On Writing (Sunday Scribblings)

Sunday Scribblings prompt - Writing - how apropos!

I am a writing teacher, albeit of 11 and 12 year old students. But my goal is to teach them to write: to communicate a thought in their most authentic, creative, yet organized manner. I prepare them for a state writing test, but more than that, I want them to understand that writers write, and writers read. That's where we get our guidance. If we like what we read, we can imitate it until we achieve a style of our own . Everyone has a story to tell. Everyone. And for me personally, it's not only telling my story, but getting my thoughts and feeling on paper allows me to process what's going on in my life.

Ironically, although I teach writing, I have not fulfilled my own writing goals. From the time I was a little girl, I enjoyed writing. I seem to communicate more easily in writing than I do verbally, although no one would ever accuse me of being at a loss for words. Most of the time, it is easier for me to put my thoughts and feelings into written words than it is for me to say them outloud. Even in dinosaur days when there was no delete button, writing things down was always more natural for me than speaking, especially if the subject was delicate. Writing is an outlet, both emotional and creative.

As a young girl, I wanted to write a novel. A story. A screenplay. Something the masses would enjoy. (Fragments used for effect.) I have authored newsletters and lesson plans, but nothing has been published professionally, a childhood dream of mine. It's not that I don't know how. I know what makes a good piece of writing. The ideas are both universal and orginal at the same time. It is organized but not formulaic. The word choice is precise and varied, yet it doesn't come across as arrogant. It is personal and has personality. There is so much more to good writing, and I recognize it well.

What is it that keeps me from pursuing professional writing? Fear, for one thing. Fear of rejection. Fear of writer's block. Fear in general.

I love to write. I am so thankful that we have this great, big universe called the Internet in which we can write what we feel, and others will read, and many will enjoy, and some will critique, but no matter what, we are FREE to write! And a huge shout-out to Sunday Scribblings for prompting us and encouraging us to practice and develop our talent!