Creative Voices Part 1

Voice Play

© Susan J. Belcher, 2005

“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the objects it loves. “  Carl Jung

“Are you absolutely sure you wrote this?”  The school librarian wore an expression of mixed superiority and cynicism.

I knew it didn’t matter what I responded, my mother was going to be called.  And she was.  They could not believe a sixth grade student capable of creating a parody of Shakespeare’s voice.  They awarded first place to another student.

I am glad to say that I continued playing with words. I eventually became an assistant editor on my high school newspaper, and a contributor to several literary anthologies.  There have been hundreds of essays, research papers, stories, and poems penned. Years ago, while obtaining my undergraduate degree, I took a college creative writing class.  It was there that I first became aware that each writer has a voice.  Some writers hear voices too, but this is not about that. 

One of my fellow pool mothers recently talked about her son’s writing for his English class.  Kevin was concerned because he felt like he didn’t have a voice. Frustration swept over me.  Part of me was happy the child knew there was such a thing as a writer’s voice, and the other part of me wanted to cry at my overwhelming desire to discover my own.

I decided to do something about it.   I signed up for some online writing classes.   The pursuit to uncover my voice began.  The classes were highly informative.   I acquired many new writing ideas.   However, I quickly learned that there were two things the instructor was not capable of providing:  1) she could not write for me, and, 2) she could not give me her voice.   I have a voice - somewhere.

The teacher was smiling as she turned off the tape player until she saw the horrified expression of the child.

            “Why honey, what’s wrong?”

“Who is that on the machine?” questioned the wide-eyed child staring at the machine.

            Mrs. Gilworth comfortingly put her hand on the child’s shoulder.

            “Child, that’s your voice.”

Perhaps I need to assure my voice that I will play safe.  It could be that my voice needs to know that I will appreciate it no matter what it sounds like.  So – come out; come out, wherever you are.  I am ready to play.

Added Today:  I feel like I've had writer's laryngitis.  I guess other's would say writer's block.  Lots of "stuff" going on since I last blogged.  I've considered many times just saying - "Okay.  After all these years of doing this - it's over.  But in my heart I yearned to write again.  I would come and sit down and the computer and look at it.  Then I would go and surf other people's blogs and I would think of things to write about - but not do it.  And then......

Comments

[Jan]

I haven't been writing in my blog, either, Lillium. I think it's interesting that we both choose to start back up on the same day.

You do have a voice, it's just a matter of finding it. I think that is what I have been struggling with. The Lord has been working on me, and the things that seemed important before aren't so important anymore. I also thought about just abandoning the blog. So much going on, so much to do, maybe I just didn't want to do it anymore. And then I, well, I just don't think that is what God wants me to do.

After reading both your posts, though, I think it is wonderful that you have so many avenues of expression open to you. Sometimes words just don't say what we want them to, and then you can use your art, and what a wonderful gift. I'll be praying for you. Just don't abandon your blog! I love reading it, you feel like a friend and I'd miss you!

[lillium]

Thanks Jan! Means more than you'll know. I wondered if anyone drives by here anymore. By the way - I HAD to look up lasagna gardening after reading your post. Going to discuss the possibilities with hubby today. Sounds neat. Thanks for the heads up on it.

[Nellie]

I am so glad that you are back!! I have really missed your uplifting posts. Please keep writing.