Writing about writing
An essay…
When I resumed my writing practice last year, I did it with one objective in mind. I would write what I wanted to read, understand, express, and digest. In essence and without apology, my audience was me, myself, and I. Thus, it freed me from experiencing the excruciating question: what do I write about this week? That only lasted for a while. A year or so into it, I now face this question weekly: what do I want to write about? It haunts me.
Of course there are plenty of topics to write about: graphic design history, design process and methods, sketching, note taking, musings about pretty much any topic, poetry since I dabble in it, protests, short stories, and the list goes on. The moment I set a focus or a target previous to the day my essay is due, I feel the constrains, the rigidity, and the limitations.
Don’t get me wrong. I do understand focus. When I am immersed in a path, there is only one way, that path. Forgetting to eat or not being conscious of the time passing by is common in those moments. But, the belief that I have to choose one thing over other things that seduce me sickens my soul.
Of course, writing about what I want to read is freeing. I could write a poem, a short story, a post, and an essay—which is what I frequently do. There is still, however, a certain twist when you engage in a regular practice: maintaining the freshness in the midst of the routine and selecting content. It does not go away. Just like my daily lettering practice needs content, my weekly writing practice likewise, also needs content.
My dear friendly reader, some of you know me very well, what is your advice?
Love,
Alma