Sharing Zome Thoughts On Finding Your "Creative Self" through Writing (Updated)

Article Title: Sharing some Thoughts on Finding Your "Creative Self" through Writing (Updated)
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Line Space: 65 characters
Category (key words): Writing, Creative Writing, Writing Hints/Tips
Web Sites: http://www2.webng.com/write
z/ and http://www.craiglockbooks.com

Publishing Guidelines: This piece (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

"We share what we know, so that we all may grow."n *

Sharing some Thoughts on Finding Your "Creative Self" through Writing - How to Follow your Intuition, your Heart in Expressing Yourself through your Words n
"I never had any doubts about my abilities. I knew I could write. I just had to figure out how to eat while doing this." n- Cormac McCarthy

Introduction: This article has been largely based on an excellentnbook called 'Writing down the Bones' by Natalie Goldbergn(Shambhala-Boston and London 1986). My piece has been adaptednfrom Natalie's creative endeavours and I've added some bits of my own,nbased on my early experiences of the writing jou
ey (and life - because you do LIVE it!).

This is a good book from a feminine (and rather "airy-fairy", like most writers) perspective, unlike this "male/macho" note alliteration) author.
However, Natalie Goldberg imparts many interesting and helpfulnthoughts, with which I whole-heartedly agree...and that is mynpurpose in sharing them with you.

Let's now get straight into it...

Writers help people to see the world differently - from the writer's perspective. I believe that the writer's obligations to readers is to instruct, entertain, or somehow extend one's perceptions of life. "I write because something inside myself, inner and unconscious forces me to. That is the first compulsion. The second is one of ethical and moral duty. I feel responsible to tell stories that inspire readers to consider more deeply who they are."

Writing often arises from a sense of loss, where the well-spring is a sense of sadness. Often it's from an unusual set of circumstances or life crisis ('cos we writers are sensitive little souls). Many writers write to try to make sense of their lives, ie find meaning (me too!). I don't write for an audience (a particular one, at least); but write what I want "from the heart" about ideas that I want to express, or a story I might wish to share....in a particular voice or spectrum. For me the writer is an "observer of life" and let's the reader "see the world through new eyes". I believe the writers obligations to readers are to instruct, entertain, or somehow extend one's perceptions of life. So I write not only to impart knowledge, but also to inform myself at the same time. I write to get people to "think about what I feel are important issues" ( at least to me and my life), to attempt to "open up new worlds" to others, to somehow try to extend the reader's "perception of the amazing path of life".

My writing "jou
ey" of my various books is my life jou
ey: one of ideas, beliefs, values and so on - of growth as a person and a human 'bean', hopefully. And* I write to try to make some difference, a better world in my 'own little way'. n
And this "discovery in self awareness and self exploration", has been a fascinating and exciting jou
ey into the unknown.nn* Can I begin a sentence with the conjunctive (big word, eh!) 'And'?nnn *
Words have such great power - to change people's nperceptions...and so the world. To entertain, uplift, encourage, impact and hopefully even inspire others (that's my writing mission). The right words can uplift, inspire,nheal, and create endless joy and love in our lives.

Words have tremendous power in them. However, the the wrong words can depress, discourage, hurt, and bring us sensitive human 'beans' endless misery and pain. What a powerful tool - words! And the writer's job is to use them most effectively and master them...

However...

Always remember that writing is sustained hard work. Simply let go. Trust in love andnit will take you where you need to go. Trust in WHAT you love,ncontinue to do it, and it will take you where you need to go. Younwill eventually have a deep security in doing what you want. Donbig salaries mean security anyway? TRUST your own mind at allntimes.

Here are a few more thoughts on writing...
Writers help people to see the world differently; however let us always be kind in the world. Make your story real, ie human and one that 'touches' other's lives in some way.
So the reader can somehow relate to the characters in the story- protagonist (big word, eh!) and so on.

Some other pointers (in point form)...n* Small ideas become bigger.nn* Revise your work constantly.nn* Strive for excellence in your worknn* Ask your 'Infinite Spirit' within your heart for inspiration.nn* Be totally honest to the story that is being told.nn* "Use short, sharp sentences."nn- Hemingway (what my dear doting 'over-the-top' mother calls me - mothers!)nn* "All fiction is auto-biographical." n- Forste
*
There is no logical ABC way to becoming a writer. Differentnthings work for different people. No one's wrong and right. Wherento write? Write clearly and with great honesty.

READ AND TRUST. There is no security nor assurance that becausenyou wrote something good two months ago, you will do it again.
Each time we begin, we wonder how we did it before. Each time isna new jou
ey with no maps. Handwrite, then type?? Use tools,nlike talking into a tape recorder.

Commit yourself to the time period for writing. You can thennincrease it. Keep your hand moving. Don't cross out. Don't worrynabout spelling, punctuation and grammar on your first draft. Losencontrol. Don't think. Don't get logical. Go for the jugular. Ifnsomething comes up that is scary, just go for it - it is probablynemotional. Inspiration means breathing in God.

Remember: first thoughts have tremendous energy. Breathing in isnbreathing in God. Practice - it's like running. The more you donit, the better you get. Practice whether you want to or not.
Don't wait for inspiration. Feel free and write anything thatncomes into your head. Don't expect something great everytime younsit down to write. Simply, "peel away the layers of your heart".
Continue to open and trust in your own voice and process. Learnnto trust yourself and not give in to the voice that wants tonavoid writing. However, doing this takes continual practice -nwrite whatever is running through you. Write only for yourselfnand no-one else. Writing takes continual practice. Writenwhatever's running through your veins, then keep practicing.

Writers are passionate "arty-farty creative people" (a bit different to people in "normal jobs"!) - they are passionate about sharing their views and perspectives on the world. Hemingway wrote about Michegan while living in Paris. I write about diverse and vibrant South Africa in tranquil and beautiful New Zealand.

I love to write and share stories that matter a lot to me, in terms of my deepest values ("the artistic temprament"??). True stories from people's lives in history, that are worth sharing with others, as they have great meaning regarding the universal human condition. So I write about ordinary people in exceptional circumstances and times, that hopefully uplift and impact others through certain people's great generosity of spirit inherant in the human condition to overcome great obstacles or adversity in their lives! In short, my various stories are about the indominatable and unquenchable strength of the human spirit.

Make a list of topics to write about. Jot them down. Noticenand gather material for writing in your daily life (and perhaps file under subjects):

1. the quality of light coming in through the window.

2. I remember...

3. A visit to the laundromat. How you spend your morning
Something you feel strongly about. Visualise a place you reallynlove. Leaving a place or person, divorce, etc. My first memory, what is your first memory? Describe a grandparent. People you have loved. Streets you have lived in. The characters you have met (my friends say that would be a best-seller!). n
Write about: subjects like:n * swimmingn * the stars n* the most frightened you have beenn* how you learnt about sex n* my first sexual experience (Oh no!)n* the closest you felt to God or nature n* reading books that changed your life n* tales of physical endurance n* the most encouraging teachers you have had.no
* your unusual set of life experiencesn n *
DISCIPLINE is vital in writing. Write anything. It's QUANTITY and not quality that counts. Don't worry about your talent - that will grow as you practice your craft (and writing is a craft). If you want to write a novel, write essays or short stories, just write. You will learn HOW and develop your style with confidence. You learn by DOING it. Let go of everything when you write. Use a simple beginning with simple words to express what you have written. Writing "splits you open". It strips you and lets the world see you how you are as a human being. As such it's a "religious experience", a "spiritual jou
ey". Write about your obsessions. Always think about writing, but remember the life of an 'artist' is not easy. Never!

Writing is a "life time self-discovery", as life is so rich. Wenhave lived a moment that is important as a writer - we arencarriers of details that make up history. Have the ingredients ofnyour life - a mix of ingredients, like a cake. Reading poetry isnlike feeling the breath of inspiration at the moment the English poet Shelley wrote those words. Keep your pen moving - write a lot. N.B: Keep your heart open. Just practice writing, learn to trust your inner voice, then direct it. READ, LISTEN and THINK. LISTEN, READ and WRITE, being precise and not self absorbed.

Write about the meal you love, about food. Be specific, give thendetails: Where, who with, your best meal last week.

Write what YOU want: novels, essays, short stories. You willngradually acquire the confidence you need to develop thentechniques required for your craft. We learn writing by DOING itnand not from teachers or writing classes.

I believe writing is a spiritual experience - opening your heartnto the world. Writing is a form of energy - powerful andnfocussed. Learn to trust the force of your own voice.

Writers write about their obsessions - things that haunt them,nthings they can't forget, stories they carry around in thei
bodies waiting to be released. Some change, some are forgotten.

Make a list - they are very powerful. What do you think about anlot? They are very powerful, because obsessions have power.
Harness that power. The life of an artist is never easy. However,nthere is great freedom in being a writer and writing - it's verynfulfilling in doing whatever you want. Knowing yourself and whatnyou are, what you are doing on this earth and why you were "putnhere"...then simply doing it. When it becomes an obsession, younwill naturally begin writing about it.

Use original detail in your writing - love the power of details.
We have lived. Our moments are important - that's what it meansnto be a writer...the carrier of details, that make up history.
It's like baking a cake, the ingredients are the details of you
life. You can't just list them: born in...father, mother and sonon. Use details - they are the basic unit of writing. With mostnwriters, money isn't the driving force. Percy Bsychen(spelling??) Shelley: you are breathing his inspired breath atnthat precise moment he wrote those beautiful words in the poem.

To be a good writer you need to do three things. Read a lot,nlisten well and deeply...and write a lot. Also don't think toonmuch? Just keep your pen moving across the page. If you read goodnbooks, when you write, then good books will come out of you. Justnlisten, read and write. Little by little, you will expressnyourself through your voice. Be patient and don't worry about it.
Just sing and write in tune.

Write precisely - no long descriptions about irrelevant detailsnand characters. Know your goal and stay present with it. If you
mind wanders, bring it gently back. Don't get obsessed ornself-absorbed.

Where do you want to go with your writing? What are your deepestndreams? Write them down. Take them seriously. Listen to you
creative voice.

Don't tell, but SHOW. About emotions like honesty, love, hate,ntruth, anger and sorrow. Show what made you angry. As the reader,nwe will read it and feel angry. Don't tell your readers what tonfeel. Show them the situation and the feeling will awaken innthem.

Be specific - what kind of fruit is it? Not a flower in thenwindow, but a geranium - because the word gives a far morenspecific picture setting the scene. However, doing this takesnsingle-minded concentration.

Everyone has their own style, so don't worry about it. Writersnare a great lovers - they fall in love with other writers. Anglimmer of hope for me then!

Keep your hand moving. Don't doodle, don't daydream. Write untilnyou're spent. Writing is the act of discovery (self). We startnwith an empty page, or painting on a blank canvas. It's likenelectricity, "lighting up the world". Surrender yourself to thenmoment of where you are. As a writer, you are part of life aroundnyou. Love this life, because it is ours and in the moment therenis nothing better. For every book that gets published, there arenprobably thousands that aren't. Just write another. Each one willnget better with practice. Get up again after being knocked. Inknow all about that one - for years and years! PERSERVERE. Don'tnlisten to doubt - it only leads to pain and negativity. Don't paynattention to these voices, the critics. Have determination andnpatience to "stick at it", like superglue! (That's a simile, bynthe way).

Gore Vidal has a wonderful quote. He says: "As every author andnevery reader knows, writing well is the best trip of them all.
Don't even worry about writing 'well'. For me just writing isnheaven. Writing has tremendous energy. Out of hurt, makes it OK,nout of love. Don't write for money. Just be kind in the world.
Let go completely and just WRITE, Trust your own voices.
PRACTICE. Put in a great effort. Don't just put in the time.
Writing every day doesn't necessarily improve your writing. Waitntill you are hungry for something to say."

If writing for a long time (months), rest for a while. Donsomething different. Go into your writing with your whole heart.
Say, "I have to write every day." Don't follow this rule blindly.
It teaches us about life - very deep thoughts, eh?

If stuck, write about a meal you love, or foods you love most. Benspecific, give the details. Always be aware that loneliness goesnwith writing. Art is communication, compassion. Reach out in you
writing to another lonely soul. You can write things like: "Thisnis how I felt when..." It's SHARING.

Don't get caught in the trap of being 'provincial', like many of then"insular-minded inhabitants of 'Sleepy Hollow'" here. Go to you
region, but don't stop there. Look closely at more of the world.
I try to do that at all times.

Tell your stories to friends, then write them down. Do it in 10,
15, 20, or 30 minute sessions. Work up gradually. Read noncomments.

Ideas- use the amazing power of your creative imagination. Hownabout a box for topic suggestions. Things like, My first sexualnexperience. Oh no!

CLAIM YOUR WRITING. Most artists find it hard to acquire peacenand confidence - acknowledge it. Trust yourself. Look at you
work honestly. The best test is time. If you are not sure whethe
something is good, put it away for a while - for say, six months.
Have patience. Just let go.

Rereading and rewriting. It's best to wait a while before younre-read your writing. Anything we fully do is an 'alone' jou
eyn- one of very intense emotions. No one else can understand whatnyou went through. However, eventual success is not always a happynoccasion - it can also be lonely, isolating and disappointing.
Bit of a "let down", perhaps! If they want to publish, sayn"that's nice"; but just continue to write. If they don't, haventhe same reaction. n
You can plan to inform, impact, enchant, dazzle, enlighten nand uplift people in your writings: with light-hearted words nof entertainment, of suspense, sadness, words ofnlaughter and love.*

For me writing has been an intriguing jou
ey into the unknown - a great jou
ey of self discovery. Writers , like musicians, say that "the music is in them and they just want to get it out... so I'll just continue writing "till I drop". Through your words you may even lead some people from darkness into the light. It all depends on your ATTITUDE - THE KEY TO HAPPINESS AND WRITING SUCCESS.

HAPPY WRITING 'till you drop' and

GOOD LUCK* in getting out and playing the best music that is in you.

Craig Locknhttp://www.craiglockbooks.com nn* which is sometimes defined as where 'preparedness meets opportunity'

P.S: How's this for powerful writing and the impact and beauty of the written word...

"Someday, after we have mastered the winds, the waves, the tide and gravity, we shall harness for God the energies of love. Then, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire."n- Teilhard De Chardinnn* Robert Ingersol suggests this great truth:
"In the night of death, hope sees a star and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing."
I think this is one of the most beautiful lines in all of English literature,nso sharing with you.

"It took me 15 years to find out that I had no talent for writing, but by then I couldn't give it up, because by then I was too famous to give up."n- Robert Benchley

"The world would have you agree with its dismal dream ofnlimitation. But the light would have you soar like the eagle of your sacred visions." n- Alan Cohen

Submitter's Note:
As mentioned previously, the material in thisnarticle was largely sourced from an excellent book, 'Writing Downnthe Bones' by Natalie Goldberg (Shambhala-Boston and Londo

1986). Thanks for sharing your wisdom and writing experiences, Natalie...which I'm passing on in the form of this article.n nhttp://www2.webng.com/write
z/creative.html
The "original" online creative writing course

All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children - MINE n
What's the definition of an aspiring author?
A waiter!

What's the difference between a writer and a family pizza?
The pizza can feed a family of four!

To end off, how's this for a simile...

"Her breasts heaved like untethered Zeppelins."
Time then to start writing that Mills and Boon romantic novel, Craig!

THIS ARTICLE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHEDn n n nnn nnnn