Writers are obviously at their most natural when they write in the first person. Writing is an intimate transaction between two people, conducted on paper, and it will go well to the extent that it retains its humanity. Therefore I urge people to write in the first person: to use "I" and "me" and "us". They put up a fight.
"Who am I to say what I think?" they ask. "Or what I feel?"
"Who are you not to say what you think?" I tell them. "There's only one you. Nobody else thinks or feels in exactly the same way."
"But nobody cares about my opinions," they say. "It would make me feel conspicuous."
"They'll care if you tell them something interesting, " I say, "and tell them in words that come naturally."
Interesting thoughts...I think most people believe that what they have to say is unimportant, at least unimportant enough to write it down. I believe that it is those thoughts that are important with, perhaps, a greater value than those issued by those expected to utter wisdome at every turn.
Posted by: Wicks at October 18, 2003 05:28 PM
OK, OK, you got me off the dime! I blogged today even though I'm feeling distinctly unimportant in every possible way. You reminded me of one of Gandhi's sayings, something like "What you have to do may seem unimportant, but it's very important that you do it." I think it's about some kind of faith--which, I admit, I'm running low on, lately. Thanks for putting a few bucks' worth in my tank!
Posted by: Doc Rock at October 19, 2003 04:16 PM