This past Monday was the first day of the writers’ support group I’ve initiated at our local bookstore, Readers’ Books. I’m calling the group WORDer, because similar to bird lovers who seek, discover, and enjoy birds (birders) I hope similar wonder and discovery over words will infuse this group. I sent out a local e-mail saying, “Whether you are currently writing or simply curious about what might happen if you tried, this group is for you.” I limited the group size to ten, and on Monday, we had six. One more person may join us next Monday. The group is scheduled to meet for six consecutive Mondays. At that time, we can vote to continue or fold.
WORDer is not a class. I’m not a teacher. What I am is enthusiastic about the written word and a champion for the democracy of voice. As the host of this support group, I hope to offer encouragement to those of us who write in the shadows, doubting our literary credentials. We all have something to say. For most of us, it’s scary to put our thoughts and opinions on a page. The old, “Who do you think you are?” assault can obliterate the most innocent of statements. Getting beyond the head chatter that demands justification for the slightest creative expression is an enormous challenge. “Who do you think you are?” and “What right do you have to …?” are creativity killers. The anecdote: a support group.
This support group, WORDer, was inspired by a blogging group I use to write with. Our expressed feedback consisted of what we liked, what we remembered, and what stood out. Through reverse engineering, so to speak, I was able to build entertaining stories without trampling all over my little creative spirit.
We called our blog, “A Writer is Someone Who Writes.” Do I need to say, “period?” Because, a writer is someone who writes, period. It took a while for me to accept that as truth. Somewhere, I got the notion that writers had to have read every book on the planet, have PhD’s, be masters of grammar and punctuation, be well connected, and basically be everything I am not.
Today however, I consider myself a writer because I write. Good writing is my goal, but not my God. I simply show up for the production piece, and when I get out of my own head-tripping ways, God takes care of the quality.
As always, I truly hope you have a good week, and I’ll post again next Friday.
Yes, I would read it. In fact, I crave it. I know for a fact that for every warped criminal that makes it into the news, there are hundreds, indeed thousands, of everyday folks who are demonstrating amazing acts of courage, wisdom, and grace but never get a peep of recognition. I’m convinced that if the father who showed his daughter how to change the oil in a car, or the office worker who threw a surprise party for a co-worker, or the janitor who is debt free was covered in the news, people would have a much more optimistic outlook on life. Surviving everyday life is a wonderfully compelling story, much more interesting than the ignorant coward doing a drive-by shooting that mainstream news can’t seem to get enough of.
My only other thought comes from my experience with this blog. I write it never knowing if anybody is reading it or not. If I worry about where it’s going in the world, then I get too self-conscious, and that’s not so good. Please let me know when you have your “Good News” blog up and running.
Hi Terry,
I really like your post this week. It really speaks to me since I’ve been attempting to write a blog and I just can’t seem to get started. I keep thinking I need more time to think just the right thought, or I don’t really have anything interesting to say. I’m thinking of doing a blog on stories not covered in the mainstream media. As you probably know, I’m a former TV news reporter (recovering local news hound), and I still like to tell a good story, only I don’t want to write about death and disaster. I want to write about relevant issues, untold stories we never hear about. What do you think? Would you read it?
Terri
Comments are always welcomed.