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July 3, 2003 I believe there is no greater gift to share with one another than the gift of words. Somehow they heal, they help, and they let us know we are not alone. I cant remember a day in my life when I havent written either a letter, in my diary or journal, or poems and stories. When I am writing I feel in balance, connected with my spirit and soul. I find my greatest inspirations are from those around me or by getting out and enjoying nature. As a published author and poet, I write in many different genres, I havent found a favorite yet. The time I find the greatest frustration in writing is when it is a new topic or genre to me, and everything comes out jumbled without any real flow. It is then when I need to ask myself if this is important enough to me to continue with or to just bag it and try again some other time. When I have a story idea that really excites me, I prefer to play soft Celtic music in the background, pour some tea, and just write. Writing is a privilege and not a chore. If it became a chore or I felt like I had to write, whether than wanting to, I would have to stop. My love and passion for writing helps me look at life in a different way and allows me to make the most of my days. I dont have a specific formula for writing other than just to go with it. My mood can depend greatly on how or what I write. If I am in a romantic mood or have just taken a walk outside, I may write a poem about what I am feeling at that moment. If I am in an indecisive mood I like to peruse the market listings to help me find a focus. When I have completed a piece of writing, I feel very good about myself for having accomplished something. I try to think positive about what I have written and read it over about twenty times. While I used to be a very private write, never daring to share with anyone my deepest thoughts and feelings, the day I began sharing with others opened a whole new world for me. It was then I realized how important sharing words could be. I felt a sense of relief, a burden lifted. Next to writing I have a love for reading, so I had already felt the impact of words as the receiver, now I could use my voice to connect with others. My boyfriend was the first person I began showing my completed stories and poems to and his support and enthusiasm has also been a big boost. The first day I submitted a poem and received an approval, I have never looked back. Since then I have felt that I am halfway to my goal of writing an actual novel. Someday I also hope to be editor of my own magazine. Beyond all that, I always want to write for the fact that it makes me happy. If I had to compromise on that happiness, I would be giving up a part of myself. To finish writing a fictional story, I feel I have completed another goal. To finish writing a non-fiction piece or a new poem, I feel I have grown and renewed my sense of self worth. Above all my writing is for myself first, some of my favorite works have never been published and I have never taken them personal. Writing has been my therapy and my safety. Life throws its curves at us and there are times when I feel lost in this big world. Turning to a fresh blank page in my journal enables me to really understand what I am feeling while also validating those feelings. There are often times when I am angry and by writing down how I feel I notice I am more calm and think things through in a different perspective. It is amazing what the written word can do. It is a powerful tool. I believe everyone is capable of writing something, even if they never look to becoming an author. If you love reading and telling stories, then you have that talent within you. Some people are born to write and others need a step in the right direction. I write because I am normally a very shy person and through my words I have found a voice. With this voice I can touch someones life and at the same time I am able to reconnect with myself a little more. I have always wanted to be a writer but not necessarily one who writes for payment or recognition. I am not interested in writing something I am proud of only to turn around and watch someone else pick it apart piece by piece and change it around to suit someone elses needs. Writing brings out a confident and genuine woman who wants to be accepted for who she is and writing is an extension of who I am. I respect those who allow a writer the freedom to feel good about what they have written. While I havent appreciated everything I have read, I have always felt that I picked up a book on a subject that doesnt appeal to me, rather than make a judgment that this author doesnt know how to write. Writing has always been for myself exclusively and since I have made the change I have been leery about who I send my works to. So far, all of the critiques I have been given have been done in a positive way. I always thought I would get a story back marked up with red ink and told what a horrible job I did and if what I sent was a joke. That kept me from realizing my potential for about five years. I enjoy receiving positive feedback and having works accepted, but in the end I write for me. We all have a creative bone in our body and how you choose to use it will make your life more valuable and more fulfilling. Writing is that fulfillment for me and I have known it inside ever since I was a little girl. Taking time everyday to do something that will help make you a better person is truly worthwhile. I am a better person because I allow myself to step away from the daily humdrum routine and be whisked away to a new or different time, era, or place. I can become a different person or I can express my own personal feelings. Regardless of what I write, I am honoring the individual inside and that makes me a better person on the outside as well. I have learned to communicate better with others as a result from my writing. While I look forward to new challenges and striving for my goals, I enjoy the satisfaction I feel inside. I am thankful to the many great editors out there who allow an author to stay true to themselves and I honor those writers out there who cherish each precious word they write. It is a true gift to share words with others and the rewards are priceless. ------------ About the author: Nancy Jackson is a full time author and poet with works in Literati, Twilight Times, Anotherealm, Sonny World, and various anthologies. Her pasttimes include spending time with her loved ones, drinking wine, and lots of writing! Email Nancy Jackson: coryann93@yahoo.com Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
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