Thank you Imola! I adored this piece and really resonated with that healing process of writing. I sometimes struggle to write in the same way from the light as I do when I'm in the dark, as in travelling a dark night of the soul...it doesn't always feel as visceral, which is something I'd love to explore more!
Oh, I'm so glad this piece idea resonates with you. You have given me another idea!! I think I'd like to write another essay now about how to write from light/joy! :) I hear you on your point. Let me explore this question. Thank you for the kind words, and inspiration Kali! And welcome!
Your subject matter brought insights to me. Some find peace for their hard life n the bottom of a bottle. I realized I find peace and solace by writing, I've invented a different world and the people that inhabit it. I can have fun and be carefree in that world. I'm addicted to words.
Imola - so much here! Thank you for such a thoughtful post! And I was so nodding at the response of your friend to a poem that had you feeling like you were looking up at the blue sky swinging high by yourself in the park and he was - 'What?!" I've had that, too with a close friend who almost always gets me, but ironically, not about the joy of letting go to write. Or writing to let go. It's ironic because he's a former business partner, long-time friend, and the ironic art - a journalist (recently retired too . . . maybe write?) and he doesn't feel that. But he's a "Serious Writer" of economics, and the world, and not into "that whole prompt thing" to get started. So there's no joy. And I don't think there is more than an outline, which he has always used to structure things.
Oh, my god, an outline, ike for a poem? I think it would kill every spark in my body. For a novel or a business tome, sure, I get it. Structure. Form . But letting go? Emptying? When you run out of words, or fall asleep, or have to make dinner because, well it's 8:30 - that's when it ends.
That runner's/writer's high - who wouldn't want that?! I think if Ian - or my friend Lee - doesn't feel it, we can only hope they will have their own. Then they'll get it. Maybe. (I hope it's not a guy thing . . . 0 Until that, stay found!
I’m so glad this resonated with you Joanne. My friend actually gets me, even without words, but his priority as a good friend is always to make sure I’m okay, before I write anything brilliant. As for writing, it’s a practice. As life itself. I’m glad we can check in with each other and support each other in our journey.
who corrects their replies? Me. He's retired to write. Not retired too - I'm not retired. He quit before 60 because economics writing does pay well ;-)
Thanks for this! Writing is an odd endeavor. I understand a journal or a diary as a place to write for many of the reasons you talk about in this post. But what is the role of publishing? That is, are readers necessary to the process? If so, why?
Dan, this could be another post! There is definitely a distinction between writing to heal, and writing for creative purposes. Let me go digging for wisdom…
Thank you Imola! I adored this piece and really resonated with that healing process of writing. I sometimes struggle to write in the same way from the light as I do when I'm in the dark, as in travelling a dark night of the soul...it doesn't always feel as visceral, which is something I'd love to explore more!
Oh, I'm so glad this piece idea resonates with you. You have given me another idea!! I think I'd like to write another essay now about how to write from light/joy! :) I hear you on your point. Let me explore this question. Thank you for the kind words, and inspiration Kali! And welcome!
Oo, I very much look forward to reading this piece that's brewing :)
Your subject matter brought insights to me. Some find peace for their hard life n the bottom of a bottle. I realized I find peace and solace by writing, I've invented a different world and the people that inhabit it. I can have fun and be carefree in that world. I'm addicted to words.
This is wonderful to hear Michael! I share your addiction:)
You are lucky to have suh a good friend. Looking forward to seeing more of your essays.
"be open to the playfulness of writing" Bravo. When you're having fun, it shows.
I agree :))
Thank you for the shoutout, Imola! This is a great essay--makes me think you should write a book on writing.
That is extremely kind of you Mary! Your wise words always resonate with me. Perhaps we could co-write that book…?
Such a beautiful, and powerful post. And a really good reminder for me. The gospel of Thomas is a nice touch :)
I do t know where I have heard it first…. :)
Imola - so much here! Thank you for such a thoughtful post! And I was so nodding at the response of your friend to a poem that had you feeling like you were looking up at the blue sky swinging high by yourself in the park and he was - 'What?!" I've had that, too with a close friend who almost always gets me, but ironically, not about the joy of letting go to write. Or writing to let go. It's ironic because he's a former business partner, long-time friend, and the ironic art - a journalist (recently retired too . . . maybe write?) and he doesn't feel that. But he's a "Serious Writer" of economics, and the world, and not into "that whole prompt thing" to get started. So there's no joy. And I don't think there is more than an outline, which he has always used to structure things.
Oh, my god, an outline, ike for a poem? I think it would kill every spark in my body. For a novel or a business tome, sure, I get it. Structure. Form . But letting go? Emptying? When you run out of words, or fall asleep, or have to make dinner because, well it's 8:30 - that's when it ends.
That runner's/writer's high - who wouldn't want that?! I think if Ian - or my friend Lee - doesn't feel it, we can only hope they will have their own. Then they'll get it. Maybe. (I hope it's not a guy thing . . . 0 Until that, stay found!
I’m so glad this resonated with you Joanne. My friend actually gets me, even without words, but his priority as a good friend is always to make sure I’m okay, before I write anything brilliant. As for writing, it’s a practice. As life itself. I’m glad we can check in with each other and support each other in our journey.
who corrects their replies? Me. He's retired to write. Not retired too - I'm not retired. He quit before 60 because economics writing does pay well ;-)
Thanks for this! Writing is an odd endeavor. I understand a journal or a diary as a place to write for many of the reasons you talk about in this post. But what is the role of publishing? That is, are readers necessary to the process? If so, why?
Dan, this could be another post! There is definitely a distinction between writing to heal, and writing for creative purposes. Let me go digging for wisdom…