Writing is something that has brought clarity of thought, understanding of the same and above all absolute joy to me. However, it is very difficult to make yourself sit, think and start writing about something. The first question that comes in a writer's mind is - what should I write about. Is that what a writer should do? Plan it out? I really don't think that is a good idea. I have observed one thing that it is the most random of works that are often the best ones.
Anyway, so one day I was talking to my dad while waiting for a doctor at the clinic for my mother's back pain. And that was one of the many times, that I came closer to knowing my dad. That day I got to know that he too liked writing and after talking to him for few minutes I realised that his imagination was quiet good. The power of imagination is what makes a significant difference between a good writer and not so good writer. Like I knew all these years that he did have a flare for writing, but I never took it seriously. It was just like how a kid cannot imagine their parents to be young that I could not imagine my dad writing stories. But that day's conversation changed my perception. My dad shared a story that he had written, a full novel length story. Unfortunately I don't remember the details of it, but I do remember that it was sort of bold for the times it was written in. By bold, I mean he had a woman as protagonist and the story revolved around the unusual life decisions that she makes. Frankly speaking, I couldn't believe that dad would have had such a great imagination and above all such forward thinking. I was really happy to know and also a little bit upset that he doesn't write anymore. Later I asked Amma if she ever had a chance to read his work, she said she couldn't read it herself as most of his work was in Malayalam and so my father used to read it to her. She admitted that she really liked his writing, but over the years, the drafts of all his stories were lost due to all the shifting from home to home. I wish I could have read his stories, and I hope that he starts writing again. He always encourages me to write, but I wish even I was able to motivate him the same way.
Anyway, so one day I was talking to my dad while waiting for a doctor at the clinic for my mother's back pain. And that was one of the many times, that I came closer to knowing my dad. That day I got to know that he too liked writing and after talking to him for few minutes I realised that his imagination was quiet good. The power of imagination is what makes a significant difference between a good writer and not so good writer. Like I knew all these years that he did have a flare for writing, but I never took it seriously. It was just like how a kid cannot imagine their parents to be young that I could not imagine my dad writing stories. But that day's conversation changed my perception. My dad shared a story that he had written, a full novel length story. Unfortunately I don't remember the details of it, but I do remember that it was sort of bold for the times it was written in. By bold, I mean he had a woman as protagonist and the story revolved around the unusual life decisions that she makes. Frankly speaking, I couldn't believe that dad would have had such a great imagination and above all such forward thinking. I was really happy to know and also a little bit upset that he doesn't write anymore. Later I asked Amma if she ever had a chance to read his work, she said she couldn't read it herself as most of his work was in Malayalam and so my father used to read it to her. She admitted that she really liked his writing, but over the years, the drafts of all his stories were lost due to all the shifting from home to home. I wish I could have read his stories, and I hope that he starts writing again. He always encourages me to write, but I wish even I was able to motivate him the same way.
Coming back to writing : Writing for me is to know myself better, I understand myself as a person better if I write my thoughts down. The good, the bad and the ugly side of me. Writing lets one confront the thoughts that were deeply buried in the brain which is predominantly programmed by the society to have certain pretentious set of thoughts, often acknowledged as the "right" set of principles. Where as the truth is that every man has a darker side to him. Every man tries to live in make belief world where in he is the epitome of goodness. The thought of being evil is scary in the beginning. Almost maddening. But then one learns to live with it, and tame it. Once the fact that as a human one is capable of the highest levels of evilness is accepted, it becomes easier to live life. Accept everyone as just a human and nothing more. Everyone includes yourself as well.
Coming back to writing : It is also a hobby for many, I wouldn't say it is a hobby for me because I do not write very diligently every day. I would love to though. It is a perfect getaway from the daily routine. Imagine you can write absolutely anything you want, and chose if you want to share it or not. Isn't it amazing? Share your thoughts with a piece of paper- these days with a word document, and never let any living soul know about it. I think this can solve many emotional issues that a person might face, you know at a time when everyone is busy in their own lives that they don't have time to listen to each other. Hence I feel writing things down is like doing a self check, introspection or counselling, whatever phrase makes you feel better.
Coming back to writing ; I am bored to type now, yeah so everyone should give writing their thoughts down a try. Tell your story. Liberate that complex mind of yours that plays tricks on you. Keep it simple ;)
