Writing from the heart..

Over the years, and countless english and journalism courses, I've learned how to write according to set standards.

In grade school, our teachers were mainly satisfied if we mastered knowing the difference between a noun and pronoun. High school years brought the introduction of haiku's and reading of novels and novellas. We were encouraged to write lengthier essays and use proper grammar. By the time college rolled around, I figured I was probably a "pro" at writing -- I did, after-all, know how to use adjectives properly. However, that was not the case.

In college, we were asked to look beyond the words set in front of us...to read deeper. Search for the symbolism. "Flowery" language, which had been a signifier of "amazing writing" throughout the high school years, was now unnecessary. If you had good content, you didn't need to dress it up or cloak it in ostentatious language. (Like my use of "ostentatious" there?) Rather, we were encouraged to get to the point -- right down to the nitty-gritty of things. After we had discovered what our central theme or argument of our paper was, we could build on our content from there -- adding our thoughts and emotion. I've, still...to this day, yet to master this concept completely...but, I'm determined to! I like to blame it on my inner journalist, although that's probably not a feasible scapegoat. (<--- Ooo! Fancy words!)

In journalism, our writing is dictated by AP (Associated Press) Style. We have pretty concrete guidelines by which to write. Journalists even have what are called "AP Stylebook's" ...it's my saving grace. I can't tell you how many times I consult my stylebook to find out the "rules" to writing to newspaper guidelines. In writing for a newspaper, journalists have to be objective. They must remove their personal bias and emotions from their writing. This may not seem like that hard of a task, but believe me...it's a toughie. I'm a very "emotion-driven" individual. My favorite topics to cover are those that I'm sincerely passionate about and can put my raw emotions into. That is why I enjoy blogging so much.

To me, writing a news article is the equivalent of the first meeting of a significant other's parents. You dress up really nice and put your best, most censored version of you forward in hopes of gaining the approval of them. You don't bring up political or religious affiliations right out the gate and hope you say only intelligible things. While this is a good foundation to get all the basic information and details about somebody, it doesn't really help you "know" that individual.

Blogging, on the other hand, is like an informal "hang-out" session with a close friend. You don't really worry about dressing up...opting for sweats and a t-shirt because "that's what's comfortable"...and you are free to be yourself -- completely uninhibited and without judgement passed. You may slip up and say something moronic, but instead of angry commentary in response, you get playful teasing and a good "inside joke" out of it.

The one writer I really admire and look up to isn't even a "writer" per se. She's a singer and songwriter and is currently topping the music charts in multiple countries -- Adele. She is admired by millions for her heartfelt lyrics about falling in love and, ultimately, love lost. But, for every fan, there is one out there who refers to her songs as "simple, bitter" and "all about the same thing." She, herself, has said a few times that she realizes that the content of her songs doesn't vary much. So, what makes her so enchanting to so many people? It's because she can write and sing from the heart. While her songs may not be seen as "masterpieces" by any means, they are just as noteworthy because so many people can relate to them. There's even a Saturday Night Live sketch where they poke fun at how so many people relate to the content of her songs. Each player in the sketch is caught by another, passionately singing Adele's "Someone Like You" while crying about some event in their life. You can see the sketch here: http://youtu.be/QJuSCPxTUvo.

That's what I feel makes a great writer. Not somebody who is technically correct all the time or has the best grammar in the world. But, somebody who you can relate to and is capable of awakening similarities among so many different individuals. How great is it when we read an article, book, or story, or hear a song on the radio and instantly feel connected and like somebody out there understands us? It serves as a wonderful reminder that nobody, no matter how many guidelines and standards are followed, is perfect and we're all in this crazy game called life together.