A Letter to the Disheartened Writer

 

Words are both the most beautiful and dangerous gifts bestowed upon humanity. In fact, we were spoken into existence with words, which proves that they hold the power of life and destruction. They can hold the rawest of emotions with even the softest voice, and made immortal with our fading ink. Words are so much more than our everyday sighs of contempt or momentary cries of joy. I cannot help but feel sorry for those who believe words were only meant for conversation: to communicate our dreary lives with those who will only half listen. . . 

    Poetry is the art of turning the human language into an aesthetic. It's appealing to many because in order to create it, we use the most attentive part of our minds to put our feelings and thoughts into words. Sometimes when I read a piece of literature, I can really resonate with it because I can't help but appreciate the fact that someone else felt the exact way I am feeling, and that they were able to express, quite beautifully I will add, the very things I couldn't seem to vocalize. And for this very reason I started writing my own poetry; because if and when I decide to share pieces of my own writing, my hope is that it can affect someone and touch some aspect of their life the same way these other authors have touched mine. 

     The reason I'm sharing all of this is because I want this blog to be a place for me to share my interests. I have wanted to be as open and honest as possible from the beginning, and I think letting the reader know a little bit about me and my passions is just the way to do that. I have already posted about my favorite books, and now I would like to talk about my love for writing.   

    My favorite style of writing is prose. It’s similar to poetry, but rather than stanzas and alliterations, it consists of paragraphs and sentences. Basically anything that isn't a poem is considered prose, although I do write poetry as well. I write what I wouldn’t otherwise tell people, and what I feel deeply about. Often, the things I leave unsaid (a hint at a project I am currently working on☺). I know that sounds extremely cheesy, but it's true. I am my most honest and vulnerable self when I write, and that is why its terrifying for me to allow other people to read my work. I’m positive my fellow writers can relate. There is something so special about keeping a few things to yourself; they become sacred to you, and it’s very difficult to allow somebody to read them. I would consider myself a bubbly person, and I do talk a lot about nothing, but I don’t tend to allow people to know me on an intimate level. In fact, a few months ago I finally let my best friend of six years read some of my poetry. I finally told my parents that I was working on a book for my poems. It's just not something that I choose to mention in casual conversation. It didn't really occur to me to tell them before, but the support they offered meant the world to me and I'm so glad I did. I am still learning how to open up to certain people... I just fear rejection so terribly. If I were to give advice, I would simply say that, let the people who love you dearly have a glimpse, or at least some part in your life. You won't find truer support from anyone else; because really, who are we striving to please? I would rather create for myself and my Creator, and have the support from my family and friends than create for the approval and attention of others, to only receive nothing but spite and hallow fulfillment. Even if world loves you, it would be foolish to think that it would last. It's quite simple: if you only live for the praise of others, obtaining happiness is deemed impossible. For what is the goal? Is it to become the center of everyone's envy? It is the age old trap of endless searching for the approval you will never get. You'll never be content, and it would be like grasping for the wind. 

    And now after that cynical observation, begins the part where I write to all of the writers who seem to have given up: 

     The best piece of advice I can give to writers is this: write for yourself. Write what you would want to read, and if you don't like what you write, keep writing. Every writer has a unique writing voice, so let people hear yours. The best way to improve, that I know of, is to read. Reading widens your horizons and expands your vocabulary. If you like creative writing, then read novels in the same genre you write in. My best friend is an incredibly talented writer. Like myself, she loves literature and has a deep appreciation for words. The difference between us though, is that she writes novels, and I write essays and poetry. Two very different styles of writing; hers is narrative and mine can best be described as expository, yet both are in the creative writing realm. But despite the different styles, we read to improve our writing. I look to authors such as Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald (if you haven't, check out my recommended reading list i posted), and many others for my inspiration. I love the way they write, so by reading their books I gain inspiration and new writing techniques. Really, everything I just said can be simplified into a single sentence: if you want to write well, you must read well. Read challenging books that will exercise your mind and strain your focus. I started reading classics when I was in the ninth grade, simply because I was bored and wanted a challenge. Without even realizing it, I drastically improved my writing. I'm not trying to come across as a brag, I'm merely trying to prove my point.

    I want to encourage all my fellow writers: even if you never share a single entry, poem, or a complete novel, just know that you are not writing for the rest of the world. It doesn't have to be the best; the fact that it's your writing should be enough to consider it a masterpiece. For I found that the best pieces of writing are the most genuine, and the most beautiful works are merely reflections of a bleeding heart. And if you don't write, dearest reader, but wished you do, I would encourage you to keep a journal. Take it with you everywhere, and write down anything that pops into your beautifully designed mind. Song lyrics, poems, epiphanies, jokes, drawings of flowers, life updates. . . make it messy or make it neat. But most importantly, let it reflect you. 

    I truly and earnestly hope that whoever reads this will understand that no one, not one soul on this earth, can say the things that live in your mind better than you can. The thoughts you think, the dreams you dream. . . no one on this beautiful planet can express them better than you. Yes, someone might have similar thoughts and can introduce them beautifully to the rest of mankind... but your thoughts are your thoughts. No human can possibly know what's in your beautifully designed mind, therefore your thoughts belong to you and the One who gave you the ability to think. If you believe that your thoughts are stupid, and what you have to write is silly, please know that when you write what you want to write, they are by no means silly. Heartfelt poems are better than simple rhymes on the inside of a Hallmark birthday card. It's a matter of confidence and self esteem. 

    You are all so lovely and rare, I hope you understand your immeasurable worth. Keep writing, and keep growing. Remember, we all have so much space and opportunity to learn, to grow, and to improve. I myself am still learning, but my heart is open to growth so I smile at the opportunity to learn. It's all in the attitude, friends. 

    I hope I have done my job of encouragement well. God bless ♡

─ emma k ─