Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Why Write?

Thought for the day: Cheers to the new year and another chance to get it right. [Oprah Winfrey]


Holy moly! It's 2020!!! Hard to believe, isn't it? Crumb, I still think of our thirty-some-year old kitchen floor as being new. I mean, the hoopla over Y2K seems like it was only a few years ago... doesn't it?

Yep. Time definitely flies. It's very fortunate for us that we're essentially the pilots of our own lives, which means we have the power to prioritize and decide how to spend that time.

Talking about time, it's also time for our monthly IWSG posts. (Um, in case seeing that badge didn't give it away...) As always, thanks to our fearless leader, Alex Cavanaugh, for founding this fine group, and thanks to all the other nurturing guys and gals who've helped turn it into the thriving community it is today. I'm telling ya, this group offers better support and lift than the world's most expensive bra. (No pesky underwires, either!) To join this super supportive group of writers and to see links to other participating blogs, please go HERE

JANUS: Roman god of beginnings, transitions, and endings
This is the time of year I usually get a little two-faced, and maybe you do, too. Like Janus, I find myself looking both backward and forward each time a new year begins. You, too?

It's only natural. There's a certain sadness in closing the book on another year. A sense of loss for the people who've passed from our lives, nostalgia for joyous events now over and done with, and perhaps even a touch of regret for decisions made and opportunities missed. But, you know what? It's a NEW YEAR, people! It's okay to think about the past year, or even about all our past years, but let's not forget to look forward, too. If we spend too much time staring at the rear view mirror, how can we possibly appreciate the wide open road in front of us and make the most of all the beautiful sights along the way?  Sure, we're all getting older, but doggone it, we're still here. So carpe the hell out of each diem.

[image courtesy of unsplash]
I reckon the start of a new year is also a good time to take stock of our lives, so to speak. To maybe question the things we've been doing, and ask ourselves if we should continue on the same path. Otherwise, we run the risk of sleepwalking through life, doing things because of habit or tradition, rather than purposeful intention.

It reminds me of a story, a story about a young bride and one of the first meals she prepared for her new husband...



It was a beautiful ham, but before roasting it, this lovely young bride whacked off a large chunk of the meat and chucked it straight into the garbage can. This immediately prompted her astonished (and financially responsible) husband to ask his dearly beloved why-oh-why-dear-heart was she trashing what looked like a perfectly good piece of meat. The sweet young thing batted her eyelashes and said she did it because that's what her mother always did. So, the next time they saw her parents, the young man asked his mother-in-law about her unusual ham-cooking method. She said she did it that way because that's how HER mother always did it. By this time, the young bride was as curious as her husband, and they could hardly wait to hear Grandma's response to the riddle about the wasted hunk of ham. When they asked her, she laughed, and said, "Back then, I didn't have a pan big enough to hold the whole thing."

Isn't it funny how we sometimes get caught in traditions without questioning the purpose or logic behind them? Perhaps, in writing, we may meticulously follow the "old rules" without questioning whether they still apply, or if they're particularly well-suited for our particular style of writing. For example, I'm a real stickler for grammar, but (gasp!) I don't always write in full sentences. Some writers say that in the pursuit of creativity, anything goes. Wanta end a sentence with a preposition? Go for it! Split an infinitive? Have at it! Lift your head to the heavens and say, "I am writer! Hear me roar!" Then write what you want to write the way you want to write it.

Or not. What do you think?

Okay, let's move on to this month's question, shall we? What started you on your writing journey? Was it a particular book, movie, story, or series? Was it a teacher/coach/spouse/friend/parent? Did you just "know" suddenly you wanted to write?


Gee, if that quote is correct, maybe the reason I wanted to write is because I'm an... exhibitionist??? I mean, if we share part of our souls in our writing, we're stripping away our comfortable veneer of pretense and baring our inner feelings to the world. That's a scary thought, isn't it?

Unless... unless...

someone.... even one single someone in the whole entire world... reads what we've written and says, "Hey! That's how I feel, too!"

It's about making connections, and THAT is why I write. To tentatively touch someone's heart, to make them laugh or cry... to feel... to relate. And when I take stock of my life, THAT is why I will most likely continue to write.

Lots of teachers and professors offered me great encouragement, and possibly, without them, I may have never bothered. Maybe. Reading has always been important to me. I like to say that when I was born, I popped out of the uterus with a book in one hand and a flashlight in the other. (It's dark in there, ya know!) So it's possible that, even without encouragement, I wouldn't have been able to resist the magical power of words, both reading them and writing them. There's nothing sudden about it. I think I've always been enchanted by the power of words... so why wouldn't I want to try to wield some of that power myself?

Even so, I greatly appreciate those people who believed in me. Like Abe Lincoln said, I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down.

I sincerely  hope someone is encouraging YOU. And by the same token, I hope YOU are just as quick to encourage others. Your words, especially words of kindness and encouragement, can have a huge effect on someone else's life. You have the power to make a difference.

                           Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.




56 comments:

  1. Writers are my heroes. Each and every one of you. So please, take a bow, and know that this greedy reader is applauding. Loudly.

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    1. And the order of my comments is WRONG, but how are you and Smarticus doing?

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    2. I know whatcha mean. Writers certainly have enriched my life. It's unimaginable to think of a world without books.

      We're hanging in there. Thanks for asking. He had a bit of a setback this week, but we're coping as best as we can.

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  2. 2020 sounds like something out of science fiction - a futuristic realm in which I don't belong. The beginning of a new year is always a sobering time for me. Lamenting the past - - cautiously anticipating the future.

    The open door of a new year affords innumerable opportunities- which should never be restricted by fear or old habits. We should try new things, do things that are beyond our personal realms of safety.

    So, what inspired me to become a writer?
    Reading....and imagination. A burning desire to express my inner thoughts. Reading was by far my greatest inspiration.
    I began writing without encouragement from anyone. I wrote a 100 page book when I was twelve.
    It was crappy, but it was a start.

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    1. I know!!! 2020, for goodness sake! Remember when "1984" seemed so far in the future...?

      Yes, we should try new things... so whatcha gonna do? I'm thinking about taking up tai chi this year. (I'd really like to try tap dancing, but alas, tai chi is more my speed... HA)

      I betcha that book written by 12-year old you wasn't crappy at all. It'd be cool if you still had it to remind yourself of how your mind worked back then. I wrote lots of stuff as a kid, but alas, all is long gone now. (So I can tell myself it was all simply "stellar" stuff... HA)

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  3. I liked the meaty story! I hope your new year will be a good one. Look after yourself. Hugs, Valerie

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    1. Thanks. I like that story, too. :)

      I hope your new year is off to a great start, and it only gets better from here. Take care, sweet lady. Hugs back atcha.

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  4. Hi Susan - I wasn't encouraged ... and so never wrote - struggled at school. My 'writing' started when I was in South Africa and I wrote out to relatives and friends ... people commented how much they enjoyed the letters ... the same when my Ma was in hospital - then the comments were 'your letters are always so positive': hence the blog name. That has allowed me to just write, educate myself and enjoy the interaction that comes my way from commenters - now I'd say friends. Funny old world ... but a wonderful one. Do hope you are both coping ... with thoughts - Hilary

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    1. Hi-ya, Hilary. I'm sorry no one encouraged you to write when you were a youngster, but you're making up for it now! Maybe your attitude about writing has changed, too. Back then, you "had" to write for school... now you "want" to write. Big difference.

      Yes, it is a wonderful world, in spite of all the problems. We're both coping. Thanks for asking. :)

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  5. I'm still laughing about the ham. I even understand why Grandma didn't buy a new pan. Make do with what you have and all...but hmmm. Happy New Year, Susan.

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    1. I'm glad the story made ya laugh. It's funny how many things we do without questioning the way we do them.

      Happy New Year to you, too, Liza.

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  6. Making connections. That's a great way to look at it.
    Think of all the ham wasted over the years...

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    1. I like to think of everything we do as an opportunity to connect with other people. (And I suspect you do, too.)

      I know! They could've made ham salad...!

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  7. just because...that's kinda the way it works. And yes, maybe to get attention. Maybe to just matter somehow. Words stick. And enough words into an article or a book seems like one actually did something.
    And yes, I do stuff just because that's how my mom did, and her mom, and her mom. Funny.
    Happy New Year to you. I hope things are settled a bit and you can write or edit more.

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    1. Yeah, words do stick. It's kinda comforting to know that our books will linger on Amazon long after we're gone. (Not that anyone will actually READ them... HA... but at least they'll be THERE.) Come to think of it, I reckon our blogs will outlive us, too.

      Happy New Year to you, too, kiddo. I'm back to editing again... so that's something...!

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  8. I love that rear view mirror saying! I heard it as it's okay to glance in the rear view mirror but you don't want to stare. Or you'll go off the road. Something like that. (Hmm, I need coffee. I hope the new year brings lots of coffee. And chocolate.)

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    1. I like the rear mirror concept, too. It's easy to get lost in what's already past, so I need to remind myself to look ahead so I can move forward.

      I hope the new year brings you all the coffee and chocolate you can handle. No coffee for me, so I'll double down on the chocolate... :)

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  9. Your books are definitely about making connections. I know that they've made me pause and say, "Hey, I know that feeling!" All the best to you in 2020 - I know that it's gonna be a great one!

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    1. Thanks! That's a very sweet thing to say.

      All the best to you in the new year, too. May you sail somewhere delightful... both in your boat and in your writing.

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  10. Answer to your question:
    I write to please myself. Sometimes it might not make sense to others. I feel a need to put what I might be feeling into words.
    I'm sure if I thought more about the "why" part the answer might be different. Just answered with my first thought.

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    1. You may be writing to please yourself, but your words also please the people lucky enough to read them. You make connections, whether you mean to or not!

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  11. “It's about making connections, and THAT is why I write. To tentatively touch someone's heart, to make them laugh or cry... to feel... to relate. And when I take stock of my life, THAT is why I will most likely continue to write.”

    Yes, that is what you do, Susan, and you do it wonderfully. You touch our funny bone and you touch our heart.

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  12. Why do I write? Because not writing doesn't feel … right! Besides, I'd be bored at home all day with nothing to do. :)

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    1. Yeah, you're right! It DOESN'T feel right not to write. Can't say that I'd be bored without it, though. (There's always reading!)

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  13. I can't not write! And it's been happening since I learned to put crayon on paper.
    Happy New Year Susan - big hugs to you and yours :-)

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    1. And I, for one, am delighted that you can't not write! Don't ever stop!

      Happy New Year to you, too. Hugs back atcha.

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  14. Yes, the Y2K was just a few years ago! I am certain of it. Glad I'm not the only one who feels that way. Since I work at a university I'm now around students who either weren't born yet or were no more than a year or two old when we reached the year 2000. I can't stand how old that makes me feel LOL.

    This was such a touching post. It is an amazing thing to have even one person connect with our writing. Makes all the difficulties worth it.

    Happy 2020 to you!

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    1. Nope, you aren't the only one who feels that way. :)

      It's definitely a heady feeling to connect with someone through writing. It's much more satisfying than the piddling amount of money we make, and it gives us validation for the way we've chosen to spend our time.

      Happy 2020 to you, too!

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  15. Time stops for no one...we just have to keep moving forward the best way we can. happy New Year!

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    1. Yep, we've gotta keep moving. Even if we're on the right track, if we just sit there, a train's liable to run right over us.

      Happy New Year to you, too!

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  16. Happy New Year to you, Susan! Thanks for filling 2019 with laughs. Love the ham story!

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    1. Thanks! Happy New Year to you, too! May we all find lots more reasons to laugh in 2020.

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  17. Long after it's proper, I'm right there with you and Janus. I seriously doubt I'll do any real writing, but love the camaraderie and care the blog community shows one another. The legend of the family ham is sure cute. My mother's been gone since 2004, yet when earlier this year I bought detergent that wasn't TIDE, I felt all this G-U-I-L-T.

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    1. Hey, silly! Blogging IS writing! And yes, it's real, too. :)

      HA! I don't think that kind of g-u-i-l-t EVER goes entirely away. It's built into our genes. A Mom thing...

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  18. I love that story about the ham! It's good to know a lot about grammar. I've always heard that writers need to know all the rules... so they know which ones to break. And why. Happy 2020!

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    1. Thanks. I like that ham story, too.

      Yeah, you're right. I reckon we have to understand the rules before we can break 'em properly.

      Happy 2020 to you, too!

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  19. Making connections sure is a great reason to write indeed. Yeah, it does seem like y2k was only a few years ago. Time sure does fly. Pffft to traditions and rules too, I'll break em if need be.

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    1. Hmmm, I can't say I'm surprised that you're a rebel when it comes to traditions and rules. You definitely march to your own drummer. Nah... on second thought, you probably march to a trombone. :)

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  20. Blessings and happy new year.
    My daughter loves to write and she has these short stories.
    i love to write to though am prone to do it when am inclined.

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    1. Blessings and happy new year to you, too!

      It's great that you and your daughter share a common love of writing. I bet you're her biggest cheerleader!

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  21. "Write what you want to write the way you want to write it."
    I do :)
    "What started you on your writing journey? etc"
    In my case I always enjoyed writing essays in school on whichever topic the teacher gave us. Usually "What did I do over the summer holidays" or "what do you learn and enjoy most about our recent outing to the library/museum. wherever"
    Most recently, I got restarted writing with the Words for Wednesday challenge, begun several years ago by Delores. I discovered I liked finding a way to include all the words in a readable, believable story.

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    1. The quality of your Words for Wednesdays stories make it clear that you enjoy writing them. You're good at it, too! I hope you stick with the writing, in whatever form it takes. (Beats hanging out in saloons!)

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  22. To touch someone's heart is a beautiful reason to write.

    Look back to learn from mistakes but don't dwell there.

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    1. Thanks. :)

      Absolutely. If I spent too much time worrying about past mistakes, I wouldn't leave enough time to make new ones! :)

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  23. I love that ham story. And I will definitely join the IWSG, since I decided to come back to writing this year (an activity I left behind because I was too insecure about it). Thank you for this post!
    I started writing a couple years ago just out of the blue. I've always wanted to do it, but on that particular day I decided to finally give it a try. And I've met so many great people here!

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    1. Great! The IWSG is definitely a great fit for you... we're ALL insecure! (And we're also tremendously supportive.) Welcome aboard!

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  24. When I graduated from college, Dr. C (my favorite professor) told me what a nice, clear writing style I had. He said I would find my niche and I did.

    Love,
    Janie

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  25. Growing up, I had an extremely hard time in school. Learning the 3 Rs seemed impossible, so did sitting still. My families' social status and general circumstances did not help. These days, I would have been drugged to oblivion. Thankfully my grade 4 teacher "tamed" me. I will never forget her kindness and patience. Love, cat

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    1. It's amazing how much difference a caring teacher can make, isn't it? I'm glad you had one of them in 4th grade, but I suspect that no one has reeeeeally "tamed" you... :)

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  26. I agree with the idea of making connections. I think, for me, part of the reason for writing is also that it helps me work through my thoughts and ideas about things. Happy New Year!!

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    1. No doubt about it. You definitely make connections with your poetry. It's highly relatable.

      Happy New Year to you, too! (Yipes, we're almost halfway through January already!)

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  27. This wins for most inspirational post of the year!

    Personally, I enjoy breaking dah rules and doing what I want. I love to write, so I don't want to ruin it by making it a job. Start doing that and you'll start wishing for vacation days and without words to keep you company, how fun is that?

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