Writing (even for a short time) without the proof-reader who gives me direct, sometimes brutal and yet kind feedback, and who manages that process in a way that didn’t result in me having any kind of meltdown is going to be a challenge. But I've got this. Right?
It does make me wonder something. Do we need to edit our presentation of self or work? I believe we do, but why? To make ourselves more palatable for others? Well, that doesn’t work for me because I’m (it seems to me) on one level or another ‘too much’ to have to work with, link with or communicate with anyway, so attempting palatability seems like a bit of a daft aim.
Maybe instead, the editing and reworking process is to ensure we are writing what we are aiming to communicate in a clear way. Maybe there is a need to ensure the chosen words and tone are fit for purpose, and maybe that purpose is to translate what is internal to a place external.
This all seems to boil down to the question, why write in the first place? I guess that’s my biggest question in the now of now. I’m not sure there is an answer beyond a selfish one. If I don’t attempt to get out of me some of what is in me, I feel as if I might spontaneously combust and yes, that is 100% selfish. I’d like to tell you that I write because I want to make a positive difference to anyone who connects with what and how I write, as a way of making them feel less isolated. I’d like to tell you that I write with an aim of empowering others to see that whatever is going on in their body, mind, spirit, soul and life, they can be exactly who and as they are and know beyond a doubt there is space on Earth for them and the world is a better place with them in it. Those things are also true. Finding a way to do that while one is navigating one’s own ‘stuff’, and while one does not have a 'platform' from which to attempt remote connections seems tricky. And anyway, those ideals of ‘why write?’ fade into non-relevance as reasons for writing (when hardly anyone is reading them because of the lack of ‘platform’ amidst a world overcrowded with ideas and words), and we’re back to an attempt on the part of the writer to get what is in them out of them.
So again, aside from the altruistic aims (which are likely not altruistic anyway as they are still rooted in self) where the writing is (partially) intended for the hearer as a tool to hopefully empower or encourage them, and aside from the selfish need to process aloud, why write in the first place?
Maybe it is simply an attempt to be seen and heard where one doesn’t have to necessarily process the responses and reactions of others to what one has written. Maybe it’s a way of trying to connect with other humans when one doesn’t have the personal skills to socially connect (in more conventional ways) or have the life where connection through work roles is possible. Maybe it’s to aid internal processing. Maybe they are selfish reasons and maybe that’s okay. I’m not sure.
So, spread the word: Wanted for short term projects – Proofreader, writing adviser, website helper and someone who will be able to cope with (and thrive whilst) working with Dawn. There isn’t any pay (!) and employment conditions are that work will be sporadic (sometimes with several ‘writes’ to navigate in a week and then a month or so with nothing). All applications (with accompanying write up of why you want the job and why you will bring something positive) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(Additional information: I'm tricky to connect with. I don't trust other than when I occasionally over-trust. I am strong minded and yet ridiculously vulnerable. I am a living paradox in many ways. And the heath warning is, you probably need to be a bit 'out there' yourself to be brave (and daft) enough to even consider such a role with earlyinthemorning.co.uk).
