Growing Pains

Being a writer means that every word is weighed. I do my best to make it realistic, I work on making the writing interesting… and it gets hard to “let go” of my words when they need to be edited.  I have been doing editing of others’ works, and working on being able to edit my own works from a removed perspective in the process.  I realize that everyone has opinions, and those opinions normally affect how we view something.  The goal is to be able to know the tricks of the trade so that the piece can be gauged on its own merit and not on the emotional reaction to the work.  When honesty and detail are used to give an author an outsider’s view of his work, he can use this to better appreciate his strengths and work on his weaknesses. I do not set out to be harsh, but to be fair, truthful, and hopefully help others gain insight.  It is only fair, then, for me to accept this in return.

It is always hard to hear that someone might not be enamored with my work.  But if I would like to sell my work, and especially if I want to be published, I need to be open to what people would like to read and what they want to feel.  Is this selling out?  Maybe.  However, I do not see anything wrong with writing for others and writing for myself.  Some of my poetry will stay hidden; it’s just for me.  Some of my poetry or stories were written about or for other people, and I give them those writings.  Writing should be a reflection of the writer, and this can be done while writing to an audience.  A true writer won’t lose sight of himself, won’t lose the focus of his work, if he knows himself.  And perhaps an exploration of self through the work can bring greater discoveries.

Today’s poem addresses the reviewing process, and the writer’s struggles with it.

Growing Pains

Pains of knowing that the words weren’t right Had me working hard to rein them in tight. When darkened pen claimed rest at midnight, I thought it best to wait until the light. I found no written ending, instead, There seemed to be no answer in my head. The success of focused word lay dead. Nothing was what had managed to be said. My poetry needed attention! Outside help would surely ease my tension. I just needed a mentor’s session… Was I ready for others’ expressions? Growing pains have made this poet see That pains of growing hurt enormously. I fight the same ones who would teach me Instead of allowing change easily. The images have formatted well In poems and stories I need to tell, Thanks to reviewers who felt compelled To be honest about which works repel!