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Thank you, Brien Stansell (@obrian-of-the-surface-world) for responding.
“Sometimes a poetic allusion can be obscure or not be as accessible from culture to culture. This may be related to limited exposure through education, or background.”
“Some who like a rhythmic pulse in their music preferences may have difficulty with poetic forms that don’t tend to have a clearly defined tempo or meter … Some may think poetry can be silly, and others think it is inspiring and memorable.”I did not think about that, but it is true. Cultural understanding is often the bases for the metaphors & symbolism we use. I was reading something that mentioned tree shaking, I think, as an image of fear. But where I am, there is almost always a gentle breeze, so what I had was more like peaceful dancing.
In that sense, it is a matter of exposure, not just to poetry, to things outside of one’s personal every day, right? Also, one needs to be aware of how things connect to one’s life.Looks at my music playlists… (Both silly & inspirational stuff).
“Some professors in colleges and universities may go off and do their own thing, or pluck out some obscure works that they have preferences for, and neglect teaching what was once considered “classical literature.” … Some people are very right-brained, and some are left-brained and their preferences do not allow much tolerance for the other side.”
I had that experience of a teacher overanalyzing. Looking back, I am sure he had good intentions. He was just excited & rushed for time. But, because he told us the “answers” instead of letting us think it through, I felt like poetry was not for me. I was frustrated & confused.
“People react to it in different ways for so many reasons and may respond or not respond to it, depending on what they a dealing with or struggling with on any given day… Trust Him and let it flow as an expression of gratitude to The One who gifted you.”
Recently, I have been thinking about the idea that writing is about having a conversation rather than expressing my voice. It is much more fun since I do not have to feel like I need to work all the answers in for my readers.
As a reader, the “conflict of interpretation” makes more sense this way. I can accept the author’s intentions. I do not have to like it or approve, but I see that this is their side. Then I can apply it to my world, not force my application as the “actual interpretation.” It leaves things more open for conversation.I like this point you made. I used to (& maybe still do) sweat about it with my [not poetry] WIPs. God has been working with me on it.
Thank you!Ooooh, this looks fun!
1) Name: Something to do with beauty, ending in Bella, gemstone, or healing plant
2) Age: 20s
3) Career/Role in Story: the main character or a sister, college student
4) Personality: she is loyal & friendly, reserved, & quick to take action. She does not like being treated like she is naive/less-than but has some learning to do in her life (’cause we do anyways!)
5) Would you be friends with that character?: I at least would not mess with her. Although, she looks like she needs a good friend who would act as a mentor but know how to speak her language.
7) Nickname: something her brother(s) came up with, but she likes to keep it a secret/just between them
8) Greatest strength: Has a strong sense of justice, or she doesn’t like to procrastinate on what she feels is significant (unless maybe school work)
9) Fatal flaw: easily angered &/or she tends to be closed off, sometimes lets her determination get the better side of her
10) Phrase that this character is likely to say: “You don’t understand- You can’t!”
11) Favorite color(s): Salmon because it’s a pink that’s not overly childish/girly
12) Family & Friends: Has a sibling(s) she feels responsible for (even if he’s older), some strained prenatal situation, but doesn’t see them as antagonists/evil. She prefers close-knit friendships but tends to keep them at arm’s length away.
13) Single or taken: She gets in a relationship at some point in the story, towards the end.
14) Children (if any?): She doesn’t feel ready for kids yet, but she thinks, “maybe one day when my life slows down & all the peices fall into place…”
15) Hobbies: fashion, blogging/writing (nonfiction), reading (secretly or she is the “the young journalist” kind), movie nights
16) Greatest fear: She looks like she would be the type to have questions about suffering (like “why do good people have to suffer?” etc.), so maybe like that, coming to find the answer to a question she didn’t want to ask
17) Dreams and Aspirations: prove herself
18) Darkest Secret: insecurity &/or the backstory to her greatest fear
19) Peculiarities: Honestly, something about the picture seemed to remind me of the popular girl trope, but also not. It’s like her character would be the type to fight against an antagonist but find out that she has the same battle inside.
20) The meaning of their name (real or in story): something you find beautiful, doubles as a symbol of strength or enduranceI feel like photos of real people are more challenging but fascinating.
And this was a good read for this topic:
Don’t Let Writing Stall Your Life: Your Words Matter, But Your Life Matters More
I think this is supposed to be visual art… but opera has a visual element to it. We just call it 4D (time-based) art. Besides, painting & drawing are often involved in the planning & set-up.
I haven’t seen an opera show before, but I used to go to local plays & musicals. I may not have a lot of experience, but I enjoy the art created from such work.
That quote is beautiful! I could feel the emotion just reading, & it is such truth. I like how the first part uses imagery to set up the rest of the lines, giving the audience something to imagine that guides them into it.
Are you interested in writing an opera or acting in them?
I liked the verse you used. I think not being wise in our own eyes (being humble & trusting God) is critical. If creativity is an idol, it is easy to become overly protective of our work, as we want our creativity our way rather than what’s best.
Sometimes it seems that people forget that writing is more than sitting at a desk & thinking. One must live life with its flows of planting, harvest, & rest. To live life with people (writers & nonwriters), responsibilities, & everyday experiences.
It’s easy to see creativity as a comfort, an escape from reality. But, is reality what we need to run from, or are the lies that warp our view? If our project is to reach others where they are, should we be running from what God wants to show us?@k-a-grey
Thank you for your thoughts.There are tons of people in the Bible who did creative works & projects God requested of His people that we can learn from (thank you for bringing this up, it is a good point to ponder).
Are there examples that go along with this discussion, you think?A painter once said of his impression on the stars: “Well, not bad, but there are decidedly too many of them, and they are not very well arranged. I would have done better.” As you said, idolatry is ultimately self-worship & pride. But, if we, limited individuals, had made & arranged the stars, would sailors & travelers be able to navigate? Would we tell seasons as they change? Would they transcend generations & cultures?
Not only is knowing what our theme essential, but for who is also. It will better help us remember why & let God lead us to them.
@obrian-of-the-surface-world
Thank you for your post.I think you’re right about not seeing this as either-or. It is a mindset we must be watchful for in our lives. But, as far as what is over the thrown of our hearts, only one can be God, the #1 priority. The key is, as you said, to use the gift God has blessed us with in partnership with Him.
On the topic of priority, I hear quite a bit that if writing (or any other endeavor) is critical to an individual, they should make it a priority. How can we balance making progress on our projects without creativity becoming the ultimate priority over God?
@noah-cochran
Thank you for responding.I like that you focused on emphasizing simplicity. Sometimes, as people, we can get the temptation to overcomplicate things. Do you think creatives have an extra struggle to overcomplicate in doing actions that require a lot of thought, or does that not make a difference? If yes, how do you see this playing into the temptation to idolize creativity?
