Every man remains a child, just the source of play differs.
Being a writer is a different sort of play. It's not some toy you pick you and toss, no, It's your identity, like that one childhood toy that you dragged with you on your adventures. (I still love you bun bun).
As the days go on and more adventures take place, you can now document and share them for others to enjoy, just as I did this article, thank you.
I love that, every man remains a child, just the source of play differs. I admit I'm just a big man child. Thanks for reading and sharing some of your thoughts, glad you enjoyed :)
I appreciate the unexpectedness in this piece—wonder and poo in the same thread. But it’s true enough, and I often long for the world of my childhood where the gross and the weird were more acceptable from that place of curiosity.
Also, this is a small detail, but I like how the speaker doesn’t say for sure who pushed them higher on the swing. “Flashes of childhood. My own pleading to go higher. Was it Dad who was pushing me? One of the big kids? A babysitter? Maybe Mom? It all blurs together.” This gives credibility to a human memory as it’s very natural to not know for sure who was where in our memories. 💙
Absolutely brilliant! I grinned the whole time I read this! I love your writing. It fills me with emotion, makes me sad, makes me giggle, breaks my heart, among many other feels. 💞
Learning about other writer's process is always interesting, not to copy it entirely, but also to feel related. I can say I have these moments of play with my writings, but not all the time, as I have come to realize, especially with my short stories, that I experience a mix of two types of writing modes: One that is playful, resembling yours, which is the one that happens to uncover the fossil (I am lending that metaphor from Stephen King, which is the equivalent to your metaphor of finding the turds). In here there's this undescribable and untraceable inspiration, I wouldn't be able to explain where these "ideas" come from, it seems I just happened to discover them.
However, then comes the second one, which requires using the tools, a (metaphoric) stick or anything that's around that can prove handy. This is when I push myself to write (or rewrite), even though I am not inspired. This is when I finish writing a scene, even when I know it's stinking, but I need to do it, or I won't be able to know what or where to cut afterward. Also, it's in this mode where there's some sort of strange blend between rationality and instinct, like when I am trying to take a picture and I know the framing is wrong, I adjust it until "it feels right."
This is indeed a great topic for discussion, not that I think there can be a universal writing framework, but there are definitely shared experiences and points of view that are common and can be very valuable for other writers to know. Thanks again for this post!
Thanks for reading Luis! I definitely agree that it's interesting to see how each of us creates a piece of writing. Thanks for sharing your two "modes" of writing.
Hey Richard, I'm doing my best to walk a fine line between work and play...Interested to see what my process looks like in a year or so. Thanks for reading and for your words of wisdom :)
Peter, you are a writer. You don't have to become one. You're already there. You were a damn good soccer player once, but you still had practices, right? That's how I view it. When you, or I, or anyone writes, we're practicing an art form. Look at this post you just wrote as an example. You're writing something very good about writing something you struggle with....Always forward, carry on brother. -Jim
Hey Jim, thanks for giving this a read. And I appreciate your thoughts and words of encouragement! Love the way you put this into perspective...practicing an art form. I will carry on my friend!
You'll succeed. Everyone's been at that point, really. Just listen to what you feel and write it. No constrictions. No limitations or inadequacies. Just write as you like it.
Peter, you will never lose that ability to see the world through the eyes of a child. Trust me. My inner child recognized yours right away. This was an excellent write and a pleasure to read! The next sound you hear will be the giggle of my inner child as she waves 'bye-bye' to yours ... 💕
I like your writing, and whatever your method may be, it’s working for you! This was fun to read, I liked the playful ness
Hey Jenn, thanks for giving me a read. Ecstatic that you are enjoying my stuff!
It’s very good, thank you for sharing your words
Every man remains a child, just the source of play differs.
Being a writer is a different sort of play. It's not some toy you pick you and toss, no, It's your identity, like that one childhood toy that you dragged with you on your adventures. (I still love you bun bun).
As the days go on and more adventures take place, you can now document and share them for others to enjoy, just as I did this article, thank you.
I love that, every man remains a child, just the source of play differs. I admit I'm just a big man child. Thanks for reading and sharing some of your thoughts, glad you enjoyed :)
I appreciate the unexpectedness in this piece—wonder and poo in the same thread. But it’s true enough, and I often long for the world of my childhood where the gross and the weird were more acceptable from that place of curiosity.
Also, this is a small detail, but I like how the speaker doesn’t say for sure who pushed them higher on the swing. “Flashes of childhood. My own pleading to go higher. Was it Dad who was pushing me? One of the big kids? A babysitter? Maybe Mom? It all blurs together.” This gives credibility to a human memory as it’s very natural to not know for sure who was where in our memories. 💙
Hey Bella, thanks for taking the time to give me a read and leave a comment! It means a lot.
Memories are certainly interesting and it's funny what we do recall sometimes!
Absolutely brilliant! I grinned the whole time I read this! I love your writing. It fills me with emotion, makes me sad, makes me giggle, breaks my heart, among many other feels. 💞
Thanks for giving me a read Lisa and thanks for this wonderful comment! Makes my heart full to know you are enjoying the writing!
Yes. indeed!
Certainly the most original comparison to the writing process that I've ever seen.
Ha, thanks for reading Bill! Hope you enjoyed :)
Learning about other writer's process is always interesting, not to copy it entirely, but also to feel related. I can say I have these moments of play with my writings, but not all the time, as I have come to realize, especially with my short stories, that I experience a mix of two types of writing modes: One that is playful, resembling yours, which is the one that happens to uncover the fossil (I am lending that metaphor from Stephen King, which is the equivalent to your metaphor of finding the turds). In here there's this undescribable and untraceable inspiration, I wouldn't be able to explain where these "ideas" come from, it seems I just happened to discover them.
However, then comes the second one, which requires using the tools, a (metaphoric) stick or anything that's around that can prove handy. This is when I push myself to write (or rewrite), even though I am not inspired. This is when I finish writing a scene, even when I know it's stinking, but I need to do it, or I won't be able to know what or where to cut afterward. Also, it's in this mode where there's some sort of strange blend between rationality and instinct, like when I am trying to take a picture and I know the framing is wrong, I adjust it until "it feels right."
This is indeed a great topic for discussion, not that I think there can be a universal writing framework, but there are definitely shared experiences and points of view that are common and can be very valuable for other writers to know. Thanks again for this post!
Thanks for reading Luis! I definitely agree that it's interesting to see how each of us creates a piece of writing. Thanks for sharing your two "modes" of writing.
but I’m aware that as my writing becomes more like a job, I may lose something in the process. --don't let it be a job : )
Hey Richard, I'm doing my best to walk a fine line between work and play...Interested to see what my process looks like in a year or so. Thanks for reading and for your words of wisdom :)
Peter, you are a writer. You don't have to become one. You're already there. You were a damn good soccer player once, but you still had practices, right? That's how I view it. When you, or I, or anyone writes, we're practicing an art form. Look at this post you just wrote as an example. You're writing something very good about writing something you struggle with....Always forward, carry on brother. -Jim
Hey Jim, thanks for giving this a read. And I appreciate your thoughts and words of encouragement! Love the way you put this into perspective...practicing an art form. I will carry on my friend!
You'll succeed. Everyone's been at that point, really. Just listen to what you feel and write it. No constrictions. No limitations or inadequacies. Just write as you like it.
Hey Trevor, thanks for reading through this piece and thanks for your words of encouragement :) I'll continue writing for sure!
Everyone has their own unique process that should be honoured. Thanks for posting, Peter.
Hey Diana, thanks for giving me a read! Trust the process :)
Peter, you will never lose that ability to see the world through the eyes of a child. Trust me. My inner child recognized yours right away. This was an excellent write and a pleasure to read! The next sound you hear will be the giggle of my inner child as she waves 'bye-bye' to yours ... 💕
Hey C.J. thanks for reading and for your words of encouragement! I'm glad you enjoyed this piece :)