack London."
In short. Don't sit around waiting for the muse. You go after them. Find their hidey-hole and you tell them you are ready to work.
I'll repeat what I wrote to Rene up there, too because you might not have read it,
We all have these stories. We might not realize it here and now, but you all have them. Look. Look deep. Look within. Stop the daily noisemakers, the rushing the go, go, going and look. It is here that you will see them. See the world in a different light. Cock your head to the side. Take it all in, vary your view. It is there that they will find you, and you them. And it is there where you will see you, too need to write to breathe.
Yes, that's often how the plots find me. But, that's not the only way they find me. *smiles*
Most of all, good luck. The muse is a flighty creature, but not impossible to harness.
Another idea: Join NaNoWriMo in November. That'll kick start anyone's muse. Rene can testify to that one!
You've said so much. First, let's take this . . .
"I've noticed that when in despair and down (I'm not sure I'd use the word depressed here) that I do hear that little voice telling me to write. I'm not sure if it's a way to escape, to deal with things or what, but I hear it." ~ Jennifer N.
Jen ~ I tend to relate to the word, "depressed" as the place of "pressure" ~ wherein a person is pressed to GROW. And, to me, GROWTH entails a movement of sorts in an ascending direction. It's like being pressed down ~ s h a k e n together, and running over! That what tears signify . . . the running over...
The VOICE telling you to WRITE is your inner guide . . . I refer to that VOICE as the Holy Spirit, or the VOICE of God. For Who KNOWS you better than God? Who KNOWS your heart's desire? ~ I'd say God and your spirit and soul...
HEARING ~ AH ~ HEARING ~ soon turns to respond with ACTION or not in regard to what is HEARD...and all voices are not to be responded to, but then, there is One Voice that is worthy of ATTENTION, and worthy of ACTION . . .
Going to the next comment box . . .
"Of course I hear it also when not in those moods, and those are the times that I write because I breathe. It's almost like you have to write. I have too many stories here waiting to be told, and if I don't tell them who will?" ~ Jennifer N.
I love the part of your comment that I put in BOLD . . . "I write because I breathe." ~ Jennifer N.
SO WELL STATED!
And, something else hit me about your statement Jen . . . How about, "I breathe because I WRITE." . . .
And, you can even go further and say, "I LIVE to WRITE" ~ and ~ "I WRITE to LIVE."
Oh how writing just flows on and on and on . . . once you get started . . . {L O L} ~ COLLABORATIVE STYLE Jen . . .
Going to the next comment box . . .
"We all have these stories. We might not realize it here and now, but you all have them. Look. Look deep. Look within. Stop the daily noisemakers, the rushing the go, go, going and look. It is here that you will see them. See the world in a different light. Cock your head to the side. Take it all in, vary your view. It is there that they will find you, and you them. And it is there where you will see you -- you need to write to breathe...
Yes, that's often how the plots find me. But, that's not the only way they find me. *smiles*" ~ Jennifer N.
WISE ADVICE Jen.
I like your description of "reflective mode" and believe what you've said of it to be true. I think reflecting on actions, thoughts, etc is a "springboard" for the muse in all of us. Being "still" is the only way I know to enter the reflective mode, maybe there are more ways....but I do not recognize or have not practiced them.
Again, Rene, many thanks to you for your thoughts on my comment. You always have a way to make things seem clearer :)
*********************************
Now, to Jen's comment/advice:
Wow! Thank you so much. I will certainly have to delve deeper into those articles you've mentioned. It seems to me, you've had many experiences dealing with the finicky muse. I do, indeed, have Stephen King's book that you mentioned. I've read it and it now is tucked in my bookcase. Maybe I need to make it one of my "end table" books. That way it will be nearby for easy reference and encouragement. In fact, when I sign off here today...that is exactly what I will do.
I will have to join NanoWriMo again. I did last year, but did not get nearly as far as I'd thought. In addition to listening to my muse, I have to learn to stop making excuses and stop getting sidetracked when it comes to writing.
I'll say it again...many thanks to you both, Rene & Jen, for your thoughts and encouragement. I appreciate it and am glad to have you two around :) Hope you both have a great Easter.
Your friend,
Renda
"I like your description of "reflective mode" and believe what you've said of it to be true. I think reflecting on actions, thoughts, etc is a "springboard" for the muse in all of us. Being "still" is the only way I know to enter the reflective mode, maybe there are more ways....but I do not recognize or have not practiced them." ~ Renda Brooks
Renda ~ I put in BOLD ~ "more ways", because another way to enter the "reflective mode" is through "anger . . . ANGER causes the writer in us to leap out and reflect either through words spoken or words written. WE all can relate to the angry letter or the angry telephone message . . . it is the way of release ~ because ANGER can never be held -- it must be released. . . .
When WE have MASTERED our ANGER ~ then WE are able to REFLECT without taking regretful actions. WORDS ARE POWERFUL ~ written or spoken. It is when WE have reached the level of MASTERING our ANGER that the REFLECTIVE MODE is beneficial for ALL concerned ~ stepping outside of "self" the MASTER transforms their ANGER into WIND -- WIND has reflective properties. WIND also MOVES -- and in stillness ~ like you've mentioned Renda, WE are able to move without physical motion ~ but in SPIRIT and in TRUTH.
Going to the next box . . .
IMAGINE an angry soul ~ How do you help one like this? How can you get them to the place of REFLECTION? [Stepping outside of ourselves ~ thinking along the lines of helping others] . . . what WE DO is help them to redirect their anger -- How do WE do that? . . .
WE tell them to get still and WRITE. When ANGER moves to the ink pen, it dissipates from the soul. What remains is a REFLECTION of what once was as it evaporates in the WIND. WIND is not seen, it is felt. The ink on the page is felt ~ once written, the Writer has no other choice but to read, feel, and REFLECT. . . .
This is how a double~edged sword works. This is also known as the boomerang effect.
If the Writer can handle the ink of anger ~ the soul can reflect and TRANSFORM.
It is beneficial to examine one's own anger and it is beneficial to SHOW OTHERS THE WAY to MASTER ANGER.
Let the WIND be your Friend ~ this is another way to REFLECT . . .
HUGS Renda ~
Your Friend,
Rene
Many thanks again, Rene. I hope you've enjoyed a wonderful weekend and Easter.
Your friend,
Renda
I'm bringing what you've relayed to us down here . . .
". . . I've never really thought about anger being a motivator...however the way you've said it, I can see how it would be so. I can also relate to how you've described using anger in a way to move the pen. I have used it as such before (without realizing it, I guess). I was once encouraged to write letters to people I felt had wronged me in some way (caused pain, anger, etc). The person told me to write the letter(s) to the offending person and not send them. I found the exercise to be very therapeutic and once I'd written the letters I felt much better. They were in a drawer until a few years ago when I found myself able to truly release all the anger and bitterness toward the person. At that time, I burned each letter one by one. Not only was it therapeutic to WRITE the letters, but it was therapeutic when I got to the point of BURNING the letters. With each disintegration of the letters, I found a new freedom...a new peace. I suppose that is a lot like the wind you've mentioned." ~ Renda Brooks
Renda ~ The actual burning of the letters is a technique that I've heard about, and those who have used it also spoke of the same feelings of freedom, release, peace, and also lightness ~ like you've also said.
THANK YOU!
"Your essay begs for a sequel: "How We Read". I think that reading is an integral part of the writing because the authorship becomes somewhat detached from the actual writing. Especially when you post writing on the internet or exhibit it publicly. And as time passes, the writing becomes something altogether estranged from the author, an articulation of an exact moment in the author's consciousness; a space which even the author can no longer inhabit and is forced to view the writing from the outside, as a reader." ~ Christopher Unseth
P O W E R F U L THOUGHTS Christopher . . . "an articulation of an exact moment in the author's consciousness; a space which even the author can no longer inhabit and is forced to view the writing from the outside, as a reader." ~ Christopher Unseth
WELL SAID, and I think I'll take you up on writing a SEQUEL ~ "HOW WE READ" ~ [with YOU being the INSPIRATION for whatever I write in this regard here in Gatherland].
Your words are very inspirational Christopher, and I hope that you too will grace us with your writings. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Blessings with the PEN ~
Your Friend,
Rene
Your Friend,
Rene
Depression can be a crossroads, Rene. Where one can, as you've stated be pressed to grow and soar above, or to be dragged down into it's dark spiral. But, yes, with the right strength, one can rise above the overflowing of tears and grow beyond that moment. (And hopefully does just that)
I would agree with the inner guide voicing, though I'm not sure that all of these things I get ideas to write about are toward my heart's desire aside from them being related to writing, that is. Some of these plots are quite out there, in fact I even have one that's Sci Fi themed... and I don't even like that genre (unless we are talking about vampire books, lol then I do like it.)
It's those plots and ideas that make me wonder what inspired them to come to me. I'm sure you have some like that yourself, Rene. We all seem to have at least one of them. :)
I write down all the ideas I get. Source unknown and unimportant, really. Even the ones I think I'll never use because one day you just never know when that plot you wanted to trash might come in handy. It could work well on it's own, be modified or even inspire another plot that would work. Either way I keep all the gems - even the rough ones.
Rene, this bit you wrote is quite true, really.
"And, something else hit me about your statement Jen . . . How about, "I breathe because I WRITE." . . .
And, you can even go further and say, "I LIVE to WRITE" ~ and ~ "I WRITE to LIVE."
I would agree with all of that, and I recently found a graphic that reminds me of this.
I'm glad you liked and agree with my advice. Sometimes seeing things with the eyes of a child or someone who has never been there (wherever you may be) before will bring the plot ideas dancing toward you.
It's done it many many times to me. Look beyond what you normally see. Look beyond that facade that is worn into your mind and see what's REALLY there. What hides there waiting for the right person to view it.
That's what you want to find and that's what inspiration is made of.
As to what you've said here . . .
"Depression can be a crossroads, Rene. Where one can, as you've stated be pressed to grow and soar above, or to be dragged down into it's dark spiral. But, yes, with the right strength, one can rise above the overflowing of tears and grow beyond that moment. (And hopefully does just that)" ~ Jennifer N.
I'm glad you added to this with the thought on DEPRESSION ~ We are going to be discussing depression over in Artistic Therapy starting TODAY. I hope you will join in and add your input.
What caught my eye about what you've said, is this . . .
" . . . one can rise above the overflowing of tears and grow beyond that moment." ~ Jennifer N.
So true Jen, so true.
I'm going on to the next box to continue responding to your comments . . .
No problem on the link. :-) I need to get over there myself. :(
And it's the HOPE that one DOES rise above that moment as well. Which is one of the main struggles in Joy In Unexpected Places.
Thanks for keeping that novel in the front of my brain, hehehe. :P
"I write down all the ideas I get. Source unknown and unimportant, really. Even the ones I think I'll never use because one day you just never know when that plot you wanted to trash might come in handy. It could work well on it's own, be modified or even inspire another plot that would work. Either way I keep all the gems - even the rough ones." ~ Jennifer N.
I agree with you wholeheartedly about writing down ALL of the ideas we receive in a personal Literary Journal of sorts. It is amazing what can be created from scraps of thoughts and inspired literary tid~bits. Just a single sentence can propel a Writer to create a NOVEL...from which springs the AUTHOR.
I'm with you on keeping ALL the GEMS, even the rough ones ~ as you've put it.
Going on to the next box to finish commenting on your thoughts of wisdom . . .
I used to be more judgemental of my ideas. Some I'd see as unusable or as ones that are of a genre I'd never write and I passed up noting them down. It was only after I began to be more willing to follow the ideas reguardless of the genre they resided in that this changed. I don't for one minute regret choosing to note ALL of them down, but I do regret weeding out the others years ago.
THERAPEUTIC writing is what it is all about!
And this really adds much to all that you've said, . . .
" . . . It's done it many many times to me. Look beyond what you normally see. Look beyond that facade that is worn into your mind and see what's REALLY there. What hides there waiting for the right person to view it.
That's what you want to find and that's what inspiration is made of." ~ Jennifer N.
"Looking beyond the facade that is worn into your mind." . . . is an interesting concept Jen ~ SEEing what is "really there", of course, is always subject to debate. -- Because "what hides there waiting for the right person to VIEW it" is always based upon receptive perception.
What I SEE "hiding" may not be what the next persons SEES "hiding", but nevertheless, it is always interesting to HEAR individual takes on hidden content.
I enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this Jen.
I thought it was just perfect. There's a lot of wonderful graphics out there on this sort of thing, too.
You are right. We could both look at the same scene and come out with different paintings, stories, etc. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it? What makes itself known to you (and perhaps only you) is what makes one writer or artist different from another. And that's the beauty of the arts - both written and visual.
I thought this one was real cute and true and it goes along with what we are talking about, sorta.
I thought this one was real cute and true and it goes along with what we are talking about, sorta.
Just had to share it with you. :)
"Writing indeed can be a very therapeutic. It certainly is for me, but i don't think "despair" has to be a prerequisite to writing or being a writer. But I do think there needs to be an intensity in the way one connects words with the worlds around them-- the real one and the ones inside their head." ~ Gretchen Lee Bourquin
[Emphasis added by Rene]
Gretchen ~ You and Jennifer seem to be on the same page as far as your line of thought regarding this post.
I wanted to touch on "therapeutic writing" ~ mainly because whatever WE WRITE is always going to serve as a form of "therapy" for our spirits and our souls -- regardless of what anyone else says, sees in our writing, or thinks of our writing.
"Despair" does not have to be a prerequisite to our writing or being a Writer (as you've stated Gretchen), however, I tend to think that on some level every Writer/Author KNOWS intimately the level of despair that crosses their path in their "self", or in others.
DESPAIR has no other outlet -- it must cause "CHANGE" -- most times "change" invokes movement of thought, action, and stirs up "feelings" and "emotion". Be that "CHANGE" good or bad ~ EVERY THING MUST CHANGE regardless of circumstances or situations.
I'm saying all that about "despair" to say this . . .
"Despair" is probably not one of the most welcomed thoughts that anyone would have about "self". I have to say that I would agree with what you've said about "despair" Gretchen, but I'd also have to say that I would not need to search myself to KNOW that I have indeed come across despair in my life ~ even if I were to relate it to what I have SEEN in living and those that have walked across my path. The HOMELESS person is often seen as one in "despair" or put another way, in "dire circumstance(s)" -- I cannot say that anyone who has an ounce of "feeling within" could walk away from the presence of someone in a bad situation, and not find some level of "despair" -- and FEEL IT. It is the "feeling" that invokes the writing -- so maybe introducing the word despair was over~reaching my point -- or turning down the road most avoided by the neatness of the mind.
Going to the next box to finish responding Gretchen ~ I'm wordy ~ L O L . . .
"i don't think "despair" has to be a prerequisite to writing or being a writer. But I do think there needs to be an intensity in the way one connects words with the worlds around them-- the real one and the ones inside their head." ~ Gretchen Lee Bourquin
Gretchen ~ If my "intensity" for the moment turns to a writing about "despair" -- Am I not the Writer that you are referring to? -- The Writer who "connects words with the worlds around them"? -- "the real one" -- and -- "the ones inside my head"?
If I "think" on the "homeless person in despair" ~ (the world around me -- at a moment in time) -- "the real one" as you've put it . . . that somehow seeps into the crevices of my mind, or "the thoughts inside my head" . . . would it not be possible to pull out an intensity of despair that is REAL -- not only to the person within VIEW (the homeless person), but also to my "self" and my "words" as I express the intensity of it? . . .
Will my pen not speak of a "truth" -- For TRUTH is TRUTH whether I live it or "witness" it. TRUTH is REAL no matter what angle you VIEW it from. . . even when it is momentary truth ~ because everything must "change".
What I am saying is only the "feeling" Writer, Author or Artist, can relay the world around them with an intensity that steps outside of "self" and reaches into the depths of "others". It is a "gift", and it is to be shared. WE can share the depth of our "self", or WE can share the depth of LIFE. And, ALL of LIFE is within VIEW at any given point in time ~ from any given place WE are...
With ALL of the various facets that are within our world, our mind, our senses, our lives, our spirits, our souls, ...every aspect of LIFE propels the pen of a Writer..."despair" is just one such aspect.
Going to the next box . . .
"WE take our life experiences and internalize them. WE mold them, sometimes scoring them with our own marks and cutting them with our various prejudices. Slashing what may be GREATNESS undiscovered and wallowing in the depths of our own minds.
It is the depressive writer that bends and twists into a knot what was meant to be a smooth path." ~ Rene Allen
The word I would use to describe "homelessness" (for instance), is "despair" ~ if only momentary. . . .
"Homelessness" is a state (or a person's particular life experience -- which in turn becomes my own life experience when I VIEW it) wherein I have internalized the sight of it as "despair". I have taken this sight and molded it, scored it with my own marks, and cut it with my various prejudices. So, what I end up with, is a SLASHING of GREATNESS undiscovered whilst I wallow in the depths of my own mind. From this place, I have become what I have described as, "the depressive Writer that bends and twists into a knot what was meant to be a smooth path." --
In essence, I have become what I have experienced by the very fact that I have written it.
I AM what I AM when I WRITE regardless of whether it is REAL or not. It is merely a written projection of momentary thought...and "THOUGHT" is "REAL" in the mind of the "thinker."
HUGS ~ and thanks for adding to this Gretchen . . .
Rene
But I've known some very good writers that have not had that, that are perfectly content whether they write or not. It's just something fun for them that they've found they have a skill for. They are still writers, just a very different type of writer than I am.
One of the things that I've always liked about writing is that there is no contest with anyone else. There is a common goal among writers to interpret the TRUTH, and no one writer can do this completely and so we will always need one another. Other artists, painters, actors, etc. do this as well only with different mediums, but even as we compete for our audience there is normally a respectful competition, and the only one to truly "beat" is ourselves. But even that is more of an opportunity. There is no writer (or artist) that is beyond growth.
"There is no writer (or artist) that is beyond growth." ~ Gretchen Lee Bourquin
SO TRUE.
I'm glad you came back to comment further, I've enjoyed your input. I hope that you didn't mind my dissertation ~ L O L!
HUGS ~
Rene
You've mentioned HEALING, and what you've said is so TRUE about faster healing processes through the medium of "writing".
Thank you for contributing your input to this Article ZIS.
Blessings to you my friend!
René
Two days ago I did a short piece on writing poems
if that link didn't work:
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977737017
Blessings!
I read your short piece on writing poems, and you'll find my comments attached to it. Your lovely writing on writing poems is FEATURED in Artistic Minds®.
HUGS ~ Your Friend ~ Rene
but to unravel expression
word by word
love this article.