Writing, like any other endeavor, requires that it be exercised to maintain and improve the skills associated with it.
It isn’t enough to simply put your thoughts down on paper; what you put down has to be compelling to the reader.
The apostle Paul wrote the church in Corinth, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Cor 10:31 NIV) Similarly, he encouraged the Colossians, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him…. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human…..
Writers can easily find themselves surrendering to the view that the more words used, the louder their voice and the more compelling their story. When writing, don’t get lost in the wordy depths of ambiguity.
As a writer, sometimes my purpose is thwarted by my attitude. I get frustrated by the seeming pointlessness of putting my thoughts down in whatever medium is handy for those who wish to read it. Whatever the outcome, at times I wonder, “what is the point?” There are many reasons for me to write. Some of them are selfish, such gaining notoriety or riches. I may write for therapeutic purposes, such as when I compose some lines of verse to…..
Writing, at times, can be a lonely endeavor. It’s like shouting in the midst of a cheering crowd. I have a message to convey; but, no one listens, or do they? I don’t know, and is important that I do know? Having the right motive is critical for anyone to find fulfillment in their craft or volition, whatever that may be. Writing is no different. John Berryman said, “I would recommend the cultivation of extreme indifference to both praise and…..
Steven Handel, in his article, “The Power of Dark Humor: The Healing Effects of Joking About Death, Illness, and Depression,” makes this observation: “One big aspect of mental health is that we must give ourselves permission to be negative every now and then, and learning to channel our dark side in a healthy way is important for becoming a fully developed human being.”1 The focus of the article, as the title suggests, is how allowing trauma’s darkness to be expressed…..
Lasting pleasure is achieved in the memory of the experience. Poetry is one to keep that memory alive.