Link to the Yes, As a Matter of Fact, Do Sweat the Small Stuff on Medium.com
On Medium, there’s plenty of how-to articles for writers on finding their “voice.” Initially I thought it was the niche that I should be focused on, but there’s also the actual style of a person, the formatting, etc… It’s pretty mind blowing, the discussions that’re happening out there about this. Stephen King’s On Writing is frequently quoted. That book is on my to-do list of many to-dos.
I get it, really. Writing is a serious profession but sometimes I hear the Joker, the one played by Heath Ledger, saying with a smile, why so serious?
I get that there’re writers that write for a living. Totally respect that. I also completely understand that there’re writers who write to also express thoughts and ideas. I’m part of this camp.
But what I don’t understand is why the intensity? I see some writers putting themselves through a Fallopian tube in order to squeeze out pieces that’ll scream and bellow when finally out in the world. And some of those pieces are excellent pieces of work. I understand producing quality pieces and the writer’s block and the insecurities and most everything that’s wrapped up with wanting to do good work.
But why the angst? Again, I ask the question.
Why so serious?
For me, a complete newbie to this world, it’s not the being a writer that captivates me to do it. That title means zip to me.
I still lack that mindset that I. am. a. writer.
My personal reasons for writing is just to tell a story. For an audience of two.
Myself and the Universe.
But let’s be realistic about it too. I totally get needing some kind of structure when it comes to writing. And after reading tons of how-to find my voice, I honestly felt I was still at square one.
So i said hell with it, and just wrote. Just try it and see how it goes. Because that’s really how you find your voice, is my personal opinion. And I agree with those who said the same thing. Trial and error. See what works and what bombs. Take the risks and see how they play out.
But also be your authentic self. Now, that, I totally agree with, because quite simply, I don’t know how to be anything else.
So that’s how the Yes, As a Matter of Fact, Do Sweat the Small Stuff began. My first attempt to try to find my “voice.”
