A, B, C, It’s easy as 1, 2, 3...
Is it, though? I'm talking about writing. Writing became a possibility when I stumbled upon the ink bottle. Earlier in my upbringing, I claimed my path to be an actress. I wanted to be like Cicely Tyson. I loved everything that she did. My imagination was limitless, and the stories in my mind were never-ending. I brushed off the idea of being funny, let alone comedy.
Cue Emoting: Closed fist slowly moving from my forehead to my chest. And scene. Cut!
Back then, I didn't realize I was prepping myself to become a storyteller. I thought I needed to be serious all the time. But then, I loved I discovered I could find joy in both arenas.
But how does one begin to write? Dr. Maya Angelou said, don't think about it; sit down and write. That is the 'easy' as 1, 2, 3 part. The technical aspect of A, B, C caused me to pause, groan and ask, "What am I doing?" When you start, it is exciting to want to tell the story, but you will quickly learn 'telling' a story's adversary is 'showing' a story.
A knowledgeable editor will flood your manuscript with yellow highlights pointing out the 'telling' when it should be written, with you 'showing' what you are trying to say. The editing process will either defeat you and make you want to pack up your mustard-covered manuscript and buy a hotdog or take the beating (or critique – it depends on how you feel that day) and look at it as a bright yellow beacon as the means of the way to go to convey your thoughts.
Below is a quick example of telling vs. showing.
Telling:
The night air was cold, and he was cold as he stood patiently waiting for the last bus of the evening to arrive. Yet, every time he took a breath, he saw steam.
Showing:
The night air skillfully slid through his coat and straight to its target to chill his bones. He knew this was the last bus for the evening as he shoved his bare hands deeper into his pockets to try and warm them. The breath coming out of his mouth steamed his view, reminding him how cold the temperature had dropped.
Your job as a writer is for the reader to understand what you are trying to convey and take them on how you arrived there. Thankfully many resources with your friend Google will help you find writing support groups, Thesauruses online, and grammatical help sites. Even your local library has writing groups; if they don't, ask them if they could help start one.
I recommend this last resource only if you have a strong disposition. When I completed my first draft of Why Have Dog and Bark, I invited a few family members and friends to read and offer their opinions. Some feedback was constructive, while others were nit-picky. Nevertheless, I sat through it with gritted teeth and a grim poker face.
Many drafts later, I am a published author who understood critiques, good, bad, or indifferent, long ago from my training as a Drama Major at Howard University. You must pick your feelings up off the floor and keep it moving. My instructors back then did not sugarcoat anything.
But here are a few takeaways I will leave you with.
A story must have a beginning, middle, and ending. You cannot climb a tree from the middle.
Writing can be challenging. So, enjoy what you are doing. Or, otherwise, go eat some chocolate ice cream.
Reach out to other like minds. Encouragement goes a long way.
Lastly, Dr. Maya Angelou was right.
Sit down and write.
You might surprise yourself.
Warmest always,
I'll see you around the pages.
Barbara Nyaliemaa Mosima
Note: Ms. Mosima's debut novel, Why Have Dog and Bark, is available now on Amazon.