Summary

The website content encourages writers to embrace authenticity by writing their personal truth, emphasizing the importance of individual perspective and experience in storytelling.

Abstract

The text is a call to writers to embrace the uniqueness of their own voices and experiences when writing. It argues that writing is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor and that adhering strictly to grammatical rules can stifle personal expression. The author advocates for the importance of writing from the heart and soul, suggesting that this rawness and honesty are what resonate with readers and constitute true greatness in writing. The piece also touches on the freedom that comes with age and experience, allowing individuals to reject expectations and focus on what is true to themselves. It concludes with a reminder that each person's perspective is theirs alone to share and that this individual truth is the most valuable contribution a writer can offer.

Opinions

The author believes that writing should be a personal and authentic expression, not just a means to make money or follow rigid rules.
There is a dismissal of the idea that one should only "write what you know," with a preference for writing one's truth, which is more profound and personal.
The text suggests that the biggest stars, or the most successful writers, are those who break the rules and forge their own path in their craft.
The author expresses a personal choice to write authentically, even if it means deviating from traditional grammar rules set by "fusty old professors."
Aging is seen as providing the freedom to say "no" and to be true to oneself, which is presented as an empowering aspect

WRITING | TELL YOUR STORY YOUR WAY

Write Your Truth

Because only you can and real is rare

There is a plethora of advice about how to write, what to write, when to write, most of it aimed at making money, mostly for the author.

But it’s not so simple, is it?

Think about how many different variations of sports there are in the world, all with their own superstars. There are different rules and skills for all of it. Likewise, there are many different kinds of writing and writers. It’s not a one size fits all world.

It would be insufferably boring if it were.

They used to say to write what you know. I say write your truth.

I can only write what is me. I cannot meaningfully write about things that don’t touch my heart or soul. I cannot rigidly adhere to all of the so-called “rules” of grammar, as contained in books written by fusty old professors, and still be true to myself.

“Cannot” is a relative term, though. Perhaps it’s more accurate to simply say I don’t want to.

The biggest stars have always broken the rules, you understand. They played it their way and in doing so, advanced the game. If you’re good enough, nobody’s going to say you can’t.

One of the few saving graces of getting older is the freedom to say, “I don’t want to.” Be sure to use it to your best advantage.

“Nope, I don’t want to, I don’t have to and I’m not gonna.”

Try it. Nobody argues with you.

It’s awesome.

Just say no. I tell doctors “no” all of the time, much to their astonishment.

Why? Because I know me better than anyone else does.

When all is said and done, me is all I truly have to offer. It’s all any of us have. That rawness is what I find so compelling in the writing of some of the most powerful creators here — their ability and willingness to put themselves out there.

When you finish reading a piece and feel as if you know the writer, that’s when you know you’re in the presence of greatness.

Nobody is ever going to care about your work as much as you do, so tend it well. Tend yourself well. Everything comes together as you go. We learn everything as we go along, especially about ourselves.

“Where I create, there I am true.” — Rainer Maria Rilke

When I write it is my truth I tell. Mine. This is me.

All we have to offer, really, is our version of life, filtered through our lens. If someone objects, the best response is this is how we saw it. As Anne Lamott said, “If people wanted me to write more warmly about them, they should have behaved better.”

I love this. We recognize this stunning statement as true, don’t we? However, it does occur to me that it overlooks the fact that some people are just plain nuts.

And some of them write.

Anne Lamott also said that if you had to live it, you get to write it. I don’t know her personally, but she sure looks as if she’s been through some shit and probably knows whereof she speaks.

So there you have it. You have permission to write your truth. Now get after it.

— C

Thanks for reading. I appreciate you. Write your true little hearts out.