Every writer at every stage is much like a beautifully crafted diamond, multi faceted.  Like artists, poets, and sculptors we have a creative side that needs to be expressed. At times its imperative, like air or water.  Yes, for some, writing is that intense.  I have come to witness many new facets as I try to define who I am as a writer and pinpoint exactly what I need.

Seeking to define brought me back to an old friend, at least he feels like an old friend.  He is David Biespiel, author of "Every Writer Has a Thousand Faces."  Whatever artistic avenue you blend with, this book may be helpful to you.  

David shares:

“One’s initial sense of ambition as a writer naturally gives way to time, and what you realize is, it isn’t mere ambition to be a writer that matters.  You realize that what is driving you all this time is compulsiveness.  So you build narratives that come out of the reoccurring seasons of life and memory and projection.  You sketch poems in the voice of King Phillip V of Spain.  You chalk out screenplays about growing up on a commune and becoming a stockbroker.  You write and write and write and have no idea what it is you’re making or whether it’s any good.  And whether you publish any of this or not, the same impulse always exists: to write.  It’s what calls you to the page.  It’s what makes you feel poorly when you haven’t been writing in a while.  It’s one of the things that define you personally as a human being- inside of yourself, your inner self, and your sense of being a writer.  It’s one of the thousand faces you wear to make a record of having lived. “

For the purpose of this blog, I’ll be focusing on writing.

Here’s the news about my journey as a writer so far; it’s always been a part of me and I denied it for a long time.  And, I was “off” for a long time.  I tried to fill its void with other things, bought into why I wasn’t a writer according to some, and kept on truckin’ (off – but truckin’).  Only when I had the personal story of a life time did I wake up and let myself be a writer.  Oh you won’t read about me winning awards or see a big display of my book between Fifty Shades of Grey and Elton John’s new memoir.  Did I expect more?  Well, maybe something more.  To say I’m thankful for the Zon(Ama) and Kindle would be less than true, I’m overjoyed and deeply grateful! However, I've realized sales aren’t the point.

In the book, Every Writer Has…

>Alert! Vital discovery ahead…

David Biespiel writes:

“This compulsion (to write) won’t go away.  You have the opportunity while you’re alive to respond to it. Question is:  What will you do? I believe that writing and living a creative life requires two things, ambition and discipline.  Trust this fact:  Before you wrote your latest poem, story, or essay, it never existed before in the history of time or the history of humanity.  Never existed.  Until you made it.”

Blogs written, comments made, articles, personal stories, quotes, and my book- Late Discoveries would not have existed without me.  I am but a speck in this world, but I’ve created much.  I am no longer “off.”

Think about what you’ve created, in addition to a family or home, and realize your creative impact.  Astonishing.  Important.  Words can be like presents; you give a gift freely and then it is no longer yours.  It came from you, but now belongs to the recipient and they may copy it on a note card, pin it to the wall, or whatever.  Whether a gift you give someone is a fine crystal vase or a meaningful quote, you never know where your gift will take the new owner or what joy it could bring.

You see, the compulsion to write (or paint, sculpt, create music) is indeed part of who we are.  It falls in line with being good at sports, a skilled craftsman, at one with ocean life, or many other individual components we all have as human beings.  We each have talents that come natural to us.  I see our journey in life to explore and find those gifts.  Stretch, fine tune or expand them as well. There is no end-game, status, or arriving at the destination that makes it worthwhile.  Each day is the destination.  Each word I put on this page has never been here before.  A beautiful song or a striking painting would never be if not for the creative minded people we share this world with.  Among other priceless things in our lives we must count our individual talents/gifts.

With love and appreciation for everyone who’s ever shared their creativity; I’m better for what you’ve given, and live with joy because of your gifts.  Let’s keep it going, live inspired!