The kind of writer I want to be. This question has been swirling around in my mind since Ruth posted it last week. If I were to be honest, this prompt lead to my thinking about who I write for. "Do I write for myself or do I write for others?"
The answer to this question is directly linked to the kind of writer I want to be.
Writing for myself is a path to discovery of who I am and who I want to become. It's a way to sort through the emotions of living in this big and complicated world. Writing for myself is a way to reflect and solve problems that seem so much bigger than I am.
I want to be the kind of writer who writes for myself.
Writing for others is a way to share my story. Sometimes, when I read others' words, they are just what I needed. It may be words that cause me to reflect, to learn, to dream, to cry, and to laugh. I want to do the same for others. I love sharing my teaching practices, my literacy life, and my life in my classroom. I never know when I share a story just how much someone else needed to know they are not alone.
I want to be the kind of writer who writes for others.
Today, I read a poem by Fran Haley on her blog, Lit Bits and Pieces. It was inspired by Kobe Bryant's poem, "Dear Basketball". Fran wrote about writing and her life as a writer. The whole poem is beautiful, but these words lingered just a little longer in my heart.
You will outlive me.
You are my record.
You are what I leave behind.
Let it be the best of me.
So, what kind of writer do I want to be? I want my words to be a record of my life and a discovery for others. I want my words to bring hope, to show love, and to share my story. I want to be the kind of writer that is the best of me whether that is for myself or for others.
Because I don't know if the two can be truly separate.
Beautiful. I am glad that you write and that I get to read your words.
ReplyDeleteYou say it so well.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Leigh Anne.
I especially love this part - "I want my words to be a record of my life and a discovery for others. I want my words to bring hope, to show love, and to share my story."
This such a beautiful explanation of the writer you want to be. You show how to balance the writing purposes very well. You have given me more to think about.
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ReplyDeleteOh, that last line! I love this post, and I always love reading your words.
ReplyDeleteLeigh Anne - I am happy to know those lines lingered with you. They came straight from the deepest part of my heart. I especially enjoy how you organized this post to reflect on how you write for yourself AND others - for story does connect us all. Story ties us together by our heartstrings - that's the power of sharing! I do not think the two are separate either, writing for self and others. It takes such courage to write and put it out there - it involves some faith in self and others, too. All part of the lifelong journey. Bringing hope, sharing love, your story, the best of you - this is absolutely what you do! Thank you for your words.
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