One of the most important things you can learn how to do in this life is to become a better writer. I should know, as I have challenged myself to write a daily blog for 44 days straight. I believe the process of writing helps you to learn how to express your deepest thoughts and expand your knowledge all at the same time. It is an active way for you to expand what you thought was possible.
A lot of people think that they already know how to write. But do they write in a way that makes you notice or care? When you read someone's work, and it makes you stop and think, I content that person has tapped into a key to creative success.
So let's talk about learning how to write in a way that carries your thoughts and emotions and helps others to stop and think.
If you are interested and want to develop creative writing skills, then you need to understand the basics of writing. What are the basics, you ask? Well, for me, I always remember what I was taught in grade school. My teacher taught me to ask the following questions, who, what, where, when, why, and how? These core questions should be applied to any story, article, or blog, as it will ultimately inform your reader.
I like to start with developing my character for all my blogs. This person sets the tone for all creative writing exercises. When I ask the questions above, it leads me to these 5 additional elements.
Character - Who
Conflict - What
Setting - Where and When
Theme - Why
Plot - How
These elements are all pulled together to create a story that you need to fill in your answers. It is a sure-fire way for you to keep on track and build on the details of your thoughts.
Let's look at an example of these elements. Chris, the character, is trying to help his daughter learn to write at home today, and he is using the internet as an instructional tool. As you can see, I have used all the components above to construct this sentence as well as give the reader an idea about what is to come in the blog.
Why am I writing this blog, you may ask. Well, I have hit another wall with the current education system that my daughter is currently participating in. I am finding that teachers are concerned with filling in the boxes accurately and not expanding creativity. So, for my daughter to continue in this system, I will support the current initiative of filling in the boxes but, simultaneously, I will also teach her how to nurture and expand her creativity.
I'll be frank here. I'm getting pissed off at the current state of the "factory school" system these days but, I have to be willing to accept that it is what it was built for, teaching children how to be good employees.
You can read my blog about this system and its designed intent here: Moving from old energies.
I intend to move from anger and disappointment to creative possibilities, but to do that, I must get my mind wrapped around what I want to share with my daughter and what direction I'd like us to take.
This process has lead me to two distinct conclusions. First, the more I experiment with ideas and teachings, the more I learn about myself. Second, I know that the process of learning for my daughter is a journey, and there is no wrong or right way. There is just the opportunity of her getting to experience multiple versions of accomplishment.
I believe that you can either be caught in the victim consciousness or you can take full accountability for your circumstances. It sounds easy, but when you're faced with major life situations, it can be overwhelming. In my case, my daughter's quality of life is more important then what her grades reflect in a report card. I'm personally more interested in her getting to know herself better and having the confidence to try new things and accept failure as well as achievement. Based on my experience in life, the latter will serve her much more.
