Exploring the World Through the Lens of Words
Exploring the Realities and Curiosities of Writers' Lives.
Good day Bulbers, It had been a while posted, Took a little break as I was recovering from a minor accident.
Looking into my life as a writer and other writers who navigate this world through words. I will be writing about the realities and common attributes of these writers.
"We're writers, of course we..." hangs heavy in the air, pregnant with unspoken confessions and shared quirks. It's a badge of honor worn by a peculiar breed, a secret handshake between those who navigate the world through the lens of words. But what follows that "of course we..."? So we look through the lens, move through the mind of writers and go deep into the fascinating (and sometimes frustrating) realities that define a writer’s life.
...Never Stop Observing
The writer is a constant observer, a human sponge soaking up the world around them. A chance encounter on the bus, a snippet of overheard conversation, the way sunlight dapples through leaves – all potential seeds for a story. We see the world in shades of narrative possibility, a bustling coffee shop morphing into a clandestine meeting place for spies (https://thewritersrepository.com/spy-writing-prompts-and-story-ideas/), a lonely figure on a park bench becoming the protagonist of a heart-wrenching novel (https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Character-Analysis). This insatiable curiosity fuels our creativity, but it can also be a curse. We never truly switch off. A seemingly mundane conversation can send us down a rabbit hole of "what ifs", turning a relaxing evening into a brainstorming session.
...Collect Quotes Like Others Collect Sea Shells.
Writers hoard quotes. They're tucked away in notebooks, scribbled on napkins, and highlighted in well-worn paperbacks (https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Notebooks-Writing-Pads/zgbs/office-products/1069756). A poignant turn of phrase, a witty observation, a line that captures the essence of an emotion – all become trophies, little sparks to ignite our own writing. We see the world through the collected wisdom of others, a constant reminder of the power of language to move, inspire, and illuminate. Explore websites like https://www.brainyquote.com/ and https://www.goodreads.com/ to discover inspiring quotes for your writing journey.
...Talk to Ourselves (A Lot).
The writer’s internal monologue is a complex beast. It’s a constant dialogue, a brainstorming session with ourselves.We argue plot points in the shower, mutter character dialogue while walking down the street, and pace the room rehearsing a difficult scene. To the outside world, we might appear unhinged , but this internal dialogue is the crucible where stories and literature are forged.
...Have a Love-Hate Relationship with Deadlines.
Deadline are the bane and the blessing of the writer's existence. They provide the necessary pressure to turn inspiration into finished product, the spark that ignites a flurry of last-minute activities .Yet, deadlines can also be cruel taskmasters, leading to all-nighters fueled by coffee and desperation. The elation of hitting a deadline is matched only by the exhaustion that follows, a bittersweet reward for the creative marathon.
...Procrastinate Like Champions (But Always Get It Done).
Procrastination is an art form mastered by writers. We can justify hours spent organizing our bookshelf, researching obscure historical trivia (https://www.demilked.com/odd-things-throughout-history-weird-history/), or cleaning the refrigerator – anything to avoid staring at a blank page. But here's the secret: despite the procrastination, we get it done. The pressure builds, the deadline looms, and a hidden reservoir of focus kicks in. We emerge from our self-imposed exile with a burst of creativity, fueled by the adrenaline rush of a ticking clock.
...Live in Multiple Worlds at Once.
The writer's mind is a portal to countless realities. We inhabit fictional worlds as vividly as our own, living and breathing alongside the characters we create. The line between reality and imagination blurs, and sometimes we find ourselves questioning which world is truly real. This ability to inhabit different realities is a double-edged sword. It fuels our creativity, but it can also make it difficult to fully disconnect from the fictional worlds swirling in our heads.
...Are Never Satisfied.
A finished piece is never truly finished for a writer. It's a constant battle against the nagging voice whispering "you could have done better." We tinker, revise, and edit, endlessly polishing our work in a quest for perfection. This dissatisfaction can be paralyzing, but it's also the reason writers keep pushing themselves, striving to improve their craft. The quest for the perfect sentence, the most impactful story, is a never-ending journey that defines the writer's life.For honing your editing skills, check out resources like https://www.grammarly.com/ and https://hemingwayapp.com/.
...Dream in Storylines.
Sleep, for a writer, is not always an escape. Dreams become playgrounds for the imagination, stories unfolding on a subconscious stage. We wake up with fragments of scenes, snippets of dialogue, and the frustrating inability to recall the entire narrative. While a good night's sleep remains a precious commodity, the lines between conscious creation and dream-fueled inspiration further blur in the writer's life.
...Find Inspiration Everywhere
A writer doesn't need to look far for inspiration. It can be found in the mundane and the extraordinary, in the beauty of a sunrise and the ugliness of human nature. We find stories in the cracks of everyday life, in the resilience of the human spirit, and the fragility of existence. Inspiration is everywhere for those who know how to look, and writers are the ultimate detectives of the human experience. We collect these fragments, these glimpses of the world, and weave them into narratives that resonate with others.
...Are Our Own Worst Critics (But We Need That).
Self-criticism is a writer's constant companion. We dissect our work with a surgeon's precision, finding flaws and inconsistencies where others might see beauty and power. This relentless self-criticism can be debilitating, but it's also a vital part of the writing process. It pushes us to refine our craft, to strive for clarity and impact. Websites like https://www.critique.org/ and https://www.reedsy.com/ offer resources for connecting with critique partners.
...Have a Complicated Relationship with Social Media.
Social media is a double-edged sword for writers. It offers a platform to connect with readers, share work, and build a community. However, it can also be a breeding ground for self-doubt and comparison. Seeing the instant success of others can be disheartening, and the pressure of online validation can stifle creativity. The key for writers is to navigate social media strategically, using it to promote their work and connect with like-minded individuals, but not allowing it to become a source of negativity.
...Believe in the Power of Stories.
Ultimately, writers believe in the power of stories. We believe that stories have the ability to transport us, to make us laugh and cry, to challenge our perspectives and change the way we see the world. In a world that can be chaotic and overwhelming, stories offer a sense of order, a connection to something bigger than ourselves. It's this unwavering belief in the power of narrative that compels writers to keep putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) year after year.
Stop Writing.
Writing is not just a profession for many; it's a compulsion. We write because we have to, because there are stories that demand to be told, characters clamoring for existence. The blank page may be daunting, but the act of writing itself is a form of self-discovery, a way of making sense of the world around us. Whether we're crafting novels, churning out blog posts, or scribbling down ideas on a napkin, we write because it's an essential part of who we are.
so, the next time you encounter a writer, remember the world exists beneath the surface. We are chroniclers of the human experience, weavers of tales , and relentless seekers of the perfect word. We are the dreamers , the Observers, and the Believers in the transformative powers of writing. we are writers a, And of Course we … NEVER STOP CREATING.
