Discovering Beauty in the Aha Moments of Writing

Writing is a beautiful thing because you can write for yourself right? WRONG…but also right?

This week, my academic reading presented a paradox: write for yourself and go about it how you as the writer see fit and put the readers’ preferences on a backburner but also write to not lose the reader. While the author does contradict what they’re saying, it’s explained in two different ways that make it less contradictory. To write to keep an audience following along is a skill that can be mastered. To write for yourself negating whether the reader is following along is how that skill molds to the personality of the writing.

While initially perplexing, this concept becomes clearer upon closer examination. While technical writing skills are essential, mastering them provides writers with the freedom to explore and expand upon their abilities, infusing their work with a warm, personality-filled tone and style. Recognizing this revelation can lead to satisfying “aha moments” in writing, which are truly beautiful.

Later in the same chapter, the author provides several writing excerpts, which I found perplexing. The author begins by asserting, “Never say anything in writing that you wouldn’t comfortably say in conversation,” setting the context for my expectations as I approached the first excerpt. Reflecting on this excerpt, the author praises the use of “unexpected but refreshing words” like “deified,” “allure,” and “cackling.” Now I know I’m not an avid reader so the dictionary in my head is not as large as others who read and write all the time, but I don’t use those kinds of words comfortably in conversation if at all.

Still reflecting on the same excerpt the author says the excerpt was “written with humanity and warmth.” I can get behind that and understand where that aspect of writing comes into play in a pretty universal way. I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t mind getting a warm hug vibe from what they’re reading from a writer.

From this week’s readings, I have learned that at the end of the day, regardless of how technically proficient a writer may be, writing is a subjective art form with multifaceted purposes. However, maintaining a distinct personal style will always remain timeless.