I write because it is how my brain translates life. I write fiction because I want to stretch my voice and try new things. I write non fiction because I want to tell my story in ways that will hopefully reach more people. I write poetry because it is my breath; it is what flows most naturally from my pen.
For me, poetry is the ultimate expression and exercise of language. It is the bones, the blood and the heart, uncovered and untethered. Poetry is about the extraordinary power of words and the impact of profound simplicity. When I write poetry, all of my emotions are electrified; my euphoria burns brighter and my frustrations cut deeper. Poetry can give life to the magic and the strength of a single word; it can transform an image just by putting the right two words together. I have spent weeks trying to find one word for a single poem. Obviously, it gets me excited.
Although poetry will always be what I turn to first, as a writer, I have discovered how much strength and power exists in all forms of writing. Before “Stories from the Edge of Blindness”, I only wrote poetry, but now I see that I was limiting my voice. I have found that exploring different kinds of writing has uncovered how nuanced and varied my writing can be. I feel as if I have a different voice for each style of writing, a different way of expressing myself that gives me creative freedom in ways I never knew existed. It is as if I have knocked down the walls of a room I had stitched myself into, and now I can look at myself and the world in a more comprehensive way.
I am not saying I become a completely different person when I am writing in different styles; I have and always will veer toward the darkness, but I have found that when I am writing non fiction, I can lend myself more to a kind of sarcastic wit (sometimes), and write with a voice that feels more like every day life. I have just started writing fiction and honestly, when I do it, I feel like I am floating; I can look down at nothing and slowly add color and shape and texture. My fiction voice is still a whisper, but I am looking forward to what I will find as it becomes louder.
I think, most importantly, I have found the breadth of the magic and power that is language. I am discovering new writers, many of them bloggers, who are showing me what incredible things language can do. In a single morning of reading others blog posts, I can find myself, laughing and crying, feeling still and contemplative or being completely swept away. I know that without being a reader, I cannot be a writer; I am grateful to all of the writers that transform my life every day and inspire me to delve more deeply into my own craft.
December 1, 2017 at 10:57 am
Yes, language is fascinating, what we express and what don’t tell us so much. Reading what different bloggers tell make my life richer. I love your posts. Thank you 😊
December 1, 2017 at 11:03 am
Thank you! You have definitely enriched my life, and given me the most beautiful views, with your writing.
December 1, 2017 at 1:17 pm
My submission to the New Yorker Poetry just got rejected! Yay! If I am gonna get rejected, go big or go home! lol! “I know that without being a reader, I cannot be a writer” YES! Reading is the number one thing you can do to improve your writing! Its the best writing tip ever!
December 1, 2017 at 2:53 pm
The very first time I submitted my poetry, I submitted to The New Yorker!!!! I kept a file full of rejections from them. Go Big is right!!!!! I am just so glad there are people like you out there writing such great stuff to read! And yes, I am a bit of an exclamation mark slut!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 1, 2017 at 3:54 pm
!!!!!!!!! oh yea baby!!!!!!!!!
December 1, 2017 at 1:54 pm
Susan, wow. Honestly, this post is just… incredible.
‘I think, most importantly, I have found the breadth of the magic and power that is language.’
AMEN!
Isn’t that what is so intoxicating about writing? Forming a sentence never said before to express the deepest and darkest parts of ourselves? It’s addictive, powerful and healing. Your poetry is masterful, and your talent shines with each word, but it excites me that you are daring to write in different styles because it will unlock parts of you that you didn’t even realize were in there. If I didn’t write, I would die. And that is not being dramatic, I would be dead from the inside out. Unleash, my friend! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. You are so talented, and there is no limit to what you can achieve.
Oh, and because of you, I am going to dive into some more Harry Potter tonight. Thanks for the reminder. Reading, indeed, is our greatest teacher.
December 1, 2017 at 3:00 pm
I love climbing inside the amazing mind of JK Rowling and re-visiting everything Potter! Being able to give even a few people what she has given the world, would be the most incredible gift ever. I think, as writers, we hold a very precious power in our hands and I am in awe of the way you love and respect that power so completely. Thank you my friend for your support and encouragement!
December 2, 2017 at 7:17 am
You write beautifully and I always rnjoy readinf your posts! I want to write more poetry, but I feel like it never comes out the way I want. So, I have the opposite problem!
December 2, 2017 at 8:13 am
Thank you Stephanie -you are so supportive and I am incredibly grateful. I love your blog – you write about what is important to you and your strength and fierce determination come through in everything you write.
December 4, 2017 at 7:17 am
It was only after years of reading other people’s writing did I find the courage to become a writer myself. I honestly didn’t think I had it in me, but I am glad I started. Words have become my outlet – both my blog and fiction writing. There is something addicting about putting your words out there and making yourself vulnerable. It’s terrifying but so, so addicting – especially when it is received well. The fact that you put out so many forms of writing is amazing and inspiring.
December 4, 2017 at 9:38 am
I am so glad you did!!!! I love your blog! I find that the more I write, the more I want to expand my writing muscles; it is’t about everything having to be good, but about challenging myself and finding out that my limitations aren’t as binding and pervasive as I had thought. As you say, it is addictive!
December 5, 2017 at 11:46 pm
I love your writing style. It is so descriptive and it always draws me right in. I have always found that I wasn’t a strong poet, but I’ve been trying to force myself to do it. I think forcing myself to express a thought in fewer words than I’m used to will improve my writing skill.
December 6, 2017 at 8:28 am
You have made my day! Thank you! I think definitely challenge yourself with poetry; you have such a gift for writing and you may surprise yourself. I find that prompts can help. Just have fun with it!!!!! You are awesome!
February 10, 2018 at 11:51 am
I know this feeling. I know this:
“When I write poetry, all of my emotions are electrified; my euphoria burns brighter and my frustrations cut deeper. “
February 10, 2018 at 2:54 pm
I know that you absolutely do; it is in everything you write. You must read the ee cummings thing!
February 10, 2018 at 2:58 pm
I have the tab open and waiting to read it.
February 10, 2018 at 3:08 pm
My husband is making dinner and I have to set the table, but let me know what you think. I am looking forward to continuing with your poetry tomorrow. Your writing is helping me grow as a writer; it is so cool!!!!
February 10, 2018 at 3:09 pm
Enjoy the dinner….mess with him and swap the forks LOL.
February 10, 2018 at 3:11 pm
Hahaha!
June 2, 2019 at 8:22 pm
I am amazed by the breadth of your art. Stories From the Edge of Blindness is a compelling story, heartfelt, gritty, honest and tinged with humor (The street scenes. Sometimes you have to find the humor in it).
I’m in awe of your beautiful poetry. I’ve taken one run at a poem that will never see the light of day. I always thought that poetry came out in one short sitting but from reading this post and from my limited experience I see that is not the case. My poem flowed at first and I’ve returned to it a few times since and made changes. I suppose that it gets better with each edit. It is a very personal thing and I want it to be right.
From this experience my sense is that a poem has to come from the depths of your soul. I can’t imagine writing a poem coming from an emotional vacuum. Maybe I’m wrong.
June 4, 2019 at 7:47 am
Paul, this made me very emotional. I think you are 100% right and it is part of why I love poetry. Truly good poetry can’t come from an emotional vacuum. Everyone has a different process, some people are super prolific and can just sit down and write something genius, others work on poems for sometimes years. I fall very much into the later category. I actually love the editing process. I know that your say your poem won’t see the light of day, but if you ever feel like sharing it, I promise to treat it with care. You are such a good writer and have such an incredible heart. I know your poetry will be good.
February 4, 2018 at 8:15 am
You are always bringing me to tears; the good kind, the grateful kind.