Originally Published on OpEdNews
Every human being has an art form inside of him or her. Sadly, many have not discovered their "hidden talent.' The types of art are numerous. The obvious are painters, song writers, musicians, sculptors, ballerinas, modern dance, tap dance, and pastry chefs, just to name a few.
My life has been fortunate. Although I am far from wealthy, I have written songs, and painted with oils and acrylics. For the most part, these were done for my own enjoyment, only. My new passion is an art form I have loved ever since I was old enough to read. I am a writer.
Why do I write? What inspires me? What is the purpose of my words?
These are all easy questions to explain. When I write my novels, it is a labor of love. Although I am not as successful and many of my favorite authors, a completed story is one of my life's greatest accomplishments. If readers enjoy my stories, I am pleased beyond belief. If they don't, I'm a little sad; a part of me goes into every word, and lives or dies with the reader's critique.
Writing articles is just as easy to explain. Writing them for me has two purposes: They are cathartic, and allow me to release inner emotions by putting them on a blank page: The second is purposeful. I want to evoke thought and discussion. I don't expect everyone to agree with me, in truth, I don't want them to. I don't read reviews or comments, not because I refuse to care about the ideas of others, the truth is just the opposite. I don't read them because occasionally someone writes in anger, and resorts to personal attacks. Those people don't understand the philosophy of good argument and discussion.
What inspires me? Writers who far surpass my talents. I have always been in awe of those who can put words on paper and instill in me emotion and thought.
I have stated my purpose with one exception. I write because I enjoy it. As with other arts I have attempted, the majority of my writing is for me.
Novels are a great deal of work. Right away most of you are thinking, "yes, I've heard about writer's block.' That's not really it. As one of my favorite authors said; "Writer's block simply means that you don't like what you've written." I've learned that to be the absolute truth.
However, when I am happy with my effort, nothing is more pleasing.
Articles often write themselves. I cannot write without strong emotion behind every word. It is impossible to write articles without putting personal slant on the page. For some it is less obvious, but, for me, it is often blatant.
As you read, I suggest you keep an open mind and allow your thoughts to travel in many directions. Agree or disagree, like or dislike what you are reading, but appreciate the effort of the author. Who knows, you may even want to try a little yourself some day.
James Turnage
