On Writing

I have been thinking of putting my thoughts on paper (figuratively!) for a long time. Somewhere around 2017, I made a start and did type out a few pages. However, I lost my way and did not continue. I did learn. I learnt that starting is one of the most difficult things. To continue writing for some days is easier. To sustain the continuity over a longer period is the toughest of all. Another thing I learnt is that I would perhaps never be able to write good fiction. I can imagine, but I find it difficult to create something right from the scratch.

If I had to point out a reason why I could not start writing earlier, it would be feeling comfortable. Sure, some eventful break ups could have helped! On a serious note, however, I could not write because it was easy to not to write. Go to your job, slog like there’s no tomorrow and wait for payday. On your payday, settle all your credit card bills and other bills, do some more shopping and just wait for the next payday. I always felt that I should write, but never had the urge to do it. There was inner calling, but turning a deaf ear to it was rather more convenient.

A lot of people I know want to write. However, only a few of them have been able to take even a step in that direction. It does make me wonder why. Yes, not all of us would be good if we decided to create value with our writing. However, there are a lot of not-so-good writers as well out there. They are getting published. They are doing alright. Credit to them - they wanted to write and pursued with it. They prioritised writing. What they did not have in skills, they made up in determination. I am not saying that I am great at writing, what I can definitely tell you is I had a very weak determination about writing. 

You may not be great with words like Shakespeare, Wordsworth or Nietzsche. Charles Bukowski wasn't that great with words either. He was a postman who just could not stand his job. He stuck to writing because that provided him some income since he kept losing his jobs. He did alright. He made sense - not to everyone but to his own niche audience. You don't even need an audience, it could be just for yourself. 

It could be anything - a personal diary, micro blogging on social media websites, a blogging site, just anything. If you feel strongly about expressing, go for it. However, if you do express your ideas on public forum, do not be afraid to face those divergent opinions. Divergent and sometimes, illogical. It's your voice though, and be unapologetic about it. Just eliminate some of the trivial stuff from your lives and you will have the time. Everyone has enough time. Happy writing!

Yours bitterly, 

Ashish M.