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The Purpose of Telling Stories

5/27/2014

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When I heard that there had been a study conducted on whether reading literary fiction increased one's empathy, I was very intrigued. And when I heard the results of the study--that yes, indeed, it did--I said, "Well, of course it does." Because how could it not? When you place yourself in someone else's shoes--even a fictional character's--and experience things from a different perspective, it only makes sense that you would be able to apply that more smoothly to real life situations. To me, this is one of the true purposes behind storytelling--to make the reader more aware of life outside their own. To help the reader connect to other people, in other places, who experience different things. 

It seems obvious, once you think about it. Isn't that why people read fiction? To escape their own lives? But it's not just escape. When we escape our own lives and dive into someone else's, we have to leave behind our way of looking at things. At least to some extent. The really good writers can even make you look at things in the opposite way that you would in your everyday life. They establish a place and characters that you fall into, that you trust, and then they turn you on your head and make you realize something truly profound. But it doesn't have to be that momentous. It can be something small and personal, that every person will experience differently. And I believe that all writing is capable of this. Should, in fact, be striving for it. What a wonderful thing, to help someone see something in a new way, to help them experience something that they otherwise would not--perhaps would never even consider.

In this way, writers can help readers everywhere become more empathetic to their fellow human beings . . . sometimes, in ways that they never even thought possible. And that is truly something worth striving toward.



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Finding Time to Write in a Hectic World

4/9/2014

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As I am sitting here writing this blog entry, I am determinedly ignoring the incessant nagging of everything else that I should be doing instead of this: editing, reading, networking, exercising, folding laundry, socializing, etc., etc. The list goes on and it never stops. 

There will always be something else to do other than write. Many other things; some of them even important. It makes setting time aside to write harder--but no less necessary. 

It may seem strange to think of writing as a "necessary" thing to do, but for those of us who just can't ignore the urge, it certainly is. I'm not sure what I expect to get out of my writing, or if I expect anything. All I know is that I am happier when I am writing something. I feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment that very few other things can provide. This means it is worth pursuing. And, yes, even necessary.

I believe this is the first step toward finding the time to write--allowing yourself to believe that it is a necessary part of your life. Allowing yourself to believe that it is important. Once you convince yourself of these things, it becomes a little easier. A little. There will always be those other things that loom over you and demand your attention. But that's when you squeeze in those tiny, little moments to yourself, to sit in front of your computer or your notebook and write. 

Because if you do, you will find yourself filling your life with little moments of purpose and accomplishment--and you will be happier for it.
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AWP Jitters

2/26/2014

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As the AWP Conference looms on the horizon, I find myself becoming increasingly excited and nervous. The Association of Writers and Writing Programs is offering a colossal array of readings and panels on writing, editing, and teaching creative writing over a blissful and hectic three days. In a word: heaven.

However, along with the over-the-top interest in everything book related, often there comes a certain awkwardness and resistance to social mingling. I am terrible at connecting with new people. I love to do it, when I can manage it--but it doesn't come easy. Surrounded by so many writerly types, I know I will be overwhelmed with shyness and uncertainty. 

But that is why it is important to remember the fundamentals of networking: just talk to people like they are human beings--because they are. I will repeat this to myself over and over again throughout the next three days. Sometimes it is hard to remember that other writers and editors also enjoy things outside of writing and editing that they love to talk about--like film and food and family (and other words that don't begin with the letter f, I'm sure). They also love to talk about writing and reading not related to their work. I should know, because I am one of them. This is also something I will have to keep repeating to myself. 


All in all, the AWP Conference should be an opportunity to learn some new things, meet some new people, and have a great time doing both. Although I know it might be a little nerve-wracking at times, I am excited to get out there and make some connections. Because after all, what else is writing for if not a means of connecting with your fellow human beings?
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