Writing is always connected with the idea of pleasure to me. When I am writing, I lose all sense of time and space, and look deep inside myself to find words that will compose my texts. I remember making up stories since I was a small child, even before I could actually write words; I would scribble drawings on paper to reveal my stories. Those moments always brought me so much fun, as much as they do today.
Although it is always a pleasure, I find myself writing for two occasions: first, when I have deadlines, and I am forced to produce a piece of writing I was asked for, and second, when I have an idea that keeps pulsating in my mind, and stops me from doing anything else. There are some environments in which I certainly feel more comfortable to express my creativity, such as a garden or my own bedroom. These are spaces where I feel safe to write, always in silence and completely alone. People and exterior noises distract me. I also feel they are invading and changing the course of my writing. Listening to some music before this process though, might motivate me. However, when an idea starts, I may stop wherever I am in order to write. Once, I was leaving work late at night, when a whole story formed in my mind. Without hesitating, I got into my car in the car park, locked the doors, opened my laptop and wrote one of my favorite stories so far. These are unusual moments and when they set in, I respect them and simply write. I write the final draft in my laptop, preferably during the day, and completely alone, but I always keep a little notebook and a pencil with me wherever I go. When I have an idea, or something inspires me, I open that little notebook of the moment and write. Ideas come from the world around me. There are certain places where I may feel more inspired, but I believe everything has its own magic that is just waiting to be discovered and recorded. Sometimes, however, I wake up in the middle of the night and write. The ideas may come from my previous day, or even from my dreams. More often, they come from something I read. Reading is a powerful source of new ideas to me, especially my own writing. Reading and re-reading something I wrote before, will ignite my creativity to write more and more. If I get a block, I stop writing and switch to something different, preferably in a completely different environment. Physical activities, such as running, one of my passions, will help me overcome any difficulties I had previously, and find my own motivation again. I write the first draft on loose papers with a pencil. I like the idea of playing with words in the space of a white sheet of paper, sometimes drawing or writing the words in different places and shapes and forms. Then, I always put the papers aside for one or two days. When I come back to them, fresh perspectives and new ideas force me to change my writing. If I set it aside a second time, I will change it again. I feel that every time the papers and I are apart geographically, I'll be able to return and tackle new perspectives that I hadn’t covered before. That is why I write the final draft on my laptop and only show it to one or two people I trust. I experience the pleasure of seeing how my ideas provoked comments and then give me new directions to follow. And even though I may not be able to change a text anymore, these new directions will lead me to more pleasant moments of writing. And beginning a whole new story again – more and more pleasure! This post has been originally published on The Asian Teacher-Writer Group website, 2014: http://flexiblelearning.auckland.ac.nz/cw/index.html Republished here with permission from The Asian Teacher-Writer Group.
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When you attempt to picture a 'writer', what do you see? A solitary person, with paper all around, typing his/her next great novel?
To me, writing is so much more than that. Writing is a tool for thinking, expression, and encouraging creativity. In this way, all of us are writers. But maybe we do not make writing a regular habit and enjoy all its benefits. Many people have already stated the benefits of regular writing. Here I will share some of them: 1. Writing makes you happier There has been many books and articles on the benefits and therapeutic of 'expressive writing', that is, putting what you think and feel to paper. For example, writing out your goals in life may increase your motivation; blogging may improve your mood, well- being, and reduce stress levels. All these benefits have been reported by those who engage in it regularly. 2. Writing helps handle hard times There are many studies that show that writing about trauma is a powerful way to come to terms with what happened and to accept the outcome. However, timing is essential for expressive writing. Forcing the process to happen may only worsen things and make people even more depressed. But if it is an activity engaged in naturally, the benefits might be amazing for many traumas. 3. Writing keeps you 'in shape' as you age Writing is a thinking exercise, and just like physical exercise, it can help you keep in shape as you age. It keeps you thinking regularly and helps keep the mental rust from forming. 4. Writing leads to better thinking and better communication When you write on a regular basis, you do not have difficulty in using words to describe feelings, share experiences, and communicate with others. Also, the 'tip of the tongue' feeling, or being unable to remember words when speaking will disappear when you write regularly. It will help you communicate highly complete ideas more effectively. 5. Writing leads to better learning There is a certain discipline required to create interesting written work that demands the person be receptive and focused on finding new sources of information, inspiration, and insight. This will lead to a better learning of your subject matter. Writing also encourages personal development. You may begin to build on ideas, which will lead to a further exploration of your interests and a better understanding of what you are writing about. 6. Writing helps you think clearly When you try to mentally juggle too many thoughts at the same time, you do not think clearly and that leads to distraction. Writing allows abstract information to cross over into the tangible world, and helps you think more clearly. 7. Writing leads to gratitude Writing down the good things in your life once a week makes you feel more positive and motivated about your current situation in your future. It happens because it forces you to really look at why those things make you happy. 8. Writing helps you relax Consider keeping a notepad beside your bed, and allot 15-20 minutes every night to writing down your thoughts about the day. If there are things that are stressing you out, getting them down on paper to acknowledge them may help to alleviate the anxiety so you can get some rest. So, what are you planning to write today? |