The art of writing

Whenever I’m asked about my future plans, my immediate response is that I want to be a writer. I’m not entirely sure whether it will be a full-time job or a recreational activity, but my affinity for playing with words always seems to push me toward becoming an accomplished writer. Perhaps, if you share a unique bond with stories, you’ll understand when I say that once the stream of thoughts begins flowing, writing becomes the sole activity you want to invest your time in. Everything around you blurs, and the background noise fades away as you immerse yourself in the act of writing. The joy of ink flowing onto paper or the rhythm of keys tapping on a keyboard is incomparable, especially when you’re crafting meaningful sentences to express your emotions. I feel the same way.

Anne Frank’s quote, ‘paper has more patience than people,’ is indeed perceptive. How often do you come across people who are genuinely interested in your 2 am musings or have the patience to listen as you transform your emotions into words? It’s a rare occurrence (thanks to those angels in our lives who do listen), but even with them, there’s a chance of feeling burdensome or petty at times. Speaking as a chronic overthinker, those blank sheets of paper are a blissful canvas. While writing, you’re in control. You decide how the narrative of your piece unfolds, whether to tug at heartstrings or infuse a touch of personal experience. It’s safe to say that those of us with tumultuous pasts might find solace in writing.

Writing comes in various forms – poetry, articles, essays, and memoirs, to name a few. Delving deeper into each form reveals a world shrouded in myriad types. For instance, there are over 50 known types of poetry, each fascinating in its own right. I firmly believe that there’s always more to learn about writing and literature in general.

However, veering slightly away from the idealistic introduction to writing, I’ve come to realise that something you’re passionate about can turn monotonous in the blink of an eye. The art of writing can dissolve into the pressure of deadlines and word limits, which can lead to the dread of writing. This is where the psychological concept of reactance comes into play. How can one maintain the zeal for writing while being constrained by rigid rules? This raises the question: is writing a viable career choice for someone who prefers to write freely without external constraints? Personally, I’ve taken a somewhat unconventional approach, identifying with poets and storytellers who weave tales without necessarily experiencing them first-hand. While a perceptive view of real-life experiences is crucial, from my perspective, having a knack for creating stories and poems out of nothingness can greatly aid commercial writing.

Everyone starts by developing an interest in a specific form of writing. This interest often blooms into a talent and affection for that chosen realm. Transitioning from one form of writing to another or exploring different genres can be a daunting task. For instance, someone adept at poetry might find it challenging to write an extensive article for a magazine. The shift from rhyming words to crafting lengthy, verbose sentences can be overwhelming. Yet, the aspiration to be a well-rounded writer remains, and rightly so.

Writing, or more specifically, copywriting, has long been an integral part of marketing and branding. However, the relevance of writing in today’s world is occasionally questioned. With remarkable technological advancements, some argue that video documentation and podcasts surpass written content. While videos offer visual appeal and easy accessibility, they can’t entirely replace written text. Written content retains its prominence for various reasons. It’s more feasible to produce and financially viable for businesses due to the absence of the need for professional equipment and setups. It’s easier to skim through, saving time for consumers, and even videos and podcasts ultimately require a written script to begin with.

Cultivating exceptional writing skills is an ongoing endeavour. As the saying goes, “You cannot be a good writer without being a great reader.” Reading the works of accomplished individuals helps build proficiency in various aspects of writing, including vocabulary, expressions, and poetic devices. Maintaining a diverse library allows exploration of numerous subjects for future writing, whether fiction or non-fiction. Reading truly is a writer’s closest companion. Finding writers whose style resonates with you is also beneficial; you can always look up to those whose writing you admire. Engaging with disciplines like history, philosophy, languages, fantasy, and science is just the beginning of a vast and ever-expanding universe of words and knowledge.

Considering the domains discussed above, it’s evident that writing holds a special place in the human heart that cannot be replaced or altered. It has been and continues to be a beautiful expression of feelings and emotions, forging ahead into the modern world. Those who write are never truly alone; they always have something to confide in, something that has the potential to endure for generations, preserving its ethereal significance.