Category Archives: writing

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.

friends, writing

Writing talents I don’t possess

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293: Writer's Night
Songwriters Matt Willis and Rick Tiger

Yesterday, I went to a writer’s night to see a couple friends perform their songs. I’ve attended other writer’s nights, but last night… last night was just something special for me.

I sat down, and I listened. Really listened. Oh okay, I snapped a few photos, but I was there to be a spectator, not a photographer. My husband commented that I had a smile on my face the whole time.

For me, it was not just about the music, it was about watching these people living their dreams. Writing their songs and performing for people who want to hear them. I was so proud of my friends. So happy for them!

And… I was in awe.

See, when someone asks me what I do, I used to respond, “I’m a writer!”

I don’t do that any more. Not that I’m not a writer (blogger), but when you say “writer” in Nashville, people think you are a songwriter. And, hey, its an easy and logical assessment! Music city. Writer. Music. Songs. Songwriter. Makes sense.

But, alas, no. I am no songwriter. In fact, I am in awe of songwriters. I admire their abilities to convey such emotion through their words. I admire their ability to tell a whole story in a few verses and a chorus. I admire their ability to take a throw away hook and turn it into a work of art.

I write, but I can’t craft a song. I don’t even do (serious) poetry. I might write the random limerick or haiku for humor-sake. Perhaps a cute little rhyme here and there. But past that? I leave the song writing to the professionals. I admire their talents. I respect them. And I sincerely wish them all the success in the world doing it.