Everyday, I find myself thinking about what to write about, what to try to show through language and form, about me and my life that is interesting and relative to others, and I am often stuck. As I was reading Scott Russell Sanders “The Country of Language” I was pleasantly comforted by his simple and at times almost obvious statements that I connected to, not only as someone greatly influenced by the natural world, family and teaching, but as a writer who is constantly searching for a unique way of expression. Sanders lays out in very clear and organized chapters pivotal moments in his life that he acknowledges for leading him to where he is today. I thought about all the influential moments that I find crucial in my development as a writer, and I discovered that a lot of them crossed similar themes as Sanders. I don’t think it is the detailed accounts that make us writers want to find a way to talk to the world; I think there is something in the nature, or personality of a person that lights up from inside, a communication of sorts that wants to be heard.
As I sat and listened to Marjane Satrapi speak at the Carnegie Music Hall Monday night, I found myself thinking of Sanders, and how similar these too were as writers. Although from completely different worlds with completely different developmental moments, it seems the message is clear. They both want to find a way, to tell a story, one that may be different culturally or stylistically, but that in the end ultimately screams for peace: “And I decided I would try to build things up instead of tearing them down; I would try to make discoveries and bring useful new gifts into the world, instead of consuming what was already here; I would work against cruelty and suffering; I would help make peace.”
I realize with that in mind, I can sit down stress-free, not thinking about publication or career-goals or grades, knowing that to be a part of something that big and wonderful, is writer enough for me.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
On that same note, I also loved what Satrapi said about writing and communication--something about how she loves to write because she has a lot to say and when you write you don't get interrupted...
ReplyDeleteLibba,
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a great feeling? I've always believed that we are writers because we love the way that words feel in our mouths, or flowing from our fingertips. We're writers because we don't know how not to be. There's so much pressure to sell, sell, sell. There's a constant pressing reality that jobs are slim pickings. And yet, those of us who are really passionate about our craft continue on because we believe in the stories we are creating.
Thanks for this Libba. I've been struggling myself with what to write and how to write and thinking about publication and criticism, but this is a great reminder that it's not about that, it's about telling the stories that we have in us. I hadn't connected Satrapi and Sanders but you're absolutely right.
ReplyDeleteagreed. and i'd be curious to know how you came to this in your own life - this internal drive to write ... for its own sake. i don't think our 'vision statements' are for workshopping but i'd love to read yours. All of them, really.
ReplyDelete