Tag Archives: writing

blogging

Writing for the sake of writing

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Is writing for the sake of writing fair to the written piece?

I ask that as I stare at the clock, hoping to write a post before midnight so I can say I actually got a post written today. Is it fair to write for that reason alone?

I’m a big fan of writing when it moves you. Let the words flow. Tell your story. Put your thoughts on paper. Don’t force it. It’ll come.

However, if I did that, there would be days on end that I wouldn’t blog at all. I’m either too busy or inspiration just doesn’t exist. A lack of inspiration can span upwards of a week (or more!). Not even writing prompts can get me motivated to write when I’m just not feeling it.

I’m battling that tonight. So I sit here wondering… do I write for the sake of writing? Or do I just let the day go? I, obviously, opted to write… because sometimes you just have to make it happen. Much like those days you just don’t want to get out of bed, you have to just do it. The reward of the day makes it worth it.

The reward of writing in general — something I do deeply enjoy doing — is worth it.

writing

Pen vs. Computer

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NaBloPoMo 2011I had an epiphany tonight. I’m calling it an epiphany because it was just this calming fleeting moment in time. I was writing a friend a short little, “This is what I am doing” email. As I hit send, I thought, “I am a photographer and a writer.” That was it. That was my epiphany.

See, I’ve had others say I’m a photographer. I’ve had others say I’m a writer. But I, myself, have always said, “I’m trying to get into writing.” or “I’m trying to get into photography.” I actually had someone get almost mad at me one day and go, “There is no try. You ARE.”

And. I guess. Tonight it hit me. Really hit me. I am. And so with that, I embrace that I am a glutton for punishment. Because on top of NaNoWriMo this month. On top of finishing and preparing to start another Project 365. I am ALSO participating in NaBloPoMo — aka National Blog Posting Month. A blog post every day for the month of November.

Yes. I am crazy. But I am a writer. And I am a photographer. And these things are important to me.

So, upon having a total case of blog-block tonight, I made my way over to the NaBloPoMo homebase and looked for today’s writing prompt.

Friday, November 4, 2011
When you are writing, do you prefer to use a pen or a computer?

Ah. I will never give up my spiral notebook and pen. I prefer to write on the computer in general. Its just faster. But, I have to have my notebook and pen to jot notes. I think if I were still in college, I’d STILL lug a backpack of spirals over a laptop to lectures.

I heard that many schools don’t even bother to teach penmanship any more. I heard cursive writing is a thing of the past. And this makes me so sad to hear. I love getting cards in the mail. I still love handwritten letters. You need to know how to fill out a paper application for some jobs! And… dang it, sometime you just need to write a check.

Yes! I STILL WRITE CHECKS. (Oh okay, I only write them for my rent payment and to make donations at church. But still! I write them!)

I still get little hearts in my eyes at gel pens at the store. And Sharpies… Sharpies are just FUN. I wish my handwriting were better — I always have — but its not bad. And your handwriting is as much a part of who you are as is your eye color. I don’t want to see that fact just go away with laptops and smart phones.

I do prefer to write on the computer — but I will always ALWAYS love pens and paper.