Write away

I've been writing what I internally call slice of life essays or columns for more than 30 years now. Some have been for publication, some just for my own need for expression. Because I've done it for so long, and probably because a few have received competitive recognition, I'm sometimes asked to provide input on creating similar pieces. And out of many mistakes and few successes, I've come to some conclusions.

* Be courageous. It's too easy to avoid putting yourself out there when you have complete content control. But such work doesn't fulfill anyone. You simply can't fear what other people will think and censor yourself to fit that mold. The result is boring. You have to expose your emotions, your sometimes controversial opinions and your weaknesses. Anything else and you're writing to a wall. The real, honest hope is you're creating a dialogue, even if the other voice is never heard. But if you express something and someone else has a reaction - even just in their head - you've achieved creation. It's not just about grammar rules and clarity, it's about truth.

* But be couth. The first point isn't to simply puke your brains and heart. It's a fine line. A really good writer once told me I'd gone too far, to the point any reader was uncomfortable. "Don't let them see you go to the bathroom," was the way she put it. As long as boundaries are chosen because of respect instead of fear, you'll probably hit the mark.

* You've got to be real. If you don't feel it, don't bother. It's amazing how obvious it is to any reader when something's forced. I've had monthly and weekly deadlines for such product. But I've honestly put together several when I felt it, and ran to the mental pantry when a deadline came and I was empty. I can fake it. You can tell it.

* Don't be so serious. Life is a challenge. It's also pretty damned funny. And if you think it's difficult to express a controversial opinion or heartfelt emotion, try to relate a comical experience in pure written words without inflection or facial expressions to relay it. It is the greatest stretch of the writing muscle you can imagine.

*Never stop. As suggested just prior, I believe writing is a muscle. It atrophies without use. And it strengthens and surprises with use. There are dry spells, but you sometimes just have to sit down and doddle around during them. But always keep your mind open for reasons to write.

*Enjoy the experience. When it works, I find there's almost no comparable feeling to having created a good written piece. Although it may be similar, there are no two times it's exactly the same. Releasing a feeling, letting go a strong opinion or simply telling the tale well can leave you with the emotion after good time with a strong friend or a true lover.