A question for the writers out there: How do you feel when you write?
Of course, it obviously depends on what you are writing about but I am asking how your emotions affect your words or how your words affect your emotions. Sometimes I wonder if it is a chicken or the egg scenario where I am unsure which way the streams flow.
Often when I write, the starting idea morphs into something quite different by completion and as my thoughts spill on to the page, they in turn find and raise emotions, which then catalyse new thoughts.
Other times, I feel like the emotion forms the starting point and as they fall out, the mind has a chance to process and shape them. Again, often where I start, I do not end.
In some way, I have always visualised my thoughts like music played on a piano. At first, it is a disjointed mess of random keys being slapped by untalented fingers but as they progress, notes start to connect and combine and find a rhythm and flow. Sometimes they progress smoothly into a tune and other times they are barely recognisable as music at all, just noise.
What I have found as I write though is that it is a valuable process to get the words or emotions out whatever the case may be. I do not post everything I work on however as often, it is really just noise that clears the mind, or perhaps the heart. It is cathartic.
Writing has become a resource for me, a relationship with a close friend who is always willing to listen, even when times are difficult and I am unable to make sense of what is going on, let alone put it into sentences. Quite regularly, this friend has answers for me too, even though I do not always want to listen to what he has to say.
When people meditate, they look to become more aware of themselves and in so doing, more aware to the world in which they operate. As they practice, thoughts and emotions come and go through their consciousness giving them a chance to acknowledge, understand and release when the lessons have been learned. What many seem to find is that they had the answers to their questions all along, they were just too noisy to hear them or weren't ready to listen.
Since beginning this process, I have learned a lot about myself and I think I may be a better person for it. What is better I do not know but I have definitely changed my views and actions in many ways and seem to be more accepting of myself. Do other people get this?
I also wonder how relatable my words are with readers, do they resonate with you too, do you feel them, do you you see yourself in them or do you understand others better through them? Perhaps they make you laugh or cry, maybe even angry.
What my hope is that even though personal, there is some kind of negotiation between you and me through the words, that a conversation takes place of sorts. Possibly even, you are connected to the good friend in yourself as I think, they are often smarter than we give them credit and we should listen to what they have to say.
So, when you write how does it affect you or, how do you affect it? I am interested to hear.
Taraz
[ a Steemit original ]
When I read, I relate to the writer. I have wondered if anyone relates to me. The possibility becomes unimportant as my words take me on a journey into the shadows of my mind. It is there in the shadows I find my value.
It is there in the shadows we lay.
When I read your work it often shakes fruit from the mental trees, some take seed and develop, some are stored away for a later time. There is a lot of value in the conversations we have.
I expressed myself better through writing. I fumble at words at the beginning but once I started writing I can't stop putting my thoughts into words.English is my second language so sometimes it can be challenging expressing myself in another language nevertheless people understand what I am saying in the end. Writing relaxes my mind, ease my tension sometimes and it is a form of venting my emotions. Since I am the introvert type, I'd rather send my boss a long email than talking to her personally of what I feel or how I feel about the job.
And compliments to you @tarazkp because you can write an article that engages your reader, an article that is not sub par,an article that has quality and substance.
I think for many non-natives it is a challenge to get the ideas across. My daughter will be dual mother tongue (Finnish/English) and I am interested to see how it will affect her thinking. My father is a non-native English speaker (although you would not know it) also and definitely seems to understand and express in slightly different ways to most.
Many non-natives prefer to write as it gives the space to think and review and perhaps, it allows the space for shyness and introversion to be less of a factor. I like sending emails to bosses too, mostly because I just don't really want to talk to them though. ;)
I agree with that being non-native & introverted that makes writing even more useful. It gives time, space, room to improve. I used to write a lot in English (my second language) and really started to like writing, and have recently found out that when I write in my native tongue (Dutch) writing is even nicer and easier.
It is often the case as it is kind of like running uphill and then for the race, you are on even ground. By exploring yourself through a foreign language, you see with different eyes.
Yes. Reminds me of a quote (not sure by whom)... the more languages you speak, the more people you are. Really impressed me when I was young, to hear that.
I write what I feel and think at the time. When I revisit older texts I tend to redo a big part of them to fit what I feel now. Not emotionally; mostly ideals and philosophy.
It will be interesting one day when an AI can track how we have progressed and how our positions have forked.
I would like to answer this question from a commenters point of view, if you all don't mind. I have asked a few why the approximately never upvote or reply to comments. Some of the best writing and effort can be found in following the thread of great creativity or stimulating topics. Lack of recognition, appreciation or acknowledgement kinda stinks for everybody. If you want something, give it. Peace and Serenity.
I don't understand either as I think it is in the comments that the relationships get formed. I do understand not being able to answer every comment adequately though. There are times I have accumulated hours to just answering comments to one post.
What I think should also happen more is that people talk under the post with each other, not just the author. There is a lot of value in that also. I try to upvote each (worthy) comment too and if people would spend time talking to each other, I would read and reward those also when possible.
You are very much appreciated for encouraging the conversation, dialogue and debate. There are others as well, and I did not mean to disparage them. Will follow and thank you for your reply.
I want my writing to come straight from my heart and not my head...In addition to thinking of a strong headline that will draw my readers attention, I also want to inspire them into action
It is great to be inspirational but is it better to be inspired?
I think I do not work hard enough. I am quite certain I will never reach a point where I am done.
:(
I agree, my writing is very much influenced by a variety of things like many others. Its a reflection of my mood, for instance am I tired or wide awake. Each of these feelings reflect by the words in which I choose to write. Also my audience is a big influence on how I write. Not only in the form of professional vs non-professional but also how I feel about the audience in which I am writing too.
However, over all I agree with your point that over time writing will help you learn more about yourself and the type of feelings or things that influence your writing!
When I started writing for an audience it was professionally for non-native English speakers which was both challenging and rewarding. It forced me to simplify a lot which is a good thing. It limited the range quite a lot though and I feel much freer at Steemit even though most readers are likely non-natives.
It depends a lot of what you are to write. Shorter pieces like blogposts, it doesn't matter so much what mood I haven. But longer writings, like the (non-fiction) book I'm writing and researching right now, does involve the right mindset.
I don't really like the word mood for this, that implies it's emotional, whereas it has not much to do with that.
Music is the key!
In my experience, having the right music that fits your mindset/mood for the thing you're writing is key. Certain of my chapters are written on specific pieces of music on repeat. :)
Lots of writers talk of repetitive music but I think that would kill my mind. I am 'sshhh, I'm writing' type.
I wish I had the patience and drive to write a book. I wish you the best of luck :)
It's not so much repetitive music, but a specific piece of music (often without lyrics), that I repeat.
And I don't think it's about luck. But about perseverance. (And blocking out things with less priority...)
Oh, not in the writing, I wish you the luck for the book. Luck does play a role there as parts of it are largely in others hands :)
Ah, very true. * I guess I still have a lot to learn regarding publishing *
But I'm very happy with the publisher I found,and who seemed to immediately understand what direction I aimed for with my book. So very grateful to them already, even if not a single copy will be sold :)
Well, as you mentioned, it depends on the topic.
I tend to "wander" quite a bit, and the idea I start with often forks and one fork becomes the basis for a completely different train of thought.
Now, for a twist. I write a lot of my ideas longhand, when I am nowhere near the computer. And writing longhand feels very different from typing... it's far more emotionally intense. Which actually makes scientific sense because we use a different part of our brain for typing (similar to using tools) and hand writing (more like creating art).
Bridging the gap is a strange sensory experience; I "know" that I want my typed words to sound like my hand written words, which means I have to read every posy out loud as part of the proofing process.
Emotion wise, however, the high point always seems to be the moment in which I realize I "have something" worthwhile... with occasional spikes if some additional insight suddenly comes up.
Interesting dialogue!
Interesting, I took some years of school at a Steiner / Waldorf school, and there I also experienced that writing your own books, by hand, really makes a difference. But writing now, I do like using a computer, although I normally print out my stuff to edit at least once. Will get the proofs of my first book in two weeks, in a printed version, and already looking forward to using a pen & paper style.
I also want to 'hear' my words, but don't need a pen-paper style to do that. Probably there is something in the actual feeling of the words that makes such a difference. Perhaps it also matters where you look? I always look at my fingers when I type (even though I can do it blind). It makes me feel more connected, maybe similar to what you have with paper-pen?
btw, when I read, I always have notebooks to jot down thoughts & I copy large parts of books that I like by hand, as a way to easily memorize them and feel they become part of me...
I hate it when this additional insight negates a couple hours work as tends to happen from time to time when I realise I have missed something fundamental. Better late than never of course.
Have you ever tried the exercise of writing a question but answering it with your weak hand? It is messy and slow but quite interesting. The idea is that it accesses different parts of the brain.
Have not tried that particular exercise... but I have done some of the art exercises that require you to draw things with your non-dominant hand. And it was a bit strange how different things looked...
I taught myself to write in mirror. That also slows me down a lot, and activates some strange parts of my brain, and at least makes me feel more connected to what I write & makes me think better before I decide on a word! But I will try your option too... sounds very difficult!
Your posts always give something to think about, really think about. It's often not so easy to comment directly because you want to think about an answer. So you can be assured, your words resonate.
I am glad to hear this and I hope that it helps you improve your life in some way. I think these conversations through our disconnected thoughts hold a great deal of value.
I'm not actually a writer, but I play one on Steemit. I'd say it depends on what I'm writing with regard to whether the event being depicted is conveying a given emotion enough on its own.
Generally I feel focused, except when writing poetry I don't feel like my personal emotions are going into the words. On the contrary, eliminating excess words and removing myself from the content as much as possible so that the actions paint a picture is what I strive for. And then, when I re-read the material if I'm not getting out of it the emotion I had hoped would have been conveyed by the imagery, then I cheat and start to add hints of how the character being depicted feels about the situation.
At least, this is the ideal that I aim for. It's fairly hit or miss, but I hope that by continuing to write I can get better at it.
With poetry I'd say it very much is. As well as with free writing. But for the important stuff, I'm focused on the emotions, but I'm not feeling them personally. I'll read, and re-read. And ask myself if someone might get a different emotional impression from the thing I've written, and I'll try to see how I feel about reading it cold.
Ever heard of method acting? I wonder if method writing is a thing...
Yeah, freewrites and poetry are like that for me.
This sounds a bit like how I've heard people describe sculpting. Not actual sculptors, mind you, but people pretending to be sculptors on tv... And in a way it's kind of how I code.
I am pretty sure that it is (at least for me) as when I write fiction I use this. Also, I spend time simulating various positions and situations to broaden and understand more of myself/life/people and it comes through my writing too I think.
For me, when I write - well, I mostly have fun! There was a time in which I struggled over writing like a mother over her newborn, but now I find it nothing but exhilarating. There's just something great about expressing yourself, about saying exactly what you feel like saying. And self-expression - well, it comes easier with time.
Great questions, great post. I myself write quite a bit, especially about the craft of writing, so if anyone feels like they might like to hear my thoughts, I'm right here. Thank you so much!
Writing for me began as a child as a creative release. When I was young, I would pen short stories about goofy animals and their trials and tribulations. I suppose now, looking back, I was harnessing the emotions that come along with being a young kid in a school with a bunch of other young kids and wanting to fit in, make friends, etc.
As an adult now, I find that my writing comes from a similar place, but with different intentions. Whereas as a child it was simply to create something fun that myself and my friends could enjoy, as an adult I find myself using it as an outlet - a place where I can put all my true thoughts and feelings on the page and lead them wherever I'd like.
I love how, just with words, we can create unique spaces that are not of this world, or perhaps are very much of this world but we get to play out alternate realities. I feel like there is a little bit of "me" in every character I pen, and I get great joy out of exploring what other "me's" are up to or would do in a given situation.
I hope one day that my work is good enough to inspire others to write and create, but I would be just as thrilled to hear that they enjoyed the journey my words took them on :) I loved reading as a kid, still do, and would like to encourage that in others.
I am not a writer, but I am a reader. I think I saw a comment by another non-writer. I'll say what makes a good book or story for me. That is one that flows that feels natural, and that has as few commercial interruptions as humanly possible. You see when I read, I see the story, and I feel the life in the story.
So emotion is a very strong part of any story. But as a reader I do not need to have it thrown in my face while reading. I prefer the implied action or feeling. think about does it need to be spelled out for readers that Rosy is very embarrassed or can it just be shown subtly.
I guess what I am saying is as writers you do not fill in all the physical surroundings, grass green, tree Maple, road asphalt, road crushed rock or crushed clam shells, sky blue, rock was hard, grass was soft, 20 degrees out the puddle was frozen, There is a lot of background stuff that is not overly detailed out. So try not to overly detail out the emotions of the characters.
Your feelings and emotional attitudes for the characters are going to come across a lot more believable if it just flows. Overflow can always be fixed in the editing process.
In the few times each year when I actually sit at my keyboard with the intention of writing, it's because my head is filled with indecipherable noise and more often than not, it happens on the cusp of my sleep and waking hours.
The only way that I can describe it, is that it's like being in a seat in a movie theater with a different movie being played on each of the four walls. A random hodgepodge of babble and dialog, chatter and conversation, all going on inside my head from no discernible outside stimulus.
I will usually get up and jot words across the screen, more like a random page tapped from an unwritten diary from some point in my youth...at times fifty words, at others, five hundred.
Sounds like an interesting experience I think :)
I loved your post, followed and upvoted. I am a language fanatic, speak 3, and a bit of 2 more (Suomi is one as I studied your language for a few months while living in Tampere in 2006!!). First language is Greek, then English, then French and so on. Greek is an old therefore amazingly rich in vocabulary language so it feels more thorough and detailed when I write in Greek BUT English makes me feel at home too if you know what I mean, especially in written form. Maybe it being my husband's first language has brought a new meaning to it... I guess I don't even know myself yet haha still exploring.
And of course...Happy New Year! I don't know if you are into the stuff I write about but feel free to have a look @tarazkp.
I really only speak English unfortunately as my Finnish is severely lacking (I am in Tampere) . I think that the views from different languages and the slight changes in the meanings gives a compounded depth to understanding. Of course, since I only speak one, I do not know :)
Tampere?? That's a crazy coincidence haha
Ah, I just noticed, and nobody commented on it yet... so just wanted to say: very cool title!
(titles are very difficult and a particular frustration of my lately...)
I have been thinking of collecting them all together as I think I have some pretty weird ones :)
I want my writing to come straight from my heart and not my head...In addition to thinking of a strong headline that will draw my readers attention
Your posts always give something to think about, really think about. It's often not so easy to comment directly because you want to think about an answer.