Writing - The Forgotten Art Form

Today is I Love to Write Day, as well as the Day of the Imprisoned Writer.  I thought this was an odd combination for a holiday, but it made sense the more thought I gave to it.  Many writers over recorded history have been imprisoned for their expressed beliefs as the "powers that be" considered them too revolutionary.  As a inspiring writer I yearn for expression, not in fluff and puff, but in topics of substance.  The desire to have an audience, while not compromising my beliefs, is a burning passion within my heart and soul.  Every day I check the audience stats to see if there are people with the same ideas and beliefs reading my blog and subsequent entries.  Of course I don't expect my readers to believe exactly as I do, but I prefer to surround myself with like-minded individuals.  I also welcome objective critical feedback.  The Book of Proverbs states, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."  Some famous authors who were imprisoned for their "vocal" written expression are: Oscar Wilde, the Apostle Paul, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.  If my writing doesn't challenge people's thoughts and ideologies, then I'm wasting my time and yours.  Written subject matter stretches the intellect and what a person believes.  If it doesn't, then a dumbing down of society occurs.  In other words, if I'm not moving forward by standing still, then I'm regressing.  I don't have to agree of believe what I read, but it is important to know what else is out there intellectually and ideologically.  Aristotle once said, "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."  What opposing viewpoints have I entertained for the sake of open-mindedness?  This is definitely food for thought.  Ironically, the ticker-tape device was created and made its debut on this day in history.  Become a writer by simply writing down your beliefs or core values.  You might become surprised by what you discover.  Happy writing!

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