On writing

I had a nice opportunity to step back and appreciate the merits of writing on Wednesday. In my creative writing class, we focused on humorous writing. Although our Dave Sedaris audio clip and story fell short, we focused on humorous events during the holidays. An upbeat way to end the class.

Plus, in closing, A included a great excerpt from "Letters to a Young Poet," by Ranier Maria Rilke. In particular, these words struck me for their beauty in themselves. Lately, it's been easy to immerse myself in technical writing and the elements of clarity, brevity, and content. This excerpt reminded me of the beauties of writing for one's self. Rilke suggests that this may be a tortuous path in itself. That being said, it's a good lesson for any field that one chooses, not just writing.

Go into yourself. Find out the reason that commands you to write; see whether it has spread its roots into the very depths of your heart; confess to yourself whether you would have to die if you were forbidden to write. This most of all: ask yourself in the most silent hour of your night: must I write? Dig into yourself for a deep answer. And if this answer rings out in assent, if you meet this solemn question with a strong, simple "I must," then build your life in accordance with this necessity. . . .

. . . For the creator must be a world for himself and must find everything in himself and in Nature, to whom his whole life is devoted.