Returning to Learning, Rewriting the Story
I love words and the way they come together, entwined in the intimate dance of language. I’ve always written spontaneously, with the belief that formal structure and rules would take away the power of the words. I am finding the opposite now.
Structured learning has always been a challenge for me. As soon as a word like ‘study’ appeared, everything tightened up. Creativity felt stifled. The creative challenge converts to linguistic chaos. I find it hard to stay full present, the echoes of self-doubt awaken. My confidence is crushed, I second guess my every word. My attention wavers. The story continues but I’m no longer present, I become a bystander instead of a participant.
However, since I’ve started to read, to reflect on others’ works I have found that skill and style actually add to the depth and beauty of the words. When I began to explore language I thought my words painted a petty good picture of a tree, but now I can see that this tree is but one in the massive forest of life where the variation of trees in unending.
Looking into others’ work shows me the incredible range, scope and power of language and I’ve barely touched the tip of the iceberg. The way words are used opens up another labyrinth of ideas, and when emotions are attached the power of language is limitless.
A small collection of ideas can project so much. For example:
‘The Wind Blew, The Rain Was Heavy’
The wind grabbed at them, forcing them into submission, shaking them mercilessly as the roots grip the earth with unrelenting strength. The rain cascades from the heavens - DOOM SHALL BE.
The wind of judgement blew with an ice cold chill as the jury rose - there seemed little need for deliberation. Tears fell mirroring the relief felt when the rain finally breaks the crushing control of the drought.
The words are similar but how different the image. I’m so in awe of writers whose works I’ve visited. They have truly opened my mind.
If the urge to write is playing in the catacombs of your mind, if you have an old piece of work you’re thinking of resurrecting or if you are completely new to the art - be true to yourself and put ink on paper, plant the seed, test your passion. Your words are yours while you write them but once you offer them to others for reading they read them through their eyes. The content of your work can stay true but the words are colored by the emotion of the reader. When opening my mind, reading and experiencing the magic of the pieces, I’ve discovered just how wide and varied this form of presentation is and can be. If you have the urge to express yourself in this fashion, go for it. Remember the powerful gift other writers offer us. Observe the skills and concepts. Play with words, with punctuation, with layout and structure, with patterns and styles.
Writing a story, getting it acknowledged, starts with one idea. Nurture that idea. Play with it. Watch it grow as you evolve. A story starts with a single word - Write!
