World of Words: An Ode to the Craft
For writers, every new day provides a blank canvas. The world is full of infinite colors, each at their disposal.
From as far back as I can remember, I’ve always had an adoration for the way words could illuminate the beauty in the world around us. Whether it was a sports broadcaster describing the detail of a great play over the radio, a perfectly-timed line in the pivotal scene of a classic movie, or the phrasing of certain lyrics in a great song, the world of words had me in its grip from the very start. Somehow, someway, I knew I wanted to create a world of my own one day.
For writers, every new day provides a blank canvas. The world is full of infinite colors, each at their disposal. It’s almost unfair. Some colors are bright and fluorescent, while some are dark and gloomy. These “colors,” of course, are the stories of the universe. They are people, places, things, experiences, ideas, beliefs, memories, dreams, and wishes. Through the power of words, these colors are given life and can live forever.
When I first started writing, mainly in school newspapers and projects, I was writing for myself. I was primarily concerned with what sounded good to me. I sought to entertain my personal viewpoint, and if others got something out of it, that was a bonus.
Eventually, I graduated to writing for others, though to a fault. I became overly sensitive to other people’s opinions and allowed that to dictate my thoughts to the point that I may as well have not been thinking at all. I was worried about being judged, criticized, and likable.
Only with time would I come to understand that with freedom of speech comes a responsibility. The one thing you owe to your readers and yourself is to be you. When you put on your hard hat and sit down in your writing chair, the absolute best thing you can do is be yourself.
I’ve been writing on a somewhat regular basis for about five years, especially the last two or three. Though I know I have much to learn, I’ve come to form a special bond with the words I use to tell my stories.
I enjoy writing and am proud of the work I have published. This includes my best articles and my worst ones. I’m not sure I entirely think of myself as a writer, but I’ve begun to embrace the journey that comes with being one. There are a lot of lessons to be had from putting your thoughts down on paper for others to read, in particular, being able to learn from your failures and not taking yourself too seriously. That’s why the bad columns are just as important as the good ones.
For a long time, the biggest obstacle in my way was the desire to be perfect and find the ideal words to describe everything. The pursuit of perfection certainly still exists, but I’ve made a conscious choice to revel in the neverending chase of obtaining it instead of suffocating myself in the idea of coming up short. It’s also rewarding to look back on your work and see how it has evolved. Observing your growth brings a warm feeling, one that also ignites the motivation to keep going and keep striving.
What attracts me to writing is the construction and deconstruction of language, the burning fever of a good story, and the bliss-like flow state that occurs when you hit the “white zone.” I’m drawn to the ideas it challenges me to think about. I’m enamored with its potential to impact the lives of others. I’m obsessed with the feeling of watching it transform an idea on the page in front of me. Most of all, I’m in love with its ability to make us feel and perceive.
So here I am, still in the grip of the world of words. The only difference now is I am gripping back affectionately.
