My relationship with writing is extremely colorful. But I still think everyone should write. There's no wrong or right way, not even a way that makes it enjoyable every time. But still, it's worth it. We're worth it.
Oh, I totally agree, and I think it's so very important to accept that writing can also be - at least sometimes - slow, boring, tedious. And that's ok. This is one of the ways I see it: the moment we get that late-night burst of inspiration you wrote about is actually the moment we say hello to that creation. It's already there. Existing in a kind of pure essence (however modest). Giving it flesh and bones - form, structure, purpose, words - is slow and it's possible (likely even?) that we aren't able to transform that essence/feeling into words. No wonder writing can sometimes feel uncomfortable. But what would there be if we didn't sit down and just do it, despite everything? A cloud of unrealised ideas? Only AI writing - sorry repeating - monotonous shit?
(And what if the inspiration is about building a house - how slow would that be😅)
Lucky you to have a teacher who taught to see writing as a vehicle for thinking. My lessons were mostly about grammar and structure. It was decades later when I discovered the power of writing. Writing is a privilege and choice. There are many options for size, shape, volume, purpose, speed and publication so that everyone can choose what works for them best.
Such a beautiful (and truthful) comment. Thank you, Terje. Writing truly is a privilege, but I still feel like many would benefit a more down-to-earth approach. ☺️
I believe it’s good when you know what you are looking for and also the ways you can support others. I value down to earth, simple, everyday writing. Using writing often as a gratitude practice to collect slices of life. In my current phase of writerly life I am also looking for more playful approach to writing.
My high school Finnish and literature teacher, Kirsti, let me draw a picture of Seitsemän Veljestä instead of writing an essay. She knew where my passion and talents were!
But the sad thing is that nowadays I write much more than I draw. And actually a lot of things that you wrote here about writing goes with drawing as well. I think I'll just have to grab a pencil and go deeper!
Kirsti, the smart one! But this is really interesting, but also something I didn't consider... It applies to photography as well so I'm sure all creative endeavours would benefit from... doing. 🙃
For me, the slowness of writing is what makes it magical. When I write stream of consciousness, I find thoughts, questions and insights that wouldn't come out in the whir of thinking. Of course, it doesn't always happen that way, but it gives motivation to continue and persevere even though it's slow and boring. 😄
Tulenpa nyt tässä kohtaa tiputtamaan pikaisen kommentin, että olen sekä lukenut että kuunnellut tämän kirjoituksesi ja olisin tehnyt muistiinpanoja kaikista niistä ajatuksista, joita tämä herätti, ellen olisi ollut juoksulenkillä samaan aikaan. 😅 Yhden tärkeän muistan: haluan todellakin saada uusia ajatuksia. Vanhat on monesti ihan tyhmiä. Kiitos tästä(kin) tekstistä jälleen!
Oh, I totally agree, and I think it's so very important to accept that writing can also be - at least sometimes - slow, boring, tedious. And that's ok. This is one of the ways I see it: the moment we get that late-night burst of inspiration you wrote about is actually the moment we say hello to that creation. It's already there. Existing in a kind of pure essence (however modest). Giving it flesh and bones - form, structure, purpose, words - is slow and it's possible (likely even?) that we aren't able to transform that essence/feeling into words. No wonder writing can sometimes feel uncomfortable. But what would there be if we didn't sit down and just do it, despite everything? A cloud of unrealised ideas? Only AI writing - sorry repeating - monotonous shit?
(And what if the inspiration is about building a house - how slow would that be😅)
This was totally valuable, thank you, Elina! I guess it's always about the process and if you're willing to surrender to it. 😍
Lucky you to have a teacher who taught to see writing as a vehicle for thinking. My lessons were mostly about grammar and structure. It was decades later when I discovered the power of writing. Writing is a privilege and choice. There are many options for size, shape, volume, purpose, speed and publication so that everyone can choose what works for them best.
Such a beautiful (and truthful) comment. Thank you, Terje. Writing truly is a privilege, but I still feel like many would benefit a more down-to-earth approach. ☺️
I believe it’s good when you know what you are looking for and also the ways you can support others. I value down to earth, simple, everyday writing. Using writing often as a gratitude practice to collect slices of life. In my current phase of writerly life I am also looking for more playful approach to writing.
My high school Finnish and literature teacher, Kirsti, let me draw a picture of Seitsemän Veljestä instead of writing an essay. She knew where my passion and talents were!
But the sad thing is that nowadays I write much more than I draw. And actually a lot of things that you wrote here about writing goes with drawing as well. I think I'll just have to grab a pencil and go deeper!
Kirsti, the smart one! But this is really interesting, but also something I didn't consider... It applies to photography as well so I'm sure all creative endeavours would benefit from... doing. 🙃
For me, the slowness of writing is what makes it magical. When I write stream of consciousness, I find thoughts, questions and insights that wouldn't come out in the whir of thinking. Of course, it doesn't always happen that way, but it gives motivation to continue and persevere even though it's slow and boring. 😄
Tulenpa nyt tässä kohtaa tiputtamaan pikaisen kommentin, että olen sekä lukenut että kuunnellut tämän kirjoituksesi ja olisin tehnyt muistiinpanoja kaikista niistä ajatuksista, joita tämä herätti, ellen olisi ollut juoksulenkillä samaan aikaan. 😅 Yhden tärkeän muistan: haluan todellakin saada uusia ajatuksia. Vanhat on monesti ihan tyhmiä. Kiitos tästä(kin) tekstistä jälleen!