My Dad asked me recently, “What kind of writer are you?” And, to my surprise, I had an answer for him. I explained that I don’t specify. I only call myself a “writer” in the most general sense of the term, because I write in whatever medium tells a specific story best. I have never seen myself as only one type of writer, but rather, all types. And no one can convince me that that is not entirely O.K.
I’ve written lyrics. I’ve written poems. I’ve written screenplays. I’ve written essays. I have never been terribly interested in being a novelist. It is not something I necessarily have the talent for, nor do I particularly care to do it. However, novelists absolutely impress the hell out of me. And there are certain stories that I think would be situated best as a novel. And that is something I care about: the best form of writing, (written in the best manner), to tell a story best.
I like magic. I like images. And I like the two together. I specifically like when words can inspire both of these things–magic and imagery–whether in your head or on film or otherwise. More and more I am finding that I wish to tell stories that combine these two favorite of elements. And I have rediscovered that the way I imagine magic, is in the movies; It always was, always has been. I’m just remembering it at a pivotal moment. And so, I am doing just that: writing screenplays. And it’s working.
I know there will be rough patches–blank moments where I can’t figure out what to write next, but so far, the words are coming out easier than anything else I’ve ever written– plus, it helps that they’re good! I feel so happy about it. I feel so happy creating magic. I am creating something out of nothing. My ideas are good. My goals are achievable. The more I write, the more I am certain that my dreams have never been too big and never will be.
Let’s hope that feeling lasts. –We all have bad days, bad weeks, bad months, hell, bad years! We are all sad sometimes, spoiled sometimes, totally lost other times, hopeless, strong, confused, certain, angry, all of it, none of it, whatever. –Me? I am an inherently happy person. I may not show my feelings or strong emotions, but smiling is something that is most naturally me. Surprise!
In the end, I always go back to feeling happy, letting go of why I was feeling sad, smiling instead, and knowing that what I am, at my core, no matter the medium, is a writer who relentlessly believes in magic.
0