Ever since I was little, I have loved manipulating language. Playing with the way a word rolls off the tip of my tongue or writing a little story that simply reflected what inspired me in that instant, writing has always been a hobby of mine. Having loved writing from the moment words started pouring from my lips, it is understandable that describing, with a restricted number of words, why writing makes me click is a little difficult.
Nevertheless, reminiscing over a few fantastic moments when looking through a photo album, lit a spark inside me. Whilst photos may capture a moment beautifully, even the least photogenic of us can feign a smile and an underlying sadness can often go unnoticed by the untrained eye. By contrast, language allows a plethora of different possible ways of portraying any situation. After all, even a pitch-black room can be captured by the written word.
Writing – a three-dimensional art form
Words truly allow us to explore our emotions. Writing rather than capturing something on film allows a three dimensional perspective. Indeed, just like any two- or even three-dimensional art form, we can choose to hide, change or taint a memory or story. By choosing one word over another, a writer has the power to record history in a certain way. At the same time, that very same writer can record every element of its protagonist’s experience.
It is not only three-dimensional thanks to its ability to reproduce a memory in detail, the very process of writing prose or poetry is multifaceted. Retelling a tale triggers emotions that may have been suppressed or forgotten, likewise, skilfully recounting an anecdote on paper can bring back the smells and tastes of an experience.
Writing – a form of communication
I am one of those kooky girls that still loves sending postcards on my travels, this year alone I have sent nearly a hundred, letters to friends and family, and leaving friendly post-it notes around for people. To me, writing means communicating and sharing the things I love with people around me.
I therefore consider it a generous, caring art form. It can also be self-indulgent yet at the same time completely selfless. It can make people feel included, informed and cared for. Some people who read my fictional work may get lost in the world I create, others may simply appreciate that I have taken the time to send them a pretty card rather than just hurriedly send an email. Consequently, writing is my way of showing those people I care enough to create something for their enjoyment. After all, I would not write if I thought it was only benefitting me.
Writing – a two way street
Since taking my writing a little more seriously in recent years, I have come to realise how it is all about a relationship between the audience and the writer. When, at school, I read and studied one of my all-time favourite novels, Jane Eyre, I remember discussing the underlying symbolism of Brontë’s words. The more I layer ideas into my own work, the more I appreciate those extraordinarily talented writers who seamlessly immerse their work in hidden meanings. In many ways, writing allows reading to be an even more enriching activity.
Writing – an eternal art form
Words have the unique ability to outlive us. The piece of paper on which we write will probably disintegrate with time. Yet, an eloquent quote or powerful speech can be passed down for centuries. With or without the physical books, good writing can be shared and that’s why I love it.