At a recent writing workshop a thoughtful writer said, “I am afraid if we follow too many required formulas for our writing we will lose our uniqueness and individuality.” Provoking an elaboration, someone said, “What is authentic writing?” Our focused task of supportive critiquing did not allow much time for further discussion of the thought. Yet as writers, it seems such a consideration is worthy of reflection. It might offer some peace of mind to have personal resolution with such a fine-line question.How far do we follow the rules and still preserve the words and expressions that are uniquely our own?
In the words of contemporary American novelist, Don Delillo, “Writing is a form of personal freedom … it frees us from the mass identity we see in the making of all around us. In the end, writers will write … to save themselves and survive as individuals.”
When you write, are you fighting for freedom – escaping a burdoned mind, pleading for a listening ear, exploding with joy and gratitude, offering a legacy of story that cannot be contained within the confines of your finite existence? Are you writing to “survive” as Delillo suggests in his observation of the writing life? Does the act of putting your words on paper “complete you” (Tom Cruise, Top Gun, 1986)? Are these considerations the basis of your writing authenticity? Is this important to you?
On the other hand, when we expose our writing to public eye view, do we have certain responsibilities that require us to adhere to rules, follow guidelines, meet the parameters of age-old structures? What is our responsibility to our reader? Most would agree that certain structures involving writing mechanics (spelling, punctuation, syntax, grammar) must be in place. Yet what about style and the manner in which we deliver our expressions? Do we have free reign or do we have responsibilities?
Perhaps the words of Terry Southern, American author, essayist, screenwriter and lecturer, will add another dimension to conversation about authenticity, personal freedom, public view and the eye of the reader:
“The important thing in writing is the capacity to astonish. Not to shock – shock is a worn-out word, but astonish.”
As you ease into a cozy corner with your journal in hand, dear friend, consider the questions in this entry. I hope it will give you some clarity of thought, direction of purpose and success in your written expressions.
Hope you will join me next week as we SPIN A GOOD YARN in our cozy corner.
Gift giving during this special time of holiday celebration is a tradition of many cultures. Reflecting upon what is good and fulfilling in our lives, especially at this time of the year, we intentionally direct our attention upon THE PRESENT.
“Be in the Present. Learn from the Past. Plan for the future.” ~ Spencer Johnson, M.D., author and medical professional who takes complex subjects and presents simple solutions that work.
This week, give yourself THE PRESENT by focusing on THE PRESENT moment. What do you notice when you put yourself in the aura and energy of the moment? What is different? What does it do for you? For your relationships with others? Did your focus on THE PRESENT help you during the hustle and bustle of the Season?
HAPPY JOURNALING ~ Thanks for stopping by the cozy corner and I will see you next week . . . .
Keep Spinning Your Yarn – Won’t you consider sharing your PRESENT moment joy this week? If so, drop by the COMMENT section and say “hello!”
‘Tis the season! Yes, the celebration of this magical time of the year is upon us. Perhaps you feel stretched and challenged…after all, you should have a balanced life – correct? You should be able to manage all of the parts that contribute to the impeccable functioning of the whole person you are. Would you consider taking a risk and IGNORING BALANCE? As Marcus Buckingham, author and coach, says, “When you are balanced, you are stationary, holding your breath … you are at a standstill.” “Balance is the opposite of movement; movement implies a tilt, a tipping, a reaching toward something.” Are you guilty of the balance myth? Do you try to do all things, at all times, for all people…is your goal to multitask to the maximum and then collapse in exhaustion because whatever you do is never quite enough?
“If you look at what you have in life, you will always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you will never have enough.”
~ Oprah Winfrey, talk show host, producer, philanthropist ~
Do you look at the “half full glass” inferred by Ms. Winfrey, or are you proned to the “half empty glass?” Does the influence of this time of year support your attitude of gratitude we talked about in last week’s post, or are you caught in the web of trying to grab it all because every inch of your being is screaming, more, more, more? Do you have a singular focus and a sense that you are “full,” or do you strive relentlessly to acquire what you do not have? Would you consider intentionally placing an emphasis on one aspect of your life that would give you the greatest sense of fullness – of fulfillment?
As you pick up your pen and ponder this post in your coziest of cozy corners, write your truth and how it would be to feel the bountiful abundance that is already YOU!!
Looking forward to Spinning a Good Yarn next time on December 11!
Happy JOURNALING ~ Hope to see you on my COMMENT page!
As Americans, we typically enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday weekend during these end-of-November-days. Clinging to the stark remnants of the autumn season – leaves have fallen, colder weather approaches – we are reminded of the bountiful gifts that we all enjoy, and perhaps often take for granted. Thanksgiving Day probably offered most of us a chance to overtly verbalize our personal gratitude to family and friends . . . and silently within our hearts and spirits. Yet, is sayingthank you enough? Consider the words of President John Kennedy below:
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States ~
Is it enough to say thank you? Have you ever considered the concept of active appreciation? Is this important to you? If so, why? How do you live your daily life by your expression of gratitude, or not? If active appreciation is important to you, how can you become more active in the months ahead? Write one goal. Make sure your goal is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and has a Timeline)!
As you snuggle up to a cozy corner and spin your yarn today, I hope these words inspire you and help you to prepare for the magical season ahead and the new year to follow.
Sometimes it does take a village to build and maintain a great life. . . . Won’t you consider sharing your SMART goal on my COMMENT PAGE?
“To become a grandparent is to enjoy one of the few pleasures in life for which the consequences have been paid in advance.” ~ Robert Brault (www.robertbrault.com), Freelance Writer and Author
Today was the annual Grandparents Day celebration at the school of my two young grandchildren — of course my husband and I wouldn’t have missed it for any amount of cash or treasure! Being at their school and seeing the pride in their eyes as we sat in their classrooms and walked about the school campus was decidedly a grand reward for the multitude of joyful sacrifices made through the parenthood journey only a few decades earlier.
Being a grandparent is not a prerequisite for writing your truth this week, but if you are, you may have a unique inroad in considering this prompt. As you snuggle up to the cozy corner to Spin a Good Yarn, can you think of a time(s) in your life experience when you have paid it forward for a reward, positive experience, special result? Write about your experience. Was the payback worth the cost? Would you do it again? Do you have advice for others as a result of your wisdom and personal experience?
Happy Journaling and I will see you on “Black Friday,” November 27th!
Your comments are always welcome – Happy Thanksgiving, too!!