The Writing Life
November 9, 2011 60 Comments
Wikimedia Commons–PD-Art
Writing is like a sadomasochistic relationship with myself. It is excruciating and orgasmic. I write because I never thought I could do it and I’m trying to attain my potential through words and ideas that I hope will bring joy to someone who stumbles upon my nook in this digital world.
The reflection of blank pages
Compels release from cages
Minds entombed in pithy thoughts
To reveal the secrets gods brought
And express them in fictionalized form
With creativity and flair they inform
Other minds of possibilities
Outside of structured normalities
Writing even in its most realistic form is fantastical. It is the process of creating something out of nothing. So here’s to nothing folks. And here’s to creation.
Now what is writing like for you?
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© 2011 Lafemmeroar
About Lafemmeroar
I feel similar. I never thought I could write. Then suddenly one day I just started writing and realized, hey, maybe I CAN! And it was exciting and fulfilling and soon became a joy. I love words. I have a terrible vocabulary and can’t spell myself out of a paper bag, but I love words. And I love to express myself.
Absolutely! I never thought I could write either, but I’ve always been a reader. This is why blogging is a great release and also a big source of inspiration … 🙂
I wasn’t a fan of writing primarily because I wasn’t (still ain’t :)) a fan of reading. If a read a novel then it must be highly referred. The last book I read was The Alchemist and only because it was referred by my mentor Will Smith. (To tell the truth, I didnt REALLy read it, I downloaded the audio book 🙂 Nonetheless, it was good). Anyways back on track, I admire and respect great writers, like Lafemme. Their ability to articulate themselves on paper is really a talent. Writers are the Alchemists of the world. The wise ones.
I love what you said: ” Writers are the Alchemists of the world. The wise ones.” I think that we are wise in our own way. We express it in different ways, but despite the lightness of what I post I always hope that readers have something to think about after reading my “blather.” 🙂 Totally love you!
I’m letting you know right now. I am a science nerd. I hated english classes throughout my entire undergraduate experience. Okay so maybe not ‘hated’ exactly, but I would rather be studying science. Honestly, I never thought I would ever blog at all. Now, I’m going to stop here before I spew my entire life story. To answer your question: writing for me is a pain, but I will keep writing because if I can get at least one person to smile or laugh at what I’ve written – then that pain is worth it.
I feel the same way. Writing can be a pain, but it’s orgasmic as well. And like you if I can give a reader a chuckle, then it’s all worth it.
I can totally relate to that. When I was at school, I was rubbish at English. But, it was only a year ago when I first started blogging that I believed that I could write; and started – or should I say attempted – to write my autobiography. A year later, and I’m now well on my way writing my 1st novella!! 🙂
Writing is great for me as it’s like becoming lighter – getting all of your emotions down; and closing one door (and hopefully open another)….
I just hope that people believe in and relate to my – and Lola’s – story!
Jules
http://andsuddenlyisee.wordpress.com
http://wordshakermag.wordpress.com
Writing is a good release of emotions and thoughts. It’s a sort of cleansing–true. Also, I finally succumbed to participating in NANOWRIMO on November 5th. I swore I’d never do it and here I am 18k words and counting.
Writing takes me to the world I am writing about, it is both an escape and a release as I examine past emotions or create new ones. Finding the right words has always been extremely pleasurable, But blogging adds a small audience, something my journal never had, and yes, it is nearly orgasmic when someone comments or likes my post and we are connected for just a moment. And why not, our posts are our babies, created by a wild orgy of thoughts, feelings, memories, neurons, and muscles. No wonder writing is so exhausting!
You said it so beautifully in your comment: “our posts are our babies, created by a wild orgy of thoughts, feelings, memories, neurons, and muscles. No wonder writing is so exhausting.” I love it when a reader Likes and Comments. It lets me know that even for a brief period of time I’ve connected with someone out there. So, thank you for commenting and keep on with your orgy of orgasmic thoughts 🙂
Great post. Writing for me is like school it helps me out since I took this semester off and its been a while since I actually wrote an assignment.
Absolutely Fox … writing each day is a form of mental exercise.
Writing helps me maintain my sanity…
Have you read Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet”? You should. It’s beautiful writing.
I haven’t, but thank you for recommending him. I’ll have to check it out. 🙂
Totally understand how you feel. 🙂
That’s why you’re a Crazy Chick 🙂
something out of nothing, outside the norm – I like this, Lafemmeroar
Me too Monica … 🙂
Just as it should be, something out of nothing… and not the blather of the masses…you rock 🙂
Thanks Janice and might I say that your last posts have certainly rocked someone’s world or toppled it over … 😛
It’s like painting except you use words instead of a brush. Of course my imagination is employed mostly for cartoons but I try to come up with original and creative metaphors and similes and just keep a list because my appreciation for them keeps me reading the works of authors if they incorporate the same.
I love your blog Carl!!!!
So funny that you say that. I was crushing on a writer when I first dove back into dating and writing and he said the exact same thing. It is like an orgasm – when it is good, it’s so damn good. Orgasmic indeed – the days you sit down to write and it just flows and flows… Or when you’re in the shower and you can’t get the shampoo rinsed from your hair fast enough to get out and jot down the ideas. Some days the pen can’t move fast enough. Those are the days I simply adore why I write. Sure there are days that nothing seems it will ever spill from my fingers to the keyboard, but knowing that it’s okay and it’s only temporary are what keep me fired up.
It’s a lucky gift – to be able to write.
The gift of writing comes in spurts for me. Blogging helps and of course comments are always encouraging and it keeps me motivated to continue posting. Thankfully the dry spells are only temporary and I usually fill those days by reading … at the moment, I’m reading “The Brothers Karamazov” I love Dostoyevsky’s structure … I wish I could read it in it’s original language.
Amen–here’s to creation! What is writing like to me? Well, at this point in my life it’s foreign to me. I used to write angsty poetry all the time, along with keeping diaries and dream journals. And then I met my husband and I haven’t written anything substantial (save for a damn good masters thesis) in 8 years. I’m hoping that the urge to write will one day return to me…part of why I made myself start a blog. Here’s to you Lafemmeroar–to your ballsy creativity and drive.
Well Amy reading comments make my day and yours have made my week! You said you wrote a lot of angsty poetry before you met your husband, perhaps you are on your path to write about new themes and you will once more find your voice … BTW what was your thesis about?
From nothing comes everything, not just something. Each word is an expression of you–and that’s everything, all there is.
The writing process, these days is effortless. Ideas and words come pouring out of me. I am the Niagara Falls of Words that pool into stories that people (including me) want to swim in. It has been an amazing several months. I don’t what tomorrow will bring, I just am so grateful that, for now, the Falls are plentiful!
Oh Lorna I’m so happy for you! I can tell with your posts that you are a prolific writer. As for me, the writing has been a struggle as I do the edits of my Mrs. Badley book and I’ve also just participated in NaNoWriMo — oddly enough I’ve written 18k words so far for NaNo, but the editing of the other book is slow. I think we all have our journey and process when it comes to writing and from nothing can come anything my noodle wills. Now I’ve got to get my noodle back into shape 🙂
Wow! You can write super funny stuff and you can also write super serious stuff! I am in awe of the talent!
Oh Sharon thank you sooooo much! I’m flattered and you’ve invigorated my energy.
Dear, L,
–this was written beautifully: **It is excruciating and orgasmic.** Yes!
To me, Writing is how i Breathe.
Great post. x
KIm, as an avid reader of your blog, I do believe that your writing is a celebration of life, memories and love–you breathe beautifully!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i never liked english, history, reading, writing, or any subject that was forced upon me in school. but now i find writing entertaining. … writing can so be more than a lousy assignment !
Absolutely Eva. Writing can be such a personal journey into yourself. It is definitely more than a writing assignment. Many believe that writing is a commitment to their self-growth!
Starting from nothing is the best part. Maya Angelou has said that staring at the blank page is scary. Alice Walker, however, is not intimidated by it at all. Writing is freedom but I have to add a very solitary, and sometimes, lonely process. It’s quite absorbing when everything’s flowing.
Although I’ve been on a dry spell despite participating in NaNoWriMo, I do agree that writing, at its best, gives me a quiet freedom. It is a very solitary process, and sometimes lonely, but when the thoughts and words are flowing it’s a very welcome solitude that truly makes me feel whole. Thank you for your comment.
Anyone can write. It’s finding something to say that’s the problem. You do both very well. I’m just glad I can READ !!!
XOXO
Thank you Cinnamon. Your words give me fuel to keep on writing even though my words and thoughts have been very stubborn lately.
Giving thoughts life. Capturing feelings, then releasing them. Transforming imagination from within and letting it inspire another one’s imagination. Absorbing the written word into the mind, and evoking an emotion, be it a smile or a tear. Writing is all this, and so much more. It is the playground of the mind.
I love your thoughts, and how you provoked me to reflect about writing. Thanks Lafemme.
Phil! And I love love love your reflection about the writing life. Now let’s “play together” 🙂
Your writing puts me to awe. Simple yet so complex.
Thank you very much. What you said means a lot to me 🙂
I love writing but, yeah, there are times when I wonder why I chose to do this to myself, especially when I spend days wracking my brain to find something to write… because the urge and need to write can’t be ignored. Writing kinda burns me out; I can put fingers to keyboard and, I think, write some amazing stuff – it flows from me like water running downhill. Then, somehow, the drain get stopped up and that’s about the time I start beating myself up because I need to write… and the well is dry for the moment.
Good post, girlfriend! Can’t imagine why you felt you couldn’t write but you do it quite well!
Well Kdaddy from what I’ve read it seems that your well just keeps on flowing and flowing and giving and giving! You’re a prolific blogger IMO. I think I write because I never thought I could do it. Then I read Dostoyevsky or Miller and I’m thinking I wanna write like those guys. Can you tell I’m into dudes? 🙂
Oh, I do manage to get the pump primed… but it’s never as easy as it may appear to be; Lord knows how many blogs I’ve started and have ultimately thrown away because I didn’t like them for some reason; same when I’m doing other writing. I torture myself to come up with something that represents me as a writer… and wind up destroying more stuff than I finish because I’m not happy with what ultimately came out of my own mind! How’s that for beating yourself up?
Yup sadomasochistic … all right … the pain and the pleasure–the bitter and the sweet–the logic of insanity! That’s the writing life.
Thanks Lafem. 😉
You are very welcome Phil 🙂
I love your beautiful little nook over here, Laf. You are a bright and shining soul–I couldn’t have missed you! xoxo
Hi Gayle! I hope my soul is bright even if my noodle is convoluted.
Hope all is well. So glad you stopped by. 🙂
Your convoluted noodle only adds more brightness my dear!
Still trying to catch up from my week away. I always leave happier when I visit you! 🙂
Gayle you are so good for my self-esteem 🙂 Glad I can make you happy in a crazy way. 🙂
you’re a great writer, keep writing.. you’re like one of the best writers on the internet
damn I need to take inspirations from you and that awesome writer Lorna, I hardly write these days and get frustrated whenever I do so I just cancel it out. Now I am just talking like a depressed child lol. Nice post. 😛
I’m just curious – which keyword did you use to find that image on this post and on which website? 😛
Ah Sharvil, your comment is food for my soul. Thank you so much. You’re not alone in the writing and frustration believe I have it all the time. So welcome to the club. 🙂 Your comment helps me and inspires me to do the best I can to give my readers a chuckle.
I use Wikipedia Commons a lot! I think I used the keyword “writing.”
Ooo I feel good to know that I can make someone else feel good.
Writers till we die? 🙂 good luck 🙂
Absolutely 🙂
writing is totally a love-hate relationship for me – I get the pleasure-pain thing you’re talking about. sometimes the last thing I want to do is sit and be still and delve into my thoughts and feelings, but once I get going I love it, it’s such a release. I figure we have to share ourselves with the world and what’s inside has got to come out…so long as we give ourselves that opportunity its ultimately a win
@taradancer
Exactly! I hate it but once I get going it is a release and there’s nothing like it. You really are into my noodle aren’t you? 🙂
Now I remember! Yes, you have a nice style. And you are very pithy. 🙂
Knew you’d read them before 🙂