I’m sitting here at 8am on July 4th trying to figure out what I should write about today. It’s been over a week since I’ve tried to write anything for this blog, so I’m forcing myself to put thoughts down on paper.
And so, the topic du jour is “why I started this blog”. Writing is one action I’m taking to try to get myself “unstuck”, but I also want to find ways to grow more creatively. All the while making my experiences available to anyone who might be interested.
I’ve never considered myself a writer, and I’ve never had a desire to write. I’ve had brief stints of writing blogs before – once when I was trying to document my time in DC, and another way back in 2009 when I was traveling in China. (Perhaps also a 3rd blog if my Xanga from the early 2000s also count – RIP Xanga.)
What I like about documenting these experiences is that I can recall the details I’ve forgotten in the future. For example, re-reading my blog from China reminded me how much I had forgotten about that trip. Recalling memories and sentiments is also one reason I made Mr. Nacho write down his recollection of the day we got engaged. Not only will we have all those small details memorialized for the future, but it is fascinating to see how differently we experienced the day together.
I started a blog to help exercise my brain
I’d love to flex my mind more to feel more fulfilled, and I hypothesize that writing will help. I can’t help but feel like the years of excessive screen time has negatively impacted my cognitive functions. While I’m happy with where I’m at personally and professionally, I still find it is often difficult to put into words what I’m thinking. I’m not the best story teller (jokes are a disaster!), and it takes me longer than I’d like to find the right words. Deep down I also can’t help but worry if this is a sign of cognitive decline down the road.
In case people can relate or find something useful
Writing offers both a mental exercise and a creative outlet, but I also want to share what I’ve been up to in hopes it might help others. The “easy” part is copying and pasting Google Doc itineraries for trips we’ve taken. The harder part is articulating the lessons I’ve learned from those experiences. The same goes for expressing my thoughts and insights from books, conversations with friends, or everyday observations.
There are meaningful things I want to write about; I just need to practice finding the right words. That’s why I’m committed to exercising my brain more and making writing a regular habit.
What I’m doing to further writing skills
I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m doing it anyway! One foot in front of the other. Here are some of the ways I’ve been trying to develop better skills:
Make the time to write
Write about anything, because I have to start somewhere. My goal is to dedicate time each week to writing, aiming for at least one new blog post every week.
Read more to learn from other writers
I love my library card. While I’ve primarily read non-fiction in the past, I’m making a conscious effort to incorporate more fiction into my reading. The ways fiction writers are so thoughtful and descriptive in their word choice is something I find valuable to observe.
Reading fiction has also improved my focus. With non-fiction, I can let my mind can wander and still absorb most of the content. But fiction demands my full attention—if I lose focus, I risk missing a key piece of the story. When I first started getting back into fiction, I remember struggling to get through a single page in 15 minutes, simply because I couldn’t concentrate. The fact that I continued to push through that scenario (and will continue to do so each time it happens) is something I expect to benefit me in all areas of my life, both professionally and personally.
These are some of the authors I’ve been drawn to more lately
- Ann Patchett – a phenomenal writer! I’ve so far read The Dutch House and am looking forward to others
- Stephen King – I have never read ANY books by Stephen King but I started with On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft and it was so amusing and such an easy read. I’m looking forward to reading more of his books
- Celeste Ng – I also love her style of writing. She’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I was really drawn to her books
I’ve looked into some of the books Stephen King promoted, and The Chill and The Plot were two that were entertaining as well.
If anyone has any tips on how to become a better writer, or in general on this topic, please send them my way.
