My Best Writing Is About…
I very much enjoy writing. I find it to be one of my favorite outlets. If I had to list my favorite ways to reduce my stress level it would be within the top five. I spend quite a bit of time thinking about it, considering how to improve and become a better writer.
If I was smart I’d follow Avrech’s advice: Rule #5: Writing is Rewriting. I don’t like rewriting. I prefer not to do it and since this is a blog I take advantage of it and more often than not I choose not to rewrite.
Part of that is because of the sheer honesty of the writing. Here in the blog I often put down those things that I would rather not share. I expose my darkest fears and deepest desires. Sometime it is easier to pretend that I never shared them than to revisit them.
But that is not the only reason I avoid it. Part of it is because I am highly critical of my work. I tend to dislike most of the things I write. There is always a better way of expressing my thoughts. There is always a more eloquent combination of words. Sometimes I get so caught up with trying to find the perfect combination I find that I haven’t produced enough content to satisfy myself.
So here at the Shack I give myself a break and just let loose. It is for the best and in the end I think that I am happier for it.
That leads me back to the title of the post and the topic of recent musing, what do I think my best writing is about. That is, do I do better when I write about specific topics.
For now my answer is that I really prefer to just ramble on. I am good at it. I rather enjoy just prattling on about this and that. You start out one place and just let the road lead you wherever it may.
How many people are thinking about Whitman’s poem about The Road Not Taken? Go on, raise your hand, it is ok.
Ok, I’d write more but I am supporting 17 different blogs and I need to come up with something new on a different one. See you all later.
Jack's Shack December 4, 2006 at 10:32 pm
Yingerman,
Someone has to do it.
MBM,
I like people who take that other road. 😉
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood where on the deck, oh captain, my captain, lies cold and dead. Isn’t that how it goes?
Said the Raven Nevermore. 😉
I know, I screwed that one up.
Anonymous December 4, 2006 at 9:06 pm
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood where on the deck, oh captain, my captain, lies cold and dead. Isn’t that how it goes?
Anonymous December 4, 2006 at 8:36 pm
ahhhhh jack…yours is one of the most entertaining blogs out there…always fun to log on and see what is happening at the shack…ps i chose the road not taken…almost 37 years ago…and boy am i glad…stay safe my friend
Anonymous December 4, 2006 at 7:21 pm
WOW 17?
Heh, I can’t 1 goin.
I write from the hip, but reread to ensure my anon status and most spelling booboos!
Jack's Shack December 4, 2006 at 4:59 pm
Miriam,
You are right. That was a boneheaded move on my part.
AT,
How about this past Saturday.
Shoshana,
I know. I made a foolish mistake. Maybe I should reread my posts. 😉
Shoshana December 4, 2006 at 3:31 pm
I second Miriam – it’s Robert Frost’s poem – a favorite of mine.
Air Time December 4, 2006 at 12:49 pm
Why would rambling on and on and ending up in a place I didn’t start at remind me of the road not taken. COnsider rewriting this post.
But I gathered you must be bored since you showed up at Air Time yesterday.
Speaking of which, when was the last time a team from LA won a football game.
Anonymous December 4, 2006 at 10:30 am
17 blogs?
I think it’s Frost, not Whitman. But I could be wrong.