Notes From an Amateur Writer #3 - Facing the Challenge
FACING THE CHALLENGE
I had intentions of writing a 'Notes from an Amateur Writer' article every few days or so. When I sat down to write the first one it felt right. I will do a few of these, use it as an opportunity to get the creative juices flowing is what I thought. To help get the writing muse to step up to the plate. It resonated with how I was feeling, and where I wanted to go, creatively, over the next month or so.
Then I noticed the 30 day writing challenge from @dragosroua and it struck me. Perhaps it would be better to put out one of these per day. Not a long essay, just 500 – 1000 words or so. As the words come out, I'll catch a hold of them, entice them to the paper/screen, encourage them to stay around awhile, and publish. In others word, become a writer again, by stealth if need be.
I missed the first few days, but intend to put out an article in this series for the remainder of the challenge. It is a great opportunity, and I appreciate it. It wont just be my thoughts, or a series of repetitive words on the same subject. The topic will be about writing, but that is such an incredibly vast field that I hope to be able to explore it somewhat as I take tentative step after tentative step out into the wilds.
It is a challenge, just as the previous call to arms was a challenge. An opportunity of a personal nature to interact and communicate and help, and marvel at the wonders that unfold from the journey.
--
Thoughts have power, just as emotions do too. And here we see the power of words. Steemit in general is a fine example of the power of words in action. To empower, to bewilder, to amuse, to frustrate, to educate, or even to hurt. And what I am finding above all is the power of words to heal. Words can create worlds of vast vistas and landscapes, filled with empires grand and small, where wonders and miracles take place. They start as words, and enter our minds and transform into imagery as amazing and true as any supposed form of reality. Perhaps even more real than reality. Perhaps another reality altogether.
And we hold those images in our minds. Images that are derived from the lives of other people, other characters. We bond with these characters like friends. Perhaps closer than friends. We see behind the veil of these characters, into their souls. We witness their journeys as they face their own personal challenges. And we care about them, we want to see them succeed on the path they face towards their destiny. That is why we read. Why we take those words and give them access to our inner spaces. We resonate with them. With their need to overcome what lay ahead. We all have our own challenges – that is life. And we know those challenges can be difficult. For our favourite characters, and for ourselves. That is not the issue. Its how we face them, accept them, resolutely (or otherwise), and forge a path forward, or around, or over. And who we become as a result.
Hmmm... my Muse has spoken. The challenge has been responded to, by both of us. And it will be faced, one day at a time. Just like life.
Images sourced from unsplash.com.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you liked it then please like, comment, and follow.
nice one. :D
:)
This is becoming so meta! :D You're writing about writing, and yet it doesn't feel too tedious. When you started, I felt a glimmer of fear that this series would read too much like a tutorial of sorts, but I decided I would support you no matter what. I was wrong, and I should've had 100% faith in your process. I apologize for that, mate!
All your entries so far in this series is very engrossing and poetic. Maybe you're an inherent storyteller, that's why all your posts have that lyrical feel to it. It all flows so well, and I just don't know how you do it! I feel time pass slowly and quickly at the same time. Amazing job with this, mate. I'm hooked, and this isn't even fiction! :D
I had only a vague idea where this was going when I first set out. The topic was writing, which does bring to mind tutoria type of posts. Which would be fine if I had a clue about any of that. I'm just winging it.
It has progressed naturally from what has felt right. I said in another answer in one of my posts that I am kind of inspired by the Beat Writers, telling stories and relaying experiences, but often from their perspective. I am using that angle to explore writing, my thoughts about it, my ideas, hopes, dreams, and understanding of it. As well as stories themselves, in an attempt to explore writing, by writing.
There may be a couple of 'tutorial' type posts, but more from the perspective of what I am learning from any that I may be undertaking at that time - my views on them, what works or doesn't. Hopefully nor dry or dull.
I suppose, ultimately, I want my writing to have a soul. A heart. A purpose - whether to entertain, or make one think.
The Beat Writers are a great inspiration to have, and I feel you have crafted a unique voice for yourself that sets you apart from them. This whole meta exploration of writing has been very enjoyable for me. I could feel the passion you have and it's bouncing off me in a really positive way. You've succeeded in injecting a soul to your words, brother, and I could attest to the benefits your readers could gather.
I hope this series is providing you with your much needed catharsis, because it's certainly doing it for me. Simply amazing!
It's hard to categorise I suppose. Like an editorial on words and creativity. A journal on writing, or a diary of my journey into writing. Or a series of thoughts expressed. One way or another I am enjoying it. Finding my voice again. It's that voice that lay behind my stories, including unfinished novels. So to see that strengthening again is encouraging.
Truly glad you are enjoying these Notes. I do hope to keep that going. Let me know if I ever drift. I want to write, every day. But I don't want to just put any old group of words on to paper and think that is good enough.
And yes, it is cathartic. Well spotted.
If you feel that a certain entry doesn't pass your standards, don't feel obligated to post it. It's one thing to warm up and get back into rhythm, it's another to force yourself and dry up quickly. You're filling your creative well again, and that's great! So do whatever work for you, my friend :D
Haha! I noted it because I feel catharsis just reading your notes. It's a very great read especially for authors going through writer's block.
When it comes to writing, it's good to challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone. Would love to see the output of your challenge.
Yes I think that is important too. A bit of a challenge, or a stretch of what one is generally used to. I like writing, but sometimes I allow a laziness to stifle me, and then the creativity suffers. But with a goal like this I can sit at the computer with purpose and see what evolves.
Good luck on your epic run and write on.
Thanks mate, i'm up for the challenge.
Good luck with the challenge and to make the muse so proud !
Thank you :). I will do my very best. Mostly I just want to have some fun with the concept.