One of the most intimidating experiences as a writer is the expanse of a blank page in front of you, especially when it matches the blank space in my head a bit too well. I expressed my concern~about this conveniently common phenomenon whenever I was assigned to write something on command~to a mentor of mine; I wanted to know how I was expected to succeed as a writer (and as a student with deadlines) if the only time I could play with words on a page was at 2am when my thoughts decided it was time to tackle the meaning of life instead of go to sleep like a normal person. After much prompting for a serious answer that diverged from the unsustainable, nocturnal-writer trend, he suggested I find a new circle of friends.
So, here we are.
We can take a moment to wander around my writer's block; maybe I'll even pick up some inspiration for this blog post on the way...
CHARLES BUKOWSKI | RUPI KAUR | JASON REYNOLDS
First, I usually consult these mentor texts and immerse myself in the writings of poets whose styles I admire. Charles Bukowski was a German-American poet who wrote about life as he knew it; he is known for his talented use of language "to depict the depravity of urban life and the downtrodden in American society" (Poetry Foundation) and his ability to convey the rawness of his subject matter in his writing. Rupi Kaur is a young poet who made her debut on Instagram and who is also well known for her ability to present complex, multilayered emotions and experiences in a concise form. Her illustrations and imagery has since been published in two books, milk and honey and the sun and her flowers. And finally, Jason Reynolds, renowned, award-winning, young adult novelist and poet, is always an inspiring source for exploring new content and style. I admire these three writers' craft, especially when it comes to their use of language. They inspire me to use writing as a means through which we can rediscover the world around us and the experiences that make us human.
the POST-able POETS (ie. Instagram/Pinterest Poets)
If still uninspired, there are a number of poets and writers who have taken over the Instagram and Pinterest platforms; the best part about using these platforms as writing inspiration sites is that I can save the posts that speak to me the most and the algorithms sort through different profiles to find similar content. I find it intriguing when poets are able to capture specific experiences and feelings that are often shared by people from a diverse range of backgrounds; these kinds of posts are like a snapshot of a moment, a thought, an experience...it's like magic. I aspire to master the use of words the way these writers do. Isn't it awe-inspiring how artful combinations of different words can convey such personal, allusive concepts?!
the CLASSICS
Obviously, there are also the classics at hand: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Robert Frost, C.S. Lewis, Shakespeare, Maya Angelou...sometimes intimidating, though iconic nonetheless. I don't often rely on the classics for my personal inspiration because it is not as accessible, as a writer or as a reader, as other styles. However, I will be the first to admit that they have been deemed classics for a reason. It amazes me how words can capture ideas that transcend the limits of space and time. Beautiful.
the ANONYMOUS
Again....words. craft. surprisingly accurate. beautiful. I want to try...
Gotta go write before I forget....til next time!
xoxo,
Miss S.
PS: This week's inspiration comes from Amy Krouse Rosenthal's Textbook. I love how she defies the traditional form of what constitutes as "writing"! Here are some of my favorite entries so far:
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