There's something about writing - and it doesn't matter what you're writing - that always seems to take me by surprise: it's that moment just before you either submit something to a contest, or just before you hit "publish" here on this site - because then, it's real. People are going to see it. They will read it, they will judge you on what you wrote, they will validate you...or invalidate you. It can't be helped, and it's also not a bad thing. But it does require something in that moment - it requires you to take a chance on yourself. There are other places in life where this happens, too - a job interview, performing on a stage, giving a toast at a special event, for example. It still requires the same thing: to put yourself out there. It's not always an easy thing to do. It's not always fun. But, I find I always learn something from it. Today's first work is about taking that risk.
Actor's Solo
the solo is the part
that no one ever sees,
behind the curtain,
when the lights are out
and the house is full
and there,
in that sublime moment,
footsteps
to the mark,
a deep breath,
a quiet assurance
that practice will have made perfection,
that everything will go
as planned -
a lie told to put aside the fear,
harness the energy and transform it into
what the audience gets to see.
once the curtain rises,
the show is over
a brief scene,
done in secret,
in silence,
knowing that surrendering to it
is the only way
to achieve greatness.
As long as we're talking about creative efforts, let's stay on that theme! Recently, I discovered a writing contest that I actually have the time to do. Normally, I only discover these things when there is no time to do the work necessary, and so i don't do them. But, for once, I actually came upon one that I would have the time to complete, and even do a respectable job - who knows, it's possible I might even get chosen. That would be cool! Regardless of the outcome, though, there's always something of a fun part to starting a new writing project, and it's coming up with the story. Adam, this one is for you!
Listing
it begins with questions -
the basic ones like who or what,
and try something
anything
change the spelling
change the accent
try this name
now that one
not good enough
you have a hundred chances
one
two
three
four - and almost there,
just have to hone it a little,
it's almost right,
there!
gold.
that's the one.
now for the next -
and it starts all over again,
each and every time
it's new,
the character reveals themselves,
the plot the same way,
the names,
the places,
the word for this or that,
it all comes down to the lists.
Thanks for reading,
Me
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