WHY WRITE?

Hello there dear gist partner. 

How are you doing this fine day? I'm so glad that we're gisting on the 29th of February seeing as we won't get to have another 29th February till 2028. 

My brother, Sokombaa Cal' Egbeja, Esq., has taken the time to gist with us on the blog today. When I first read his piece, I said to myself, "this really is a needed conversation." And I'm so glad he's the one having it with us, he's said it more beautifully than I would have. So, sit tight and enjoy!

Welcome to today's gist. 

So friends, I'll best ask a few questions first.

–Would you know half the lot of what you do,but for the many writings (in bunches, bits & pieces), that you came across?

–Have you ever read through your earlier scribblings, and got energized to start a writing QA journey or continue one that you started earlier [and you know that you'd never have completed or taken seriously, but for the notes you found]?

–What have words [written in books, scribbled on paper, journaled, some marginal note and so on], inspired you onto?

–Do you think writing counts or not at all?

–What has writing or reading from writings contributed to you?

The Question "Why Write?" has been right in my head since 2018. I made a few notes, read a few things up and sat with worthy minds; conversing on the subject. The most memorable of these conversations was with my friend, Iorvershima C. Shima. He said three things summarily, which I do not know from whence he sourced, but those words have stood strong through time.

He said, three reasons we should write:

–Your writing will live longer than you'll ever live;

–Your writing will go places you may never go;

–Your writing will reach people you'll never meet.

My friend said these with the aptness and the kind of crispness that Malcolm Gladwell accorded the words of Chris Langan.

As I now think, there's no reason every living person should not take up either note taking, story writing, journaling or some form of penning activity seriously. To me, writing is the union of pen and sheet towards the birth of meaning, and to enhance, not just the art of communication, but the permanence of same.

We must understand, too, that writing is a 2-way traffic: benefitting both writer and reader; designed to communicate, preserve communication and stimulate interest in communication.

Again, reader, I'm moved to state a few reasons why, in my thinking, you should keep a date with writing.

–For reference;

–For improvement; as some writings serve as drafts or reference notes upon which more concrete writings are made;

–Writing improves one's skill set; as it sharpens analytic and research skills;

–It enhances the reader's many latent abilities;

–It builds interests;

–It enables thrust -as some communication channels other than writing may not convey the intended message as clearly & permanently as writing would.

It beyond clear from the foregoing that writing is of absolute relevance, but a thing is only as well-used as the skill put into using it. Hence, writing has to be managed aright, if it will hold & convert the desired intentions of the reader. The core details on management of writing, in my view, are:

–Be clear about your message;

–Choose words that adequately convey your message;

–Be direct, avoid verbosity and circumlocution;

–Understand your target audience
Create expectation;

–Employ suspense, where necessary;

–Deliver quality writing;

–Don't rush a piece, especially when you have time;

–Let excellence guide your writing;

–Find out what motivates you to write and draw strength from it- whether it be internal or external motivation factors;

–Turn drafts & frantically scribbled pieces into masterpieces overtime;

–Read widely and wisely (note: not every piece is worth reading!)

–Read about everything that has your style of writing;

–Consult with God, the giver of all inspiration.

I look to read your many pieces, friends.

Cos the goal: BY ALL MEANS, WRITE!

Sokombaa.

Thank you so much brother of mine for this message. 

Dear gist partner, I'm hoping you've been gingered to take up writing; even if you do not feel like putting it out to the world, write! 

And when you are done writing, and you decide you want to feature on the blog, please send me a message on achenyosmusings@gmail.com and I'll love to feature your piece on the blog. So, who's in?

NLS HOT GIST: Port-Harcourt is a really HOT place!! I had heard before I came here that this place is hot, but nothing prepares you for the heat! It's bad! And light's a problem here so everyone on campus walks with rechargeable fans, it's as much a necessity as having water to drink because the heat is stifling! I was telling my friend that this is the first time I've seen men walking around with rechargeable fans in their hands, someone even takes his standing fan to class everyday!

Meanwhile, how are you doing with your goals for this year? We're through with 2 months already, go back to those goals and check your progress. 

Wishing you a beautiful sail through March. 

Love,

Achenyo. 

PS. It's 24 days to my birthday 😌.