 Is writing relevant?
I jumped into March with a long country drive to Mooroopna to conduct writing workshops for teachers. It was interesting to hear some of the techniques they use, and their differing views on whether or not writing of any form has any relevance to the world today. This happens to be a subject I'm passionate about - so I say: YES! Writing will always be relevant because it's still the best way to communicate with lots of people at once, and one of the best ways we can express who we are. Some of us can paint, or dance, or sing, to express ourselves - but for most of us, words are the easiest way to think. Writing down our ideas is like talking them through with a friend, except that we can go back and look at them later and say, 'hmm, is that what I still believe?' Or, 'That's not exactly what I meant - what if use another word instead?' And sometimes, 'Wow! I'd forgotten I said that - but it really makes sense!''
Writing isn't just about stories - even though I happen to think stories are the best way to understand the world, the people in it, and the feelings inside the people. Writing is about information, giving other people clear instructions or facts that they need to know. Most of all, though, writing is about communication. Most of us don't have the time or money to phone all our family and friends all the time - so we send them a quick email instead, tell them our news and let them know we're thinking about them. Some people write computer manuals or car manuals so the rest of us can to use their new program or figure out what the beeping noise in the car means. And some of us write film scripts or stories - or diaries on their web site so other people can know what they're thinking!
Next month I'll tell you about working on the outline for the Nim's Island screenplay. It's so much fun working with other people and learning something new!
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happy reading
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 go back to Wendy's Diary index
Previous entries in Wendy's Diary:
2004 entries:
Jack Henry and Finn up for award (February 1, 2004)
Getting closer! (January 4, 2004)
2003 entries:
Ups and downs (December 3, 2003)
Some tips for sending mail (November 5, 2003)
Young writers and the power of the Internet (October 7, 2003)
A flurry of winds (September 3, 2003)
Waste paper baskets and delete buttons (August 6, 2003)
Cross your fingers (July 1, 2003)
Writing is a very strange job (June 3, 2003)
Looking at life from different angles (April 17, 2003)
On name changes and beach walks (March 4, 2003)
Spook's Shack comes to life! (February 10, 2003)
A writer's Christmas (January 4, 2003)
2002 entries:
On Christmas in Australia, and new translations (December 1, 2002)
Seeing my story through another's eyes (November 1, 2002)
All this and writing too! (October 3, 2002)
An interesting month (September 9, 2002)
Back to normal life (August 5, 2002)
Following in Ruth's footsteps (July 1, 2002)
First day of winter (June 17, 2002)
Spook's Shack is off to the editor! (May 8, 2002)
Do ghosts like Country and Western music? (April 1, 2002)
Autumn in Australia (March 1, 2002)
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