A Journey Through the Quirky World of Wordsmiths
Have you ever sat down with a notebook or your laptop in an almost deserted café and wondered why we writers do what we do? I mean, why put ourselves through the emotional rollercoaster of crafting tales, developing characters, and dealing with plot twists that sometimes twist us more than the story? Well, let me take you on a whimsical journey into the heart of why we, writers, write, what motivates us, and whether this passion is worth all the madness.
First off, let's talk about the spark. Oh, the glorious spark! It's that moment when an idea pops into your head like a kernel of popcorn in a microwave. In storytelling, a "spark" refers to the initial idea or inspiration that ignites the creative process. It's that moment when something—a thought, an observation, or a feeling—captures your imagination and compels you to start crafting a story. One minute, you're daydreaming about lunch, and the next, you're plotting the next great scenes in one of your romantic novels. Inspiration strikes at the oddest times—shower thoughts, anyone?—and suddenly, you're scribbling notes on anything you can find, like napkins or even the back of receipts. Me? I always carry a notepad or the Note app from my iPhone.
But why do we chase this spark? For many, it's the passion for storytelling. We have this inexplicable need to create worlds, develop characters, and weave narratives that make people laugh, cry, and everything in between. There's a certain magic in seeing people connect with the stories we tell. It's like we're all part of this big, secret club where words are the secret handshake.
Now, let's dive into the writing process itself—it's a journey. Imagine setting out on a road trip without a map. Exciting, right? When we start writing, we often have no idea where the story will take us. There are detours, dead-ends, and the occasional "Are we there yet?" moments. But oh, the joy when a plot comes together! It's like finally spotting a gas station after hours on an empty road.
But what about the emotional side of writing? Do we feel what our characters feel? Absolutely. When our protagonist's heart breaks, we might just shed a tear ourselves. When they succeed, we're practically doing a happy dance at our desks. Writing is an immersive experience. We live through our characters, experiencing their highs and lows. It's a bit like method acting, but with a lot more coffee (or wine) and far fewer Oscar nominations.
So, is this passion worth pursuing? In a word, yes. Writing is more than just putting words on paper; it's a form of self-expression, a way to process the world around us, and sometimes, a means to escape it –– just like reading. There's a sense of accomplishment in finishing a piece, regardless of whether it becomes a bestseller or just sits in a drawer. The act of creating something from nothing is immensely satisfying.
Of course, let's not forget the editing phase. Ah, editing. The necessary evil of the writing world. It's like cleaning up after a wild party—you love the memories, but the mess? Not so much. Yet, it's during editing that our stories truly come to life. We polish our prose, tighten our plots, and make sure our characters' motivations are as clear as our morning coffee.
Do you think that's the end of it? Oh, you sweet summer child, it's far from over. Enter the beta readers. Beta reading is a process where someone—known as a beta reader—reads your manuscript and provides feedback. This happens after you've done your self-editing but before it hits the final editing stage. Beta readers offer insights into the story's flow, character development, and overall readability, helping you spot areas for improvement. They're not professional editors, just folks who love a good story and can tell you if yours hits the mark.
Then comes the brutal part: working with your book editors. These aren't your best friends or your emotional support humans. They won't hold your hand when you have to cut your favorite scenes. Don't expect them to correct your story or grammar, either. They're there to find the loopholes and question parts of the story before actual readers do. They'll challenge every chapter. The best book editors are the brutally honest ones. Sure, you'll shed some tears, and there'll be moments when you want to strangle them. But in the end, they help you polish your story and make it reader-friendly.
They say writing isn't for the faint of heart. You'll face disappointment and struggles at every turn. The journey of writing is filled with ups and downs. It's a labor of love, fueled by passion, creativity, and a touch of madness. We write because we have to, because it's who we are. So, if you ever find yourself staring at a blank page, remember you're not alone. We're all in this together, navigating the quirky, wonderful world of writing, one word at a time.
Happy writing, fellow wordsmiths!
Justine Castellon is a brand strategist with an innate ability to weave compelling narratives. She seamlessly blends her professional insight with her passion for literature. She writes about her journey as a writer in between poetry and short stories. She is the author of three novels –– Four Seasons, The Last Snowfall, and Gnight Sara / 'Night Heck.
(Twitter/X @justcastellon)
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