As creative writers, we're often drawn to write about the exotic. If we write memoir, we attempt to put the most tragic and triumphant moments of our lives on paper. If we write fiction, we may try to make our characters more memorable by giving them unique traits and having them face larger-than-life struggles. If we write travel articles, we search out unusual destinations - the more off the beaten track, the better.
Long ago, I resented the writing instructors who advised me, "Write what you know about." Back then all I knew about was growing up on a farm. I didn't think anybody would want to read about the ice cream socials at the Methodist church down the road or chasing after the hogs when they escaped through the fence, and I certainly didn't want to write about such mundane material. I longed to spin tales set in strange, far-away locations.
Ironically, much of my most satisfying and successful writing hasn't been about pirates or the Antarctic; it's centered on my day-to-day existence. Most of the themes of the broader world are focused in that microcosm and, because I know it well, I can write about it convincingly and with a depth I couldn't bring to the high seas or the frozen tundra.
Dismissing the commonplace is a tempting thing to do because on the surface so much of it seems boring. So what if it snowed today? So what if we ate stuffed pork chops? So what if, while we were shopping at Wal-Mart, a perfect stranger smiled at us and said, "Hello." Big deal.
It is a big deal. The first and foremost task of writers is to open our eyes and see the world around us in the here and now - to keenly notice the commonplace as well as the exotic. Then our job is to find the meaning in those perceptions and to translate them into fresh and luminous prose.
When we accomplish this, we draw our readers into our poetry, essays and fiction. They can't help but relate to our words because they, too, drive to work through the snow, eat pork chops and shop at Wal-Mart. By opening our eyes and writing about what we see, we give readers the gift of a new way of looking at the world, one that is open and attentive.
Even if we go on to eventually write stories about glamorous people who jet around the world or pirates of the frozen North, because we noticed what was in our own back yards, we can give our writing the depth and richness that comes from attending to detail.
Right here, right now, our lives are filled with the stuff of meaningful writing - from the first sip of hot coffee in the morning, to the inky smell of the newspaper, the slanting sunlight coming through the blinds, a friend's voice, and the way we feel when we lie beneath the blankets after a long day. These are the ordinary ecstasies we miss completely when we're focused on finding something interesting to write about out there.
Many artists carry small sketchpads to capture images that catch their attention. These quick sketches help them develop their eye and improve technique. Writers can do the same. Simply carrying paper and a pen with the intention of setting down sliver-thin slices of life to put into a poem, an article or a story sharpens our attention.
Creative Write:
On your notepad and make a list of the ordinary ecstasies you experience in a typical day from the time you awaken until you go to sleep at night. As you look over your list, notice how many of these simple pleasures you would normally filter out or take for granted if you were not mindfully keeping your attention in the present moment.
Make a poem about your day from the list or pick one item to write about. Describe it using visual images as well as smell, touch, sound and taste as appropriate. Without telling your reader directly, reveal its meaning and how you feel about it.