To be a great writer, one must study the work of other great writers. I believe that by reading and studying the works of writers, one can gain a greater respect for the craft and obtain skills in which can be applied to future, personal writings. With that being said, thus far in the course, I have read two stories in which continue to make themselves prominent in my mind – the two being “Buckeye” by Scott Russell Sanders and “The Death of the Moth” by Virginia Woolf. Both stories begin with the smallest of objects which then lead to a greater idea then maybe what they intended for.
Virginia Woolf’s story begins with a moth. Throughout her story she observes this creature in a room, noting its behavior, movements, appearance, and so forth until finally, she becomes witness to its death. It seemed amazing to me how such a small and seemingly pointless creature could be the subject of such a unique and riveting essay. The manner in which she describes the sequences in her story captivated me and drew me in as a reader. Her technique and writing skills resemble that of poetry, as her imagery is phenomenal – a skill in which I admire and would love to expand upon and use in future writings myself.
In addition, Scott Russell Sanders’ short story begins with a buckeye seed in which his father used to carry around in his pocket, yet expands into something greater. The seed in which he now treasures and keeps safe in an oak box in which his father constructed for him allows for him to reminisce about the memory of his father; for he is now deceased. I was fascinated how such a small and seemingly insignificant object brought so much joy and life to him. This seed was his doorway to the past. It allowed for him to recall memories of him and his father spending time together: how his father – once a carpenter – used to work consistently on his projects and just how much his occupation meant to him. I think that this story provided me with the realization that every story I write does not have to begin and end with a big idea, but rather just needs to be written from the heart.
After reading both Sanders’ and Woolf’s stories, I finally gained a sense of appreciation for the little things in life. Sometimes the most insignificant things can spark some of the greatest writings – if only we take the time to stop and look.
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Kaylyn,
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right about thedepreciation of the little things in life. We are so busy that we don’t aknowledge the smallest things that can inspire great writing pieces. Both of the authors that you mentioned did just that, they were humble and went along with that small idea to create that phenomenal work of art. I agree with you that one does not have to start with a big idea to make a great piece, it doesn’t necessarily have to be big to make an impact. As you said, what matters is that it is written from the heart.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI like how you related the story of Virginia Woolf’s essay to a poem. That is the best way to describe the essay. I had such a hard time trying to essential say in depth poem. I want to also comment on your creative titles, I’m not sure if you put a lot of thought into them or they just come to you. I just really always notice and appreciate them.
I really enjoyed your summary of the blog. I also got the understanding that the little details do matter. In addition too learning about the little things you also got the knowledge that everything doesn’t have to begin with a big beginning and big end. That did not cross my mind until I read your blog. I really appreciate that knowledge.
Mercedes