The Quest

The quest for... what?

Maybe it's a bit of inspiration. It usually is. You get past wondering whether you should or should not put yourself out there, and when you eventually do, you regret it almost immediately because you feel that you are probably never going to get the result you so desire because of the feeling of inadequacy.

Maybe it's solace. It could be. Perhaps a quest to create a world in which you have a say? You can spin a tale or two in many directions as you direct the outcome of the life you breathe into your new world. Could that be it?

Or could it be the thirst for a means of expression?

Wanna know what's really important?

Of course, you do.

The answer to that one lies solely with you. Why do you want to write? What about? To achieve what? What's your trigger? How much are you willing to invest in this?

The quest of being is one many find most difficult at the initial stage of things. The art of birthing a concept; stems from something you need to find for yourself. The good news is you can be helped.

1. The Writer's 'Why': This usually refers to a trigger in form of experience or observation. Quite often, it's the latter. The 'why' of writing could be your inspiration and motivation. In this case, whatever you write cumulatively answers the plaguing 'why' of existence. In my case, the answer is simple; I needed a means of expression, and I couldn't rely on anyone to help with that. I found the imagination of others severely lacking in comparison to mine as well as missing the context completely. In other cases, it could be a race to deliver a concept that hasn't been released to the world yet.
2. The Writer's 'What': Now, this has a large chunk of it relying on all the whys. You need an anchor for your writing to make it undoubtedly and unequivocally yours. The questions are ultimately your dos or don'ts Sometimes, the end doesn't always justify the process.
3. The Writer's 'How': Here is the big one. You have established a concept that can reopen the eyes of the world to emotional trauma because your cousin's best friend read about a guy who committed suicide. Perhaps that is a bit too dark, but you have finally grasped your reason for doing what you have chosen to do with your quill. The new question has to do with the means of conveying the said message across. Are you choosing to write articles for a magazine, paint them onto a sidewalk, or do it anonymously because your stepmother will feed you to the lions if she finds out you are secretly crying out for help? (No offense intended towards stepchildren or children with stepparents). All I am saying is, to find that means of expression and let yourself explore it through and through.

Find what works for you and go for it. Keep to something that becomes wholly and unequivocally yours. Do it in a way your message does get across to the audience you want it to get to and on your own terms. It is also important you treat your projects like they did you a favor to be conceived in your mind and not like a random hobby. It kills in the long run.

When you find your little gold mine, stick with it but "don't exploit the wealth of surrounding resources to naught". Let me know if you understand that in the comment section or send me a direct message and do well to share this little piece with your other friends and/or weavers of words. We all are in the school of knowledge, and even the professors wouldn't mind a few more degrees.

In closing, don't be afraid of writer's block. It is probably an indication you need to go forging again in the wild for more metaphorical berries to feed your growing work.

Until next time, happy new month all!