Prompt 2.0: What do you want to be able to do as a writer?
Response: As an aspiring "writer," the term is always somewhat daunting when is comes to personally applying any kind of definition. At the core of my aspirations, however, there is an intense desire to create art. I am often asked what I intend to do with my English major. "Are you going to teach? Are you going to be a journalist?" inquiring, and oftentimes, dubious and insulting voices ask. No. I desire to create art with my words. But this is a dangerous hope. Art is oftentimes considered by mass society as superfluous. Artist are assumed to lead lives of poverty, drunkenness, and irresponsibility. To overcome this view of art that has weaseled its way into my subconscious is my Goliath. These doubts tower over me and make me tremble. Will I ever be able to make a living? Will I be accepted as a successful individual? Will it be understood that my art is the work of a creative God in me?
The process to overcome my fears and write without my self-critic whispering doubts in my ear is one I constantly struggle with. And will probably always struggle with. But to grow as a writer despite of and because of my fears would be an overwhelming victory.
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2 comments:
I read a book this summer that you would love. It is called Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Anyways, these fears you speak of by no means isolate you from other writers. In fact, they serve as the one enduring link between all writers. Our weaknesses give us strength because they give us a story to tell.
Thanks Zach, I've read some Anne Lamott and loved it, so I'll definitely look into Bird by Bird. A book that I've found very, very helpful when it comes to defining one's self as an artist is The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. It's so refreshing to have a source actually encouraging boundless God-given creativity.
You are so right about weakness. It seems to almost naturally lead to inspiration. I think significant writing can only come from brutal honesty, and nothing brings us face to face with ourselves like our faults.
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