Summary

The web content discusses the concept of a writer taking a hiatus and how such a break can be an integral part of the writing process, suggesting that writing extends beyond the act of putting words on paper.

Abstract

The article titled "The Makeover" delves into the notion of writing a hiatus, questioning the traditional view that a writer must constantly produce written work. It presents a narrative that transforms the experience of writer's block into a poem, emphasizing that a period of not writing can be a silent yet life-filled chapter in a writer's journey. The author, Lilie Kaizen, reflects on the identity of a writer during such periods of pause, arguing that writing can occur within the mind and that life experiences contribute to one's writing. The piece concludes with an invitation to other writers to engage with the theme and express gratitude to the readers and the platform Paper Poetry for supporting the writer's journey.

Opinions

The author challenges the idea that one must actively write to be considered a writer, suggesting that living and experiencing life is a form of writing itself.
A writer's hiatus is portrayed not as a void but as a period rich with potential and creativity, akin to a "silence full of life."
The article posits that a writer's identity is not solely dependent on the act of writing or the recognition from an audience but can be self-defined.
Writing is seen as a process that includes internal reflection and the shaping of thoughts, which may or may not be immediately transcribed.
The author expresses gratitude to the readers for bringing the stories to life and to Paper Poetry for providing a platform for writers to share their work.
There is an acknowledgment that even during a hiatus, a writer continues to live stories and is therefore always writing in a metaphorical sense.
The poem included in the article is presented as a distillation of the core message from a previous prose, suggesting that poetry can effectively capture the essence of a complex idea.
The author invites fellow writers to participate in a creative exercise, indicating a sense of community and shared experience among writers.

The Makeover

How to Write a Hiatus

Can you be a writer if you don’t write?

Do you say, “a writer on hiatus,” or “to write a hiatus”?

A writer’s block story transformed into a poem:

Halt that came unannounced Is now coming to it’s new “and" Another day, another way Time filled with unwritten words Universe unfolds, another page So brace yourself, it’s time for a comeback!

I wrote a HIATUS!

People say “writer on hiatus”, but I prefer to say that I “wrote a hiatus”. A break, a discontinuity, an interruption. How to write that? A silence full of life: a book yet to be completed, a work gap, a new branch of life, a little spark of life that came to light, a reinvented story, a renewed me.

Life goes on, and I came back for more.

The poem was written as the essence of a prose I wrote before:

‘Sometimes, life pulls you to other adventures and you get caught in the flow of unfolding events. Or you can say that you found a ton of good excuses to not write.

As a writer, getting pulled away from your pen feels shameful. Can you still be called a writer if you don’t write and don’t share your writings? Can you still be an artist if you don’t perform in front of the public?

If I have to push the question further, I would say maybe it’s a question of identity. Does your identity depend on your interactions with others? Can you define yourself by your own standards?

Can I still consider myself a writer if I don’t write? What is writing? Can you write in your head? Or is writing the act of putting down your thoughts on external materials, pushing past the fear of giving those thoughts a life independent of yourself?

I want to say that, during the time I wasn’t writing, I “wrote a hiatus". I wrote a silence full of life, a chapter of my life that is part of my writing journey.

I’m a writer because I’m living my story, stories are living in me and I took back the pen to bring them to life.

Thanks to you for giving them a life of their own by reading them, and giving me a chance to be a writer!’

Afterthoughts: I think the poem version of the prose brings to light the core message that was at the root of the original idea. The prose had more philosophical tangents that freely came in as I was writing.

I don’t know which version you prefer but I think both versions can find their destiny readers.

Thank you to Paper Poetry for giving these writings the chance to reach you. And thanks to you for giving me the chance to continue to be a writer! Look forward to more creations from me soon!

Calling on some writer colleagues to participate in Paper Poetry’s makeover prompt (hopefully, you still remember me after this long hiatus 😊). All the best for 2023 ~ ~

Carolyn Hastings, Dennett, Anthony G. O’Dugan, Synergy

The Makeover

Fizz-crackle let your poetry dreams ignite

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