The Real Thing

The Real Thing
by Arlene Kaptur

Writing - everyone does it, but not everyone is a writer. There are those who write letters, lists, journals, and are very good at it. Then there are those that scribble notes of all kinds to themselves, but never make use of them. They lose the note that told them where the note was that mentioned where the original note was and what is was all about.

Then on the other hand, you have someone who calls themselves a writer, and may have something published, but they are into the marketing part of writing much more than the content. Their mind and heart are geared to making money in the writing world and giving publishers, e-zine owners and other media what they want to hear, not what this particular writer has to say.

Of course, we all want to make money at what we do - this is just being practical. How long could you survive if you didn't make any money and this was your only means of support?

What I am trying to say is that every true writer has a million ideas, stories, and articles in his heart and in his mind that are labeled and stamped as genuine and original. They are basically who this person is and what is important or of significant value to this writer.

When we ignore what is inside of us as writers, then we are belaboring the entire process. Sure, you might make a living, but are you making yourself a life? Are you being true to your real self, or are today’s market interests molding you or trying to attune yourself to only what tomorrow's market will bear. People read what they feel they SHOULD read, but not really.

Sure, they will try and keep pace with what everyone else is reading or is interested in, but in the quiet time of their lives, when they are with only themselves, they will reach for reading material that is "them." They will pick up reading matter that is geared to what is in their soul, and is of importance in their heart and in their lives. Then, they are looking for "genuine". They want to read what someone is saying who is as geared to this particular subject as they are, and even more so. They are trusting that this writer has taken the time to do the research, states a fact that is really a fact, and is strong enough to voice his opinion because that is who he is and what he or she is all about.

Then name recognition comes into play. People remember the author who wrote what they considered a genuine, from the heart and mind, article, book, or whatever. Sure, they have read countless other works, but they couldn't give you the name of the author - because it wasn't something they took to their heart, that enriched their mind, and that made that lasting impression on their person.

Genuine - when you put your name to any piece that you have written - make sure that it is who you really are because in the long run your name will always represent you no matter how hard you try to disguise it with the trappings of today. You are who you are so be proud of it - share it with others - and let it stand tall or fall - but you will never have to apologize for it!

Arleen has written numerous articles for newspapers/magazines. Author: SEARCHING FOR AUSTIN JAMES as well as e-cookbooks and on-line workshops. Member: NAWW Author's Den Reviewer/columnist for Amazing Authors Contributor to Ideamarketers/Go-Articles Website: http://www.rusticliving.info http://www.webspawner.com/users/rusticliving