Wouldn't that make a nifty title for a story about a crane that couldn't lift things? Sort of a parody of the Little Engine That Could. Or maybe it could be called The Little Crane That Couldn't.
Why? What did you think this was gonna be about?
Ha! Sometimes I crack me up.
I was away for a couple of days and came back to the usual 125 or so emails, about 90 of which were junk. As I deleted the junk, most of which seemed to involve suggestions for the improvement of my manly bits, the phrase I used in the subject line leaped into my brain. I had to do something with it.
I've decided that blogging is a Very Good Thing. It's re-awakened a love that's lain dormant within me for decades - writing just for the plain fun of it. I think most writers start that way. But somewhere along the path towards, and beyond publication, the sheer love of playing with words begins to dissipate. We become consumed with the mechanics - crafting and polishing and rewriting and submitting and dealing with rejection and re-submitting.
Then, one day, we "make it!" We sell stuff and editors want more of the same and we're happy to provide it and then, somehow, someway - it becomes work.
Even my column, (Free! - Contact me for details!) which grants me lots of leeway, comes with constraints. Admittedly, they're self-imposed but they're constraints nonetheless. Folks have come to expect a certain tone, a certain length, a certain feel.
It's been ages since I wrote because I dang-well felt like it.
I think I might get used to it.
Again.
18 comments:
I confess. With that blog title, I expected the blog entry to be a bit more autobiographical and tawdry. I feel used. It's kinda nice!
Isn't that the truth Frank, each morning when I check my mail I have to wade first through tons of junk mail. They all promise you either to win instantly millions of dollars, or have the secret to make you the worlds best lover. Hard to believe that there are actually folks buying that stuff.
You make a good point about writing. The blog has given me an outlet where I just can sit down and write about what ever strikes me. It's relaxing and enjoyable, in addition it is a tool to improve my english too, especially grammer.
The sun has finally come out here in BC so I am off fishing this afternoon.
Othmar aka huntwriter
Mutilating Christmas songs - that's the way to go.
There may not be a lot of money in it, but it's a heck of a lot of fun. You oughta try it sometime.
Trust me. Would I lie?
It's rather fun, writing for fun again, isn't it?
I started blogging shortly after I quit writing marketing copy for a living. I felt the same sort of joy in rediscovering writing just for the love of it.
Mog, you word strumpet. ;)
Othmar, I hope you catch a couple. Let me know.
Unique, lemme think. Um, yes, yes you would. :)
I hear ya Mac. The only drawback to writing for funsies is the paycheque. Can't beat the benefits though.
I am back from my short fishing trip down to the river.
Nothing, nada, zilch, been had, and skunked. I exspected as much it has been raining here for almost two months. The water is so high and muddy even the fish are upset.
Still I tried, there will be better times again. Win some loos some, nobody knows that better than writers, hunters and fishers, eh.
Have a good one Frank.
Othmar aka Huntwriter
You know, Frank, I don't believe I've just written for the fun of it in a very long time.
I think I'll do that tonight. Just write for the fun of it, and see what comes out.
Man, you have inspired me. Thanks!
Sean :)
Oh well, it's just nice to get away eh Othmar? That reminds me. My first published essay was entitled "Getting Away." Outdoor Canada, around 1980 or so. How time flies....
You're welcome Sean. Hope it was fun (and continues to be).
Saw you comment on Victoria and Ann's blog.
Giggled.
Came over.
Saw "word strumpet."
Gurgled.
Thank you.
I like this.
Hiya Bernita. Thanks for dropping by. I hope you do so again. :)
Came back to confess I stole Word Strumpet for the title of my blog post this morning.
Its good that you've found the spark to your writing for the heck of it again. Its a good feeling when you remember why you used to do something that became stale and too much "work related" .. i'm hoping i'll rekindle my "techy" spark once i'm out of work.
We column readers (well this one anyway) expect nothing more than to read what you right, be what it may. Long may it continue.
Bernita - No charge for the borrowing. I do it all the time. If it wasn't for Yogi Berra I wouldn't have a philosophy at all.
Slick - Thanks. :) I hope to keep scribbling for a long time too.
Hello again.
I've been looking over some of my older writings from when I just wrote for fun, and I'm actually finding I like it better than some of my newer stuff.
If quality of writing and good story can be improved by just having fun, then I'll be doing it a lot more.
BTW, I've been enjoying the inspiration you gave me very much. I hope you have a good week.
Sean
Thanks Sean. I hope it stays fun.
You crack me up, too, Frank! It's great to write for the fun of it, isn't it?
Totally, well sort of, off the subject, but I had T-shirts made for my mom and dad years ago with the words "For The Fun Of It" because that was the name my dad gave to his cabin on the Allegheny River. My mom still has those shirts. I may have to dig one out and wear it. Maybe it will give me inspiration. ;)
Hope you can find it Joanne. If not, go get one made. Whatever works.... :)
Hi Mr. Frank.
You're right. Writing for the sake of it is good. I do it all the time. At last count, my blog came to about 1MB in plain text file. If you really need to write for something, let it be chocolate. Look, even I'll pay you...
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