De Artis Stilum...
The Artistry of the Pen.
It's safe to say that no one developes a fondness for writing without first possessing a love for reading. I see my stories as thought-provoking works (as compared to genres of drama, suspense or romance). I'm certain this is due to my contemplative nature; forever turning things (large and small) over in my head, as if life were a Rubic's Cube. When I start a project, I don't know the end, nor do I outline ahead further than the first few chapters before laying down the opening words.
Most writers map their entire story in great detail from start to finish before ever putting pen to paper. I attribute this difference to my non-linear way of thinking. People love to say they 'think outside the box'. From where I stand, there is no box; there's just life and our Universe; the Grand Jigsaw Puzzle. You can piece it together, or leave it apart - or anything in between. But rest assured, there is no 'box'. My own creative flow through writing mimics this principle, except that each writing project begins as a jigsaw puzzle, with all the pieces random on the table; some face-up with snippets of colors and details displayed; some face-down and mysterious until I turn them up.
At the outset, all I possess is a seed - a vivid image of a story waiting to happen; or more specifically, characters standing in shadow, waiting for me to give them light. The true origin of this seed? Your guess is as good as mine. And I feel privileged to be the one chosen to help reveal my character's secrets; tell their tale. Nothing hokus-pokus, I assure you. Still, this is how writing fiction feels to me. I agree with social anthropologists who say language weaves the many colored tapistry of human culture. Reading (and now writing) stirrs the depths of my mind, activating the never-repeating kalidascope of images, past and present - both in the personal and collective; a mental repository of unlimited and ever expanding wonder and variety. Reading and writing allows one to experience emotions without consequence or aftermath.
I've always felt a deep connection and longing for the natural world. Native American themes (especially their music) stir deep rumblings in my spirit. I'm a positive soul. Not boisterous or over exuberant. Just at peace with my life and grateful to be here. Rarely do I not wake up seeing the world fresh and unfolding as it should. Finally, I've encountered few experiences more satisfying than getting lost in a good book. And I'd love nothing more than to give some of that enjoyment back; pay it forward.