Friday, February 29, 2008

timely interventions through writing--Sunday Scribblings

Creative writing was not something I gave much thought into. I never even considered writing poetry. If anyone had told me, I would be writing poetry sometime in my life, I would have laughed. Yes, I wrote great essays, even great excuses in my leave applications but poetry or stories, never.

It simply came by chance. Someone I met online asked me to join a forum of writers. He said I have the aptitude and talent for it. For three months, I pondered over it. Then one day he asked me to submit a story for a forum and I did. I started with short stories, than wrote a lot of 55 words stories too along with haiku. One day I experimented on poetry and never looked back since then. I basically taught myself poetry. I looked into structured poetry and experimented with that..sonnets, villanelles, pantoums, triolets, sestina, terza rimas--you name it, I did it. I have my phases of writing. I can go on writing structured poetry..it gives me a certain discipline. I can give myself a free rein with the more popular free verse. It gives me a kind of release. I can switch from one to the other, with relative ease.

I discovered that creative writing is an outlet for what I had mostly kept within me. I write on vast on varied issues. I try not to be repetitive. I re-invent myself in each of the verse I write. I have taken to blogging. However, what I post on this blog is miniscule of what I write. Somedays, I can't stop writing. And when I can't write poetry, I resort to writing book reviews. That way I am able to overcome my writer's blockade. Believe me, it is very much there and somedays words simply don't come out.

Writing for me is encapsulated in a time machine, in more ways than one. I have come a long way since May 2005 when I started writing. Blogging has given me that extra push towards that, ie , time travel. One can go back, stay at present or go ahead while writing. You can't stop the mind from journeying. In any way it desires. Thay way, it cannot stagnant.

31 comments:

UL said...

Gautami, you write beautifully, I am so glad that you let the world experience your passion and creativity through writing, you are a great inspiration for me, someone to look up to...thanks for sharing your personal time capsule story.

anthonynorth said...

This reminds me of my own reasons for writing. I had a talent for it at school, it seems, but life took over, and I never wrote until my late twenties, and then only because I came down with chronic fatigue syndrome, and needed gentler pastimes.
Mindst you, I'm glad I did. It's only when we see the words in front of us that we realise ourselves, our ideas, and our own minds.
It's excellent therapy.

M as in Mint said...

Teaching is one of the professions i really admire - Not everyone CAN become good teachers; not everyone SHOULD become teachers. It's not just about knowledge; but it is also about passion, the ability to share that knowledge in the right way(which does not necessarily come with knowledge) - teachers influence to a great extent, i think. And your writings all of them, clearly brings out the admirable teacher in you! Hats off to you for that! :)

Anonymous said...

Cool! I couldnt write poetry to save my life - and if I did write anything aspiring to it, I'd probably lose my life to true poets! :) Way to go Gautami!

Crafty Green Poet said...

writing definitely is a time machine!

Tammy Brierly said...

As I slowly return from my "flu fog" I am overwhelmed at what I've missed. Writing is just like this for me too. Time travel works in writing and reading. I enjoy traveling with you! HUG

Romeo Morningwood said...

Bravo.

While many Earthlings are celebrating and in some instances bragging about their arrested development here you shining your light.

Personally You are a beacon on the hill that I look up to. Striving, stalwart, and sincere.

OK I'm gonna say it..
You light up my life.

Robin said...

You write beautiful, your words inspiring those of us who read them.

How lucky we are that you discovered creative writing.

Anonymous said...

Now that's a nice twist on a topic!! I enjoy your poetry so much -- and I am also very jealous (in only the best possible way) that I can't write it!! But I can knit!! Perhaps we could swap a poem for a potholder? (Hee Hee) Have a nice weekend Gautami!

Anonymous said...

I love the frank and sincere post. You've painted the path taken,which some of us are trailing behind...you're great with creating pictures with your words too. Agreed with the timeless capture on your blog. Well done!

Sherry said...

This is me, giving you this, ^5!!! Loved this..and that you taught yourself poetry. I love that you taught yourself to say and do and be what you want and you create who you are!!!

and I love that you are still blogging even though you were thinking you might not!

You have a voice Gautami -- don't silence it!!. Please. xo

Anonymous said...

don't you ever stop.....please

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on picking up writing poetry, it's all a bit odd to me, unless rhyming. You've shown us you have a natural talent for sure ;)

Tempest Knight said...

Writing is very therapeutic indeed. As for writing poetry, I agree with you. It's a great way to capture moments in time. :) Don't give up writing!

Anonymous said...

This was wonderful... I'm so happy the blog has released this power to so many of us. It's a great way to reflect, grow and expand.

polona said...

i almost can't believe you started writing only in 2005. you do great with everything you take on so please continue.

Anonymous said...

GO!
gautami!

¤ ¤ ¤

/t.

Anonymous said...

I couldn't have put it better myself. So I won't.

I just love reading your words. Sounds simplistic I know, but it is the truth. You are wonderful. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

"I re-invent myself in each of the verse I write." - I love that feeling.

And I didn't know you only discovered this outlet such a short time ago - you must have had so much bottled up before that!

Anonymous said...

Woohoo, another time machine, suddenly they are all over the place. I used to have a whole blog about time machines, The Last Time Machine, apparently it wasn't the last one, hahaha

awareness said...

Hi Gautami.......

I tried to access your book reviews blog from Michele's but it wouldn't open up properly for some reason which may be why the other blogger didn't leave you a comment.

So.....here I am, from Micheles AND Sunday scribblings.

I completely understand the idea of writing being a time machine thing. I didn't write on this particular prompt, but had actually thought of using the same theme as you.

WRiting offers a journey every time I sit down to write a piece. I love that part of it.

enjoy your weekend.

sage said...

Gautami, your writing is so beautiful--I can't believe you've only been writing poetry for such a short time... thanks for all that you share.

Anonymous said...

I can't believe you self-taught yourself the entire genre of poetry! That is amazing and surely a testament to your passion and skill! I'm always amazed when someone says "than I...'fill in the blank'...and I never looked back." When they find what they were meant to do - not sure I'll evere get there!

Thom Gabrukiewicz said...

Just think what this world could be if everyone created something every day, rather than trying to destroy something...


Dad’s Wrinkling Time

Anonymous said...

You do write so beautifully. You are truly an inspiration to the writers in the world that question themselves. You have been an inspiration especially to me to continue to write and hone my craft. Thank you!

paisley said...

i am with you... i wrote little snippets of love lorn poetry back in high school... and then never really thought about it again till last july... now i kind of feel like a slacker if i write anything else... although i do enjoy a piece of prose now and again.....

gma said...

Writing is an excellent way to time travel!
;-)

Preethi said...

so true.. writing is indeed a time machine.. We are all here for the love of writing.. and you do write so well :) As always it was a pleasure to read your post!!

My time capsule

Pirate Princess said...

I think those are fabulous thoughts.

I just recently rummaged through some of my old writings and was amazed at how much better I'm getting.

I once told a friend I breathe, therefore I write. I meant it. ;)

Melody said...

Enjoyed reading your post, Gautami! You write well, keep it up!

Anonymous said...

Nice post Gautamy. You're right, you can't stop the mind from journeying so you might as well enjoy the ride!