Thursday, November 5, 2009

Writing vs. Processing

Sometimes we write things out with pen and paper that cannot be taken back. In my mind, pen to paper is much like a verbal monologue, once it’s written it is spoken, if you scratch it out, it looks messy. When you crumple up paper to re-write your thoughts, you lose the flow of your thoughts and the moment is lost.
Word processing is aptly described, it’s processing the words. Sometimes you can catch the poetic leanings of heartfelt intent, but only sometimes. We loose the context in print. But when you write, the reader, if they are observant, can see how passion can indent the paper, the bold sharp slash of an angry word, or frenzied scratching of an excited moment.
 A few weeks ago I wrote an old fashioned letter, the first time in very many years. I realized after I had written it and had mailed it away, trying to recall all the things I wrote that, I don't think I really made a lot of sense. I have become so accustomed to being able to cut and paste. 

I don't have to know no grammar cuz Word will fix it up ok. (Please read in a sarcastic font, imagine it and it will appear).

I found that when I was writing, I couldn't quite manage to decide if what I just wrote was spelled correctly. The letters looked the same, but it looked strange to be written in my scribbly handwriting.
I don't want to lose the ability to take a pen to paper and be coherent. I want to still hear the scratch on the paper, watch the turns and twists of the ink as it permanently changes a blank page into a story. Ink is the catalyst and history is the result.
And speaking of processing, my other blog is http://kidbamboo.blogspot.com . That blog is the entirety of my NaNoWriMo novel, my first attempt. If you read it, please comment, here, there, wherever you wish.
I am new to all this interaction, I've always meant to get my own page, I diddled in myspace and friendster and both lay on the wayside, ignored. So dear reader, your comments would be greatly appreciated.

1 comment:

  1. "...when you write, the reader, if they are observant, can see how passion can indent the paper, the bold sharp slash of an angry word, or frenzied scratching of an excited moment."

    That's true... I think I'm going to enjoy your blog. You really write well.

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