If Writing Was a Person

 If Writing Was a Person

Once upon a time, in a far-off magical land, there lived a …
No, that doesn’t fit. Let me try again. 

Hello, let me introduce myself…
Ah! No, I don’t like that either. Maybe this. 

It was a beautiful morning without a cloud in the sky and …
No! Just no!
Okay, I think I have it now. Here goes.

For some, I am a welcomed friend, part of their daily lives and intertwined in their experiences and memories. For others, I am avoided and feared, and accused of haunting their existence, waiting around every corner to unexpectedly pounce on them. If you were lucky, we met when you were just a small child and we have had a good, and sometimes grand relationship, filled with adventures, curiosity, and an abundance of imagination. For many, you found yourself on a different journey. Sure, we most likely met when you were a small child but then your travels took you to places where I was not seen as having as much value or needing the same kind of attention as others. Unfortunately, this most likely made me seem more like a burden or requirement rather than the friend I could have been.

                   

Let me tell you a bit about myself. I usually start in the form of scribbles made with crayons and markers. With time, modeling, and practice I develop into legible shapes that convey meaning and possibility. Sometimes I am put onto paper or typed, and I can even take another form and be spoken and shared from person to person and generation to generation. Once it is understood how to link and join me, the real fun of our journey begins, or this is where things can also go wrong.

There is good news! No matter which path you have traveled, or how long ago your journey began, there are an abundance of ways you can connect with me and discover how enjoyable and valuable I can be. Some of my favorite ways are with different kinds of journaling, such as reflective, nature and moon journaling.  and creative ways that invite you to freely express yourself and tap into your thoughts, experiences, and imagination. I have met a lot of people, especially those who are reluctant and struggle with me, who love comic book and graphic novel creations. Then there are some who want to create children’s books and others who have stories about amazing and even scary places. There are so many possibilities, fiction, nonfiction, academic, and more. Really, you just need to try them all and see which ones you like the best! 

You won’t believe this, but there is actually a place in Frisco, Texas where you can get to know me better. It is where your curiosity and inspiration can be set free and your imagination and creativity discovered and brought to life. It’s called Write On! and they have weekly workshops, summer camps, and courses for older teens and adults. Visit their website at writeonfrisco.com or on Facebook @writeonfrisco .     

Now, there are a few more things I need to tell you. First, the more you interact with me the better, and it also important to spend time with my friend Reading too. It is said that the more time you spend with me and Reading, the better Writer and Reader you will become. So, to help you out, I have some books and series that I think you might enjoy.

Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo  (All ages)
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Series by C.S. Lewis (Upper elementary) 

The Wicked Series by Gregory Maguire (Adult)

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowlings (Upper elementary +) 

The Giver Trilogy by Lois Lowry (Middle school +)

Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett (Adult) 

Hamilton, Grant, and Washington by Ron Chernow (Adult)

If you are wanting to learning even more about me and improve your skills and techniques, here are some amazing books for you.

Writing Well by Stephen King

Bird by Bird by Ann Lamott

On Writing Well by William Zinsser

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B.White

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder

Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg

A few last thoughts to share from a couple of my old friends. 

"Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it's the only way you can do anything really good." - William Faulkner

“Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” ―Mary Oliver

“You can make anything by (with) writing.” - C.S. Lewis