When I tell people I am a writer- I still cringe because deep inside of me a little voice says "you can't be a writer unless you are published, paid, etc, etc.." But, I know that writing is a vital part of my life...I do not want to spend my days locked in a room writing, I write because I enjoy it...yes, even with the school papers I enjoy playing with language and fine tuning it until it can be something I am proud of...so, in naming the Artist within myself, one part of her is "writer". I read somewhere someone said "I must write or die" isnt that the truth?..... Can you imagine not being able to write anything? what if you had no hands? Kiss your hands today and say thank you...they allow our souls to be free...now, out of curiousity, I am wondering whether or not most of you write on the computer or do you write with a pen/pencil...some people say it means the difference in the world...I will tell you my secret with that...I write with a pen when I am writing in my journals..it is more personal, I feel more connected to my writing...or when I am traveling somewhere and am inspired to write poetry, prose , whatever...when I am doing blogs, school papers, etc..I type...less personal... but, I can almost type as fast as I think...please respond in the posts so I can just see which you prefer...
In of John Updikes passing away last week, I wanted to post some of my favorite quotes from him. He was an all-around American writer, looked like it and acted like it...
Each morning my characters greet me with misty faces willing, though chilled, to muster for another day's progress through the dazzling quicksand the marsh of blank paper.
We are most alive when we're in love.
Writers may be disreputable, incorrigible, early to decay or late to bloom but they dare to go it alone
What art offers is space - a certain breathing room for the spirit.
Happy Groundhogs Day!
Lupins and Early Light
4 hours ago
Ahhhh my Sweet, what a lovely space you have here ;o)!
ReplyDeleteIndeed you *are* a writer! I've witnessed and been touched by your gift.
When journaling, I used to always write with pen in a notebook. I, too, found that I could keep up better on a keyboard (and it's easier to read too!).
But! Sometimes, especially recently, it's been nice to go back to pen and paper and to give myself the gift of time and room....skipping lines for emphasis as I liked. Freeing myself from feeling I must capture every single word.
Much love, dearest one.
Your words are wonderful. I really enjoyed reading this post. The part where you talked about kissing your hands today really puts things into perspective. Writing is indeed a gift. I wish I shared your enthusiasm for writing academic papers! To answer your question about what tool to write with; pen or keyboard, I agree with you. For journaling and poetry, things more personal, I really find words with my pen. It could be because I am slower with a pen hence more thoughtful. I definitely prefer the keyboard when writing messages, letters, papers etc... It is nice to be able to cut, paste, and rearrange sentences and sections. I pretty much grew up on a keyboard but the pen is still a friend close and dear to my heart. I liked your quotes, especially the one about being most alive when you're in love, so true.
ReplyDeleteBe well,
Scott
I really likes this post. I feel the same way, I hesitate to tell someone I am writer. I am a writer, but I wonder what that means to other people. i've pretty much shelved my writing since having kids. I make time to journal (sometimes) and I write songs. the lines usually just come to me so I write them on whatever is around. Scraps of paper, napkins, sicky notes.... I need to get more organized with that. I do like to write on paper with pen but I try to do some writing on the computer. I will always prefer pen and paper, though I appreciate technology. I don't always have a computer near me when inspiration strikes.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if a dare claim I am a writer, but your comment made me look at my hands. I have fears when trying to cut a squash at thanksgiving. Thankful for my hands, and thankful I have a wife who does not have fears when trying to cut a squash. On your pencil question - I love the "scratch"of a pencil on paper. As efficient as they are, computers are not pencils. I think of Abraham Lincoln scratching out a poetic speech that will last for generations on a tattered scrap.
ReplyDeleteLuna, as hard as it is to call oneself a writer, calling oneself a poet is even worse. :) It sounds so pretentious and conjures up goodness-knows-what archaic images in people's minds. Someone in striped tights strumming on a lute? Plus they expect you to rhyme.
ReplyDeleteMy cousin and I used to be proud of our matching "writer's bumps": the protuberant callous on the middle finger from the pressure of a pen. At the turn of the last century, an ink smudge on that finger was the mark of a writer. My writer's bump has diminished as I've turned to the keyboard (what's next -- carpal tunnel?), but writing with pen in hand continues to be a meditative act. Ann