This past week has been more about writing words on
actual paper instead of in the air, which is how I think of typing on the
keyboard. Don’t ask me to explain it,
that just popped out of mind and refused to go back in. Most of my posts I type
out before I post them, rarely do I hand write them first, usually I can sit at
the keyboard and just go. There are times though when the keyboard isn't quite
real enough for me, it doesn't seem to engage enough of my senses to make the
words flow; some thoughts just tell me they need to be written by hand. Most of
the handwritten stuff I've put down over the years hasn't seen the light of
day. If you asked me to give you a reason why I would probably say I simply wasn't ready to share it, which accounts for the recent silence from this
chair.
Lately I've taken to reading things written by other
writers, other than their books. I've found a lot of interesting thoughts and observations about
the craft along with a glimpse in to their own writing life. The paths each of us has taken to reach the point of putting ourselves out there on paper are as varied and unique as the individuals themselves. I've found it interesting to see how other writers view their writing, what it’s meant for
them and the struggle with trying to find their niche. Apparently in today’s world
a lot of writers feel pushed to have a niche. I guess if you’re a retailer trying to sell books it makes sense to be
able to categorize the times you have to sell.
For a writer I can thoroughly understand how that niche can feel too confining, almost
like someone else is trying to force you into a box.
Boxes are for keeping shoes in, or little keepsakes like
granddad’s broken watch and that penny you left on the railroad tracks when you
were 12. I imagine most folks don’t like being pigeon-holed, I know I sure
don’t. I guess that’s why I've done so many different things over the course of
my life, though it sure has put me in some strange places. I know others don’t
seem to mind those definitions since it gives them a sense of structure or some
boundaries to work in. I have no issues with boundaries, they are so
necessary in so many situations and without them what we may see now as chaos, would be even more so.
I tried to sit and think what my niche is, I really spent
some time and mulled over the idea, and being resistant to creating a box for
myself I will just keep chewing on that one. I looked over the things I've posted here and it’s rather a big can of mixed nuts, a magic can with the type
of nuts changing each time I open it. I never worry about spilling any, there is always more where those came from.For the present I suppose I’ll just let the world and all its wonder furnish
me with nuts to keep that magic can full.
