Writing

by Phillip W. Ward

February 4, 2021

I am not a writer in the way you may imagine if you are reading this. It is my intent to make that clear from the start.  However, like all people, I have thoughts, feelings, emotions, and opinions on a wide variety of topics. More importantly, I have a desire to communicate those various sentiments in the most effective way I can. Whereas I enjoy a good face to face discussion, which on occasion can boil over into an argument, I have found that many times, at the moment I am feeling whatever I’m feeling, there simply isn’t anyone around to talk too. When that occurs, I turn to writing in order to clear my head, say my piece, clarify my thoughts, and ultimately, find peace with the issue at hand. So in that way, I am a writer. Furthering that thought, I have also learned to take a personal experience, write it down, come to grips with it, and somehow transform that experience into a written story.  Nevertheless, I have found that creating a written story is no guarantee that it will be interesting to those of you who choose to read it.  For me, it is a difficult struggle to put on paper, thoughts that would easily flow from my mouth.

To be completely honest, journaling is a more accurate depiction of what I do. For many years, I have used this technique to clarify thoughts, ease tensions, and on a positive note, document memories of enjoyable times, people, and events that have assisted me in creating the fabric of my life. Yes, I have always looked upon myself as a verbally gifted storyteller. I can spin a yarn, or make you laugh, and on occasion, bring a tear to your eye through the process of using my voice to communicate a message in that moment.  I am and always have been very comfortable in conversation.  In fact, it is this comfort level that led me to believe that I could accomplish the same goals if I chose to use the written word.  To be blunt, I thought it would be easy.  However, the skill of writing has proven to be a significant challenge for me, as I suspect it may be for many of you reading this blog.

It is not my intention to discourage you at this point, although my words my seem discouraging as they are read.  Though writing is an extremely difficult task to perform well, it is also an extremely joyful experience, even if it is done poorly.  I can say this because I seldom write anything that is publishable, but I almost never write something that doesn’t affect me in a positive way.  The joy of writing is ensconced in a person’s desire to create a literal version of their thoughts and feelings.  The joy I feel from having written a story or a book is difficult to come by in any other medium.  Plus, the only way I know how to improve at the skill is to actually write. While most of what I write is not a great read for anyone but me, I can assure you that I am totally fine with that outcome.  I write mainly for myself, and if I decide to try and share whatever I have written with others, the only real issue is that I approve of the finished product. It is with that in mind that I feel comfortable presenting you with some non-professional advice. If it helps, great!  If not, so be it. It is simply my opinions on how a person begins to develop into a writer.

The first piece of advice is that you make your writing personal. You may have a gifted imagination, but life experiences, even if you change the names, dates and places, will ring much more authentic than trying to create a scenario with which you have no prior knowledge.  This is not to say you can’t embellish your story.  But it is critical in my estimation to have at least some idea of how it feels to have been in the situation you are describing. This will serve to enhance the tale that you are sharing with your readers.

Second, you must understand that writing well is hard work. As you prepare a piece for publication, you will rewrite it so many times that you’ll feel as though you have it memorized. Experience has shown me that no matter how well I may have written something, upon review, I can find a better way to write it.  It is an endless loop requiring you at some point to simply acknowledge that what you have written is good enough. Then move on.

Third, demonstrate courage when you write. There are critics everywhere, and not just in the field of writing, as you are already aware. Toughen up, write something that interests you, that makes a point you want to make, and/or teaches a lesson you feel strongly needs to be taught. If you want to write, then you can not be afraid to fail, to be criticized, or to be laughed at. You will never accomplish anything if you approach your goals from a perspective of fear.  This is especially true in the process of learning to write. I can assure you that I have written some horrendous words, and when I’ve re-read them, I was appalled at my work. Chalk it up to experience and get better.

Finally, be kind to yourself as you create your work. No one writes a masterpiece their first time out.  All writers have hundreds of re-writes with every piece they produce. This is why it is hard work.  But on occasion, when you read something you have produced that makes you feel proud, make sure you enjoy the moment.  For it is in that moment that you realize that even if no one else appreciates what you have done, you’ll know in your heart that you have accomplished a worthwhile task. I love that feeling, and I encourage you to strive to find it for yourself.

I hope you write a lot, and I hope you enjoy it. It is a unique joy for me to work hard at this endeavor in which I am clearly not gifted.  But in a real sense, the joy of writing is embedded in the work.  It is why I continue to write, and why it is my belief, I’ll continue this for a lifetime.  Good luck to you in your work, and don’t give up!