Writing is not life, but..... 1/28/2008 11:50:34 AM
Considering the power of words, writers have an obligation. Last weekend, we watched a film that I'd known little to nothing about, called "The Ultimate Gift." It was a warm and wonderful film, one that families should watch together and discuss afterward. And it got me to thinking, long after the story had ended.
We writers have an obligation to write not only powerful and moving stories, but if we can, to write stories that evoke a response from the reader/audience. To write stories that touch on universals, and if we can have an impact for good (not just for entertainment), that's a real bonus.
Even Stephen King wrote: "Writing is not life, but I think that sometimes it can be a way back to life." I agree. Writing has the ability to transform us, even as those doing the writing! When I write, I often find the truth I've been searching for in my own life.....a journey of self- discovery, not only for my readers, but for myself. It's a rather exciting, but sobering thought.
One final thought, by Alan Alda, that speaks to our goal and our dream as writers....and indirectly to the goal of readers/audiences as well:
"Be brave enough to live creatively. The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You can't get there by bus, only by hard work, risking, and by not quite knowing what you're doing. What you'll discover will be wonderful: yourself."
Here's to the adventure of writing what NEEDS to be revealed, within us.
