The Unfinished Page: Embracing the Writer’s Journey

There is a subtlety that comes with writing, a relaxation that comes with it as well. So, one of the things I’ve learned about being a writer is that, in order to consider yourself a writer, well, you have to write. When I think about all the time I’ve spent at a computer desk staring at a blank screen, I have to smile a little bit. I’ve opened so many documents only to close them without saving a draft because the page was blank. But why? This is something I know many writers ponder about, but today is my day to expound, at least, to give my version as to why it seems so hard, not just to write but also to share.

To me, the writing is easy. I mean, I like my handwriting, and I also like typing. It’s the tactile feel and hearing the keys click. I like texting too. I remember those T9 days, and even before then, when we had to click through every letter individually. You really had to lock in. At any rate, I’ve always wondered why I couldn’t bring myself to just go ahead and publish all these things I write. Did I have an audience? No, not really. But I still enjoy writing so much that it shouldn’t matter. And yet it did, and it still does to some degree. I’m only now becoming the type of writer that doesn’t care what the writing looks like in the end or how it is perceived thereafter. I just want to get every and anything out that I need to get out.

And there’s the key. I think a lot of the time I wanted this perfect draft. And yes, I know it’s one of the most basic rules of writing: that you will write and write and ultimately write again. Everything is a draft. But that was also the problem; everything felt like a draft in that it never truly felt finished at all.

It could have been my voice that I didn’t feel gave off the right feel, or maybe the length, too short, too long. Or even the concept: What am I writing about? Why am I even writing this? Who is going to read it? Again, these are questions that should never puzzle a true writer. First and foremost, you write for yourself. Unless you stand to sell out and make massive profits or your goal is mainstream hype, which I can’t fault anyone either way, but in that case, you probably are writing for other people. Not less true; writing is writing after all.

But for those that cannot bring themselves to share for fear that there will be no connection among readers, etc., well, just keep writing for yourself. And keep writing every day, and also just write however it is you like to write; it doesn’t matter. In the grand scheme of things, your voice is unique, believe it or not; no two words or phrases you put together will be duplicated; your mind works in its own unique way.

So, what’s the point of all this anyway? Well, I’ve found that simply sitting down, perhaps with some music playing, maybe coffee or tea or any energy drink, water, just sitting and writing whatever comes to your mind is the true nature of anyone who calls themselves a writer. Any and everything after that can be sorted out. Tucked away and used for later, or maybe never. It’s still a beautiful process, and you gain something every time, just trust me.