250 Words About Writing 250 Words
How This Happens (Day 42)
By this, I assume you mean to say, what’s my process? How have I been able to write nearly 150 essays (and 43 in a row now) since Day By Day began.
The answer; beats me. Even in my journalism days, I never really had what could be called a process. I recall when I worked as a general assignment reporter for the Princeton Packet in New Jersey, I had to develop and write 10 stories a week. Basically, what I did to generate that was to drive into town first thing Monday morning and then just walk around and talk to people and take notes. I literally was never short on SOMETHING to write about.
I sort of still do that. I like people, generally. Everybody has a story. I try to stay curious, I try to pass down curiousity to my daughter. I usually begin one of these little essays with a question I don’t know the answer to - who is the person highlighted in that sign? How can I be a better dad? What music made me really happy? What’s the meaning of life?
Then the words just become the thought process in trying to answer that question. Sometimes, it comes out as nonsense. Other time we discover a bit of truth. On those rare occasions, we’ll find revelation.
The tough part for me, honestly, is stopping. Like today, you wanted 250 words and I don’t think I’m going to make it. I’ll try though, I will.
The You Voted For It Series: Coming in tied for third after your votes was 250 Words on 250 Words. We’ll continue this series tomorrow with our fourth place theme winner and then head into our rocking music weekend! I hope you enjoy and thank you for telling me what to write about.
Meantime, since the subject meant something to you all, tell us what you enjoy writing or reading about!
Meantime, thanks for the suggestions, the reading, the shares and, of course, the kind donations to Day By Day. Onward!