Writing can mean so many different things to so many people. To some, writing is just a bunch of words, but to others, it is an art form. Several forms of writing exist, and as different as they may be, they all have a purpose. Writing can be anything from telling a story to marketing a product or just remembering your grocery list. Whatever it is, there is a reason behind it.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have always found solace in writing. Sometimes there are far too many words to verbalize exactly how you are feeling; that’s where writing comes in. I have always considered it an art form, choosing words to convey certain emotions, and showing people what you want them to see; like painting a picture. Art is subjective, but nobody can deny that having a way with words is art in and of itself.
The best thing about writing is how personalized it really is. Your personal experiences and who you are fundamentally, are often prevalent in your work. As individuals, we all have experiences unique to us and our worldview; often the words we utilize when writing can showcase this.
Letters have gone out of style—now we’ve grown accustomed to emails and text messages, yet as informal as they can be at times, they too say a lot about us. Slang terms and abbreviations can give others a sense of what cultures we are a part of, the places we’ve been, and the people we know.
As a writer, I want to not only use my personal experiences as an outlet for my work but help others share their experiences as well. Everyone has a story, everyone has a teachable moment, and everyone should have the opportunity to pass their wisdom on to others.
Telling stories—around a campfire, at a sleepover, or just to start a friendly conversation, stories are a natural form of communication and connect us to one and other. Everyone has told stories of their own experiences at one point or another. Each story told has significance; it may be a turning point, a cautionary tale, or just an amusing moment. Stories are not just about mystical places and harrowing villains—they are about real people, real cases of perseverance, comedy, terror, etc.
The best thing about each story is that, regardless of its subject matter, somehow, people are always brought together. Whether they are condemning the actions within the story, bonding over shared experiences, or listening to those with an alternate perspective, something is always to be learned.
For instance, Coming of Age stories are some of the most influential stories in our society; a time in an individual’s life that many can relate to; a transition period, a new world of unknowns, our transcendence into adulthood. Regardless of where you were raised or your background, this is a turning point in most people’s lives, of which we all have a mutual understanding. Our shared understanding makes it easier for us to connect with these stories as a society.
It is also important to share stories with which we are unfamiliar. I personally believe that sharing stories that may feel foreign to many also brings us together, no matter how polarizing our experiences may be. Hearing others talk of their experiences exposes our blind spots, our gray areas, and helps us develop—it broadens our perspective. Listening helps us to build empathy, compassion, and let us walk in someone else’s shoes, if only for a moment… if we can never look past ourselves, then how are we supposed to evolve or solve issues, even if they do not apply to us?
The ability to wholeheartedly express how we are feeling is what makes writing so influential and important. Our words can resonate with people around the world, with people who we may never even meet. As a writer, no matter what you are writing, words are important. The wording you use can either make or break someone’s connection to your work. Yes, words may just be ‘words’, but words are impactful. They can change how we view things and what we feel. When I write, I want people to understand the emotions I am trying to convey. I want people to understand what I am saying, even if it may not directly relate to them.
Writing fosters understanding, togetherness, and can truly make a difference in people’s lives. It may seem cliché to some, but I want to help others with my writing, whether I am just making someone’s workload a little lighter; or accurately portraying someone’s feelings by putting them in words.
