The beginning of a school year is a natural time to think about education and growth and the passage of time.
And it’s nice to see progress.
So let’s ponder a simple question: What do you know now that you didn’t know before? About writing, or blogging, or your story, or why hiring a freelancer is a good business decision.
Think for a few minutes. Then share something in the comments below.
What do you know now?
a
Recently I received a thank you note from a nephew of mine.
I was surprised that I could not read his hand writing. When I asked my sister about the almost illegible handwriting she said thast he was a lefty. I have asked many of my clients who are teachers nad have been told that they do not teach cursive writing anymore. I reminded her of having to learn to write in cursive. Their is nothing like the written word, but also it would be nice to have it be legible. As I look at some of the notes I have kept from my older siblings you can almost see the decade that they were taught to write in cursive. My siblings that are 20 years older than me have handwriting that is beautiful, almost like caligraphy.
I know that many people do not write letters much anymore, and often use computers to pick their font, but where is the pride in penmanship that used to be encouraged and taught?
That’s an interesting observation, Doyle. I think I used to be more sentimental about handwriting than I am now—probably because so often it is more difficult to read. For me, the main goal of correspondence is to communicate, and if the handwriting is going to get in the way of that, then I would prefer a typed letter. Of course, it’s true that sometimes handwriting can communicate things that keyboarding can’t—a subtle stress on a word, or shakiness, or even tear smudges—so it’s interesting in that sense, almost like an art form. But most of the time I prefer the straightforwardness of a keyboard. And choosing just the right font can be an art form too!
This is an interesting topic and question, Melanie. Writing is a difficult thing for me to do; communication is difficult, whether written or verbal. After blogging for a couple of years, I always ask myself: am I writing what I mean to write, am I clear about the point of this article, do the words make sense to others, do they connect with what is in print, do others have the same passions that I have, do they hear my heart? Even this response has me asking these questions! Thanks for a great question and teaching me many things, and thanks for your blog!
Ann, I never would have guessed that writing is difficult for you! When I received your blog emails, I am always impressed by the intriguing ways you introduce your topic and make me want to read more. And your blogs themselves (and, previously, your paper newsletters) convey the person you are—someone who cares and wants others to have healthy lives. So, if it is a struggle, I would say the struggle is worth it! It seems to me you are communicating effectively. Keep up the good work!
Oh my. . .that means a lot from someone whose writing I really admire. Thanks much!
You’re very kind, Ann. Thank you.
Style-wise, any writer would do well to learn from the use of understatement in Genesis 1. Lots of small, plain words: “saw”, “said”, “moved”, “made”, “called”, and repeatedly, “good”. Small words for big actions.
Good reference, William! I remember opening the Bible and reading Genesis and thinking, “Bam! What an opening! Let’s just start this book with the creation of the universe! No build-up, no intro, just jump right in.” And you’re right, the story is delivered in short, small words. Interesting!