Friday, March 11, 2011

The Starving Artist


Writing is more than an outlet for expression. If that wasn’t the case, the process of writing would only go one way. Writers would constantly give of themselves without being fed in return. They would be starving artists, not because of a lack of funding, but because their work does not nourish or fulfill them. Fortunately, writing isn’t just an outlet. Through writing, we come to understand and define ourselves. We absorb bits of words and emotions and images that we can then use to compile and to identify who we are.

I see writing as planting a seed and writers as farmers. It takes hard work, dedication, patience, and desire to begin and maintain a farm. As we watch our seed grow, we can feel our excitement escalate. Of course, when the tree has finally grown, we wish to show it to others. “Look,” we shout. “See what I’ve done!” They see it, appreciate or ignore it, and are blessed or unaffected. We cannot rely solely on our audience for fulfillment. Similarly, if a farmer only showed off his crop without harvesting, he or she would eventually die. A writer also must learn to take sustenance from the work that has been planted.

My goal for tonight: Figure out what I can take from my writing. I already know what it takes from me. It takes time and patience. It takes thought and creativity. And sometimes, it makes my fingers cramp! But what can I get from my writing? How do my own words and stories fulfill me? In other words, how can we have a codependent relationship?

Questions for you: Whether your passion is writing, farming, or skydiving, you also should be giving and getting enough to survive. What do you love to do? What do you give up for it? What do you expect to get in return? Are you getting it yet? Tips?