Inspiration: The below piece began as a short write that I shared in
a Firefly Creative Writing class led by Jenna Tenn-Yuk at the Toronto
Public Library. Each of us was provided with a different one-word prompt. We were asked to begin our piece with: "If I brought more [blank] into my writing..." My word was curiosity. Other words included depth, wonder, focus, momentum, trust, adventure, joy, experimentation, and courage.
Timing: I started this piece on Wed May 22 2019 with a 6-minute write in class. The first paragraph on curiosity remains relatively unchanged with the version presented in class. The second paragraph on depth is new. I started it on Wed Jul 3 with a 6-minute write at home. The final version of this piece was published on 52 Memoirs on Thu Jul 4 2019.
Timing: I started this piece on Wed May 22 2019 with a 6-minute write in class. The first paragraph on curiosity remains relatively unchanged with the version presented in class. The second paragraph on depth is new. I started it on Wed Jul 3 with a 6-minute write at home. The final version of this piece was published on 52 Memoirs on Thu Jul 4 2019.
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Curiosity
If I brought more curiosity into my writing, I would feel free. I imagine I’d be able to fly. I’d look at myself with fresh eyes, see the world from a new perspective, and question everything I thought I knew. I’d wonder how I could have ever acted that way, said that thing, felt that emotion. I imagine I’d discover a lot about myself and the people around me. I’d inquire, I’d dream, I’d grow. My entire being would come to life and wrap its arms around me. I’d give myself a big hug and it would be all I’d ever need.
Depth
If I brought more depth into my writing, I would be able to make sense of the many thoughts swirling within my mind. I'd be able to expertly weave seemingly unconnected and wavering ideas into a coherent and meaningful story. I'd become a person with a clear vision. I'd become focused and have a purpose. If only I could pursue depth. But in which direction? And at what cost? No, breadth is safer. Depth is risky. Depth demands courage. Depth requires a leap of faith.
If I brought more curiosity into my writing, I would feel free. I imagine I’d be able to fly. I’d look at myself with fresh eyes, see the world from a new perspective, and question everything I thought I knew. I’d wonder how I could have ever acted that way, said that thing, felt that emotion. I imagine I’d discover a lot about myself and the people around me. I’d inquire, I’d dream, I’d grow. My entire being would come to life and wrap its arms around me. I’d give myself a big hug and it would be all I’d ever need.
Depth
If I brought more depth into my writing, I would be able to make sense of the many thoughts swirling within my mind. I'd be able to expertly weave seemingly unconnected and wavering ideas into a coherent and meaningful story. I'd become a person with a clear vision. I'd become focused and have a purpose. If only I could pursue depth. But in which direction? And at what cost? No, breadth is safer. Depth is risky. Depth demands courage. Depth requires a leap of faith.
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Reflection: There is something about the curiosity piece that I love. I lost myself in the writing process and didn't think too much about what I was committing to paper. I didn't worry about this piece making sense. Sometimes I feel like my writing is a bit too cookie-cutter. I tend to use the same words and sentence structures over and over again. I felt like this piece was more free flowing. I wanted to pair this with a piece on depth because I think I write with curiosity fairly well but not with depth. I seem to fear and shy away from depth. I'd like to learn to embrace it more.
Reflection: There is something about the curiosity piece that I love. I lost myself in the writing process and didn't think too much about what I was committing to paper. I didn't worry about this piece making sense. Sometimes I feel like my writing is a bit too cookie-cutter. I tend to use the same words and sentence structures over and over again. I felt like this piece was more free flowing. I wanted to pair this with a piece on depth because I think I write with curiosity fairly well but not with depth. I seem to fear and shy away from depth. I'd like to learn to embrace it more.