The Power Of The Pen December 17, 2010
Posted by nrhatch in Blogging, Writing & Writers.trackback
Blogging has opened my eyes to the myriad ways writers utilize the power of the pen to connect, communicate, and clarify thoughts.
I’ve always loved writing, but often did not know what to write about.
I would put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, and stop, wondering if I had something worth saying.
Writing, reading, and commenting on so many divergent blogs has eliminated that self-limiting mindset.
Whether I’m feeling melancholy or silly, focused on the mundane trivia of daily life or sublime moments from the past, there is always something to ponder.
Best of all, on occasion, a few of my hastily scribbled words have actually resonated with readers . . . even if I split an infinitive or two.
Quote: There is only one trait that marks the writer. He is always watching. It’s a kind of trick of the mind and he is born with it. ~ Morley Callahan
Related posts: The Sting of the Bard * Exploring Mind Caves For Hidden Gems * Down The Blog Hole * Fun With Words: One Syllable Challenge
Spirit Lights The Way 
Morley Callahan is right. You are always looking at things abit different.
Some have accused me of having a skewed perspective on life . . . I prefer the term “unique.”
That last comment…my poor family and friends know when I get a certain look on my face that I am watching in a different way. I am fully engaged, because this is material. Not sure what that says about my attention the rest of the time. Erk.
Yesterday, I stepped back from the trees to take a glimpse of the forest. I tossed out a few “observations” to my BFF, then asked:
“So, do I sound like a depressed lunatic . . . or just a realist?”
“A realist.”
“Damn . . . that’s too bad.”
growing up I loved doing jig-saw puzzles and that causes you to look at things different.
Puzzles are great for training the brain to look for little clues.
These words resonate with me. 🙂
Cruising around the blogosphere is a wonderful way to get the creative juices flowing.
It’s a two way relationship: the way we observe the world around us influences our writing, and the fact that we are continually on the look out for material to write on influences the way we look at the world.
I enjoy reading your blog and seeing the variety of topics you explore. A wise woman you are!
Thanks, Zoe! Right back at you. I adore your posts ~ so much to ponder in your adventures and pithy observations.
Really nice observations (to stay in the realm of the quotation).
I never had trouble finding something to write (except on the rare occasion of writer’s blocks, which I have mostly eliminated now), but blogging is an interesting experience – it’s different from most other writing.
It’s definitely opened my eyes to the infinite number of doors we can choose to walk through with our words.
Writing is a learning experience for me. Most of my writing requires some research, an activity I love. Blogging provides an excellent opportunity for sharing the things I learn.
Good point, NC ~ writing gives us a chance to constantly expand our horizons and share the view with others.
Hehe – I don’t worry too much about split infinitives any more… and I agree, there’s always something to ponder – and therefore to write 🙂
Love the Callahan quote – thanks for posting it.
I’ve posted that quote elsewhere . . . but I just love it.
Long before I started meditating, I assumed the role of “detached observer” (and tribe scribe) ~ changing my vantage point and point of view without moving a muscle.
Reading other bloggers’ work has probably helped me more than anything else in my quest to write in a meaningful way – even if I’m attempting to be funny. There is usually some “different” way of approaching a subject that gets me started, and even the so-called humorous posts have a little serious stuff behind them. Other writers are great inspiration. They can either get me thinking contrary to them, or with them from my own POV. And you would never guess how much I love commenting on them! 😀
Great points, Paula.
I agree with you . . . through osmosis we pick up tips and techniques that make our own efforts to communicate more flowing and glowing.
Thanks for being in my life Nancy, you’re a daily bit of sunshine.
Thanks!!! I needed that. 🙂
I’m identifying with all of you writers here…
And not only do our topics and POVs change from one piece to another, for many of us our writing takes on a variety of styles, genres and forms.
I may feel like a jingle one day or a full-on song another… a poem another day or a full-on script… a blog or a full-on essay article… a note tucked into a loved one’s sack lunch or a full-on love letter…
Whatever the occasion, the emotion or motion to move on another’s emotions, writing is a channel and a portal through which other parallel or higher dimensions communicate to us and through us for more than one expressed purpose — so often more than not, to keep us healthy, balanced and sane.
Wonderful comment, Joanne!
Our muses do wander off the beaten track at times . . . in order to keep us on the path as it unfolds before us. 😉