Jesus Died for Somebody's Sins But Not Mine...
All of my friends changed their major at least once in college. I did not because since the age of seven I wanted to be a writer. Not a journalist, but a writer. Through the duration of my undergraduate years I wrote short stories. I was good, but I ensnared in the idea that publication meant validation of my potential. I forgot abut "art for art's sake," and became increasingly dependent on art for others. I allowed my insecurity over not being published push me away from the reason I started writing: self expression.
A few weeks ago at a dinner with friends, I mentioned that I used to write. My friend, Nate, asked why I stopped. I replied that I felt like I didn't have anything to say so I didn't see a point to ramble on about nothing. Then I asked what was his motivation. Nate grinned and said, "Why to entertain people of course." That line has stuck in my psyche since. What was my motivation? Do I want to write the next great American novel, or to entertain readers? Is it possible to do both? Good writing can be entertaining. Nate's blog http://wheelisonfire.blogspot.com/ is evidence of that.
While reading Patti Smith's memoir Just Kids about her creative/romantic relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe I started remembering my former literary aspirations. I need to get back to regular journaling, and playing with words. It's time to start cranking about bad poetry, and addressing the plot for my horrible fantasy novel. I don't really care about publication anymore. I just want to create something beautiful to me that expresses my thoughts and ideas. It's time to get over myself.
A few weeks ago at a dinner with friends, I mentioned that I used to write. My friend, Nate, asked why I stopped. I replied that I felt like I didn't have anything to say so I didn't see a point to ramble on about nothing. Then I asked what was his motivation. Nate grinned and said, "Why to entertain people of course." That line has stuck in my psyche since. What was my motivation? Do I want to write the next great American novel, or to entertain readers? Is it possible to do both? Good writing can be entertaining. Nate's blog http://wheelisonfire.blogspot.com/ is evidence of that.
While reading Patti Smith's memoir Just Kids about her creative/romantic relationship with Robert Mapplethorpe I started remembering my former literary aspirations. I need to get back to regular journaling, and playing with words. It's time to start cranking about bad poetry, and addressing the plot for my horrible fantasy novel. I don't really care about publication anymore. I just want to create something beautiful to me that expresses my thoughts and ideas. It's time to get over myself.