Sorry, Writer Kasi

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I haven’t been writing for a few weeks.  For some reason, I found myself short of the “gusto element”.  Then I realized: “What is there not to write about?”

According to Paul Silvia, PhD; a member of the American Psychological Association:

“Writing is a grim business, much like repairing a sewer or running a mortuary.  Although I’ve never dressed a corpse, I’m sure that it’s easier to embalm the dead than to write an article about it.”¹

It’s funny how I’ve seemed to be awakened to the facts:being inclined towards a lot of things that makes me look smart results into being impeded.  Pacquiao lost a fight in a controversial split-decision last 9 June 2012, but how does this relate to writing?  Paradoxically, writing and boxing share a good similarity:

“The Heavyweight division is not picking-up”, Hence:

• Better to use everyday terms as much as possible rather thanuncommon words.
• Rely on small consistent punches than on a single heavy punch.  Through this, critical thinking might be better appreciated.
• Gradually use terminologyas the write-up progresses. Slowly,readers identify themselves with what the writer is pointing out.

There is this self-imposed pressure I inject into myself to use terms that would make me appear like a kingpin –knowledgeable and well-rounded.

[Photo Credit: corbis.com]

Egad!  I felt like a ghost blindsided me. That’s how I feel when I’m overwhelmed yet I try to write.It’s like being caught in a whirlpool in the middle of a lake.It doesn’t matter how much I want to express myself,I feel even more misunderstood, if not misaligned from myself or from the rest of humanity.

It is the task of writers to write about things that concern them.  As a writer, I ask myself, “why do I write?” For me,primarily, I write because it is my right to express myself.  But no writer knows everything or can “write right” 100% of the time. I write because I need to learn with and from those who are reading what I write.

At times, the writer fails because he feels too attached to his own words and own voice to the point of being incomprehensible to others, intelligible only to himself.  For example, using much jargon, hence the term “nosebleed kausap.”  Like last Thursday (13 September 2012), I received a call from the editorial board of a magazine because of some terms that I used in an article. Though I believe what I wrote elicits critical thinking, it could sound “highfaluting” at times.

Then, readers and writers should meet half-way.  Let’s dialogue. Tell us what you really think about our work. Let’s grow together because one reaction begets another.

Source:

¹ Paul J. Silvia, PhD, How To Write A Lot (Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association, 2007), 11.

“PoGUI’s Reflections”

Resident blogger: Guilian Geronimo

Guilian or Gui, 27, writes his “PoGUI Reflections” as a resident blogger at YouthPinoy!. He is a free lance writer, as well as regular contributor for New City magazine (Philippines). Gui also finds time to visit inmates monthly at Ward 7 of the Maximum Security Compound of the National Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City. Follow him here as he writes about social issues and life’s biting realities.

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3 Comments

1. 

   Guilian Geronimo

   September 20, 2012 at 6:43 am

   kinapos nanaman edad ko… :p

   Reply
2. 

   Nathan X

   September 20, 2012 at 11:54 pm

   Ang joke sa amin, ang pagsusulat ay parang labada. Tanggap lang nang tanggap tapos ipipila ang mga ito habang tinatapos mo ang isa. Yun lang, minsan nauubusan ng sabon. =)

   Reply
   • 

     Guilian Geronimo

     September 24, 2012 at 9:27 am

     mas pinoy nga yung kaisipan na yun… pero sana nanagalog ako dito tulad nung ginawa ko sa “Ako ay may Lobo.”

     Reply