Featured Photo by Joshua Abner
Dear friends,
This quote struck me, shared in yet another distracting, awesome writer’s blog/collection of articles:
“We don’t read and write poetry cause it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.”
-Mr. Keating; Robin Williams in “Dead Poet Society”
What do you stay alive for? What lives in your writing?
I think when we answer these questions, it becomes easier to let go of the Inner Editor and just write. At the same time, if we get too obsessed with finding our “purpose”, our “origin story” of writing, then it distracts us from the writing itself. Just like we can get too caught up in plotting, in outlining, in making character profiles; it can be another thing that stops us from actually sitting down in front of that blank page.
But, on the other side, it can fill us with passion and purpose. It can keep us plunking down on that desk chair daily.
Lately I’ve had more determination in spiritual areas of my life, and have found daily meditation is worth it, even if I have to force myself up early to do it before work. But the result? I feel happier; more energy, even; and can give myself a congratulatory pat on the back.
My success in that area got me thinking, it’s time I finally write something, anything, and do it every. single. day. Because I haven’t been, truth be told. I’ve let life get in the way. But like the motivational app Fabulous says, close the door. Turn off the phone. Make space for things that are important to you, even if others don’t understand it.
So with passion and purpose, I’m going to try and write every day, even if it just a little. And I’m going to think on why I write, and waht lives in my writing; what part of my heart or experience is there, what can I share with the world through the medium of my stories and poems?
Let me know what you think about this topic. And – National Novel Writing Month starts on Monday! Do you have any plans for that?
Until next time,
Chaitanya
Typing Madly 