May 2013 – Page 2 – Write 2 Be

I was reading some responses to an email interview that I just did with a wonderful author (the interview will be in the next issue of Write 2 Be Magazine) and something she said in her response to one of the questions struck a chord with me. There is so much power in words that people don’t even realize exists.

There is an old saying that I remember because when I was younger people (people being bullied in particular) would constantly repeat it. “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me”. I don’t know who ever came up with that saying but it couldn’t be any further from the truth.

Words hurt. These days, words can kill, or literally lead to someone not wanting to be on this earth anymore and taking their own life. Words hold so much weight to them. They change lives and they sometimes help people through moments in their lives when they wouldn’t be able to cope otherwise.

I think that sometimes people take for granted how their words can be hurtful to someone or even how much their words can possibly help someone. I think the three words that people take for granted the most are “I Love You”. There are so many children today going through life changing moments in their lives and their going through without feeling like they are loved. There are people who almost never hear those words and the damage that is done by not hearing them.

So if you haven’t been using your words carefully, or wisely, there is no better time to start like the present. If there’s someone that you need to say something to, something you know that they need to hear, don’t take it for granted that you will always have a chance to. Your words can change someone’s life. Just remember that the next time you use your words, that they have power. Don’t underestimate that power.

Jimmetta Carpenter

Writer/Editor

The Diary: Succession of Lies (Now Available)

Writing as “Jaycee Durant”

https://write-2-be.com/

http://unpleasantlyplump.wordpress.com/

http://www.facebook.com/people/Jimmetta-Carpenter/1069480310

Write 2 Be Magazine is now out so please go check it out at http://write2bemagazine.com/. Also please go and join the magazine on twitter https://twitter.com/write2bemag, join the email listing for the magazine or submit a request for an author interview at Write2bemagazine@yahoo.com, and also like the Write 2 Be Magazine fan page https://www.facebook.com/Write2BeMagazine. Please help support my endeavor and my new journey and help me spread the word about Write 2 Be and its meaning.

I was reading the latest blog post on one of the many that I follow and it was about the signs that let you know you were meant to be a writer. It’s funny because lately I’ve been wondering, since I have been a little stalled or slow moving on my latest novel and it doesn’t seem like I am moving as quickly as I would like to with it, does that mean I am not really a writer any more.

I mean sure there are obviously other forms of writing (article writing, blog writing, etc.) that I do and have become better at throughout the years but since novel writing was I initially wanted to become known for, sometimes I feel like I am not as much of a writer anymore. Okay true, those thoughts only last a good minute or so and then I realize that it’s crazy because of course I am a writer.

Well when I was reading the list on this blog post this morning with the signs that you are meant to be a writer I realized that over half of that list applied to me, in fact maybe all but one (there are 11) I could point out as identifying with. However, it made me think of a few more that weren’t on the list (not exactly anyway) that also apply as well.

1) I no longer watch movies and T.V. for pure entertainment but rather more so with the thought in mind of how I could write the script better or how I can write something equally as good.

2) I still read books the traditional way and write in longhand a lot of the time. I know that these old traditions have seemingly been tossed out and replaced with newer (supposedly better) technology but I haven’t given up those old ways of writing and reading.

3) My text messages turn out to be pages in which I go over before sending to check the grammar and spelling to make sure it is written well before sending it.

4) I still believe in writing my own words inside of a card for any special occasion and in fact can take up a whole entire side of a card writing it.

5) My idea of a good night is when I can finally sit down and instead of working on a paper for school or even an article, I can actually work on a novel in progress or ideas for one that has yet to be started.

6) I still wake up with story plots in my head in which I have to actually use the voice memo feature on my phone (which if you knew me you know how much I hate using this feature to record ideas) to get the idea out before I forget it (because my short term memory isn’t as good as it used to be).

7) I love stocking up on notebooks and pretty pens and any kind of really beautiful stationary and have a hard time even going in staples for fear of how much I might walk out with.

These are just a few of the additions that I would make to the list I read this morning in which about ten of the eleven things on it apply to me. It’s not that I need constant reminders of why writing is what I am meant to do but sometimes I start to wonder. You spend so much time working on a craft, and cultivating your career, and having pride in your work that it becomes doubtful when it seems as if none if it is working and like none of the hard work you do is propelling you forward.