Always Exploring by Lorilee Guenter

 

The guidebook sits open on my table. I mark places on a map, make notes, and dream of what I will experience. The list of opportunities grows. I sit and consider my options.

My notebook lays open, waiting for words. The ideas come in bits and bobs. Will it be a poem, a short story, an essay or something else? A dictionary sits nearby accompanied by a thesaurus in case I need to locate a missing word. The opportunities are many, the time is short.

In life and in writing, I am an explorer. I study and plan, then at some point I toss the plans and jump in. I have tried to stick to just one thing among the many available options. It does not work. I have preferred vacation destinations and writing styles. However, I also have a deep desire to try different things.

My curiosity has led me to declare that I am allergic to boredom. This unfortunately has led to many unfinished projects. I tried them. Some I didn't enjoy them enough to complete them. Others I started but before I finished them I was enticed by new opportunities. Is this a character flaw to be overcome or is it a character trait I need to recognise and work with?

In a world of specialists, the generalist stands out. For years I chaffed at the advice to pick a niche and excel at it. It reminds me of the advice when travelling rough rural roads: choose your rut wisely, you'll be in it for miles. I don't want to find myself in a rut that saps the vibrancy from life. Therefore, I remain a generalist. In doing so, I remain curious and engaged in a variety of activities.

Last month I wrote about my varied reading habits and how they spill over into my writing. When I read this month's theme, my first thought was: I can't write to that? What style can I research and try? Instead of trying another new thing this month, I rebelled. Instead, I paused to consider what I have learned as I've tried various styles and genres over the years.

Lesson 1: Some things will be junk. They belong in the recycle bin. This does not mean they were a failure. They were opportunities to experiment and learn. Take the lessons learned and let the rest go. I have found that a favourite line or character may get recycled into another piece of writing where they work better.

Lesson 2: Some styles are hard. This could mean it is not an appropriate style for me (or you) at this time. I never rule out returning to try again. I would love to write a mystery. I have three attempts started. Each of them was abandoned because of difficulties I don't have the ability (or inclination) to overcome at this time. I reserve the right to return to them at anytime.

Lesson 3: Sometimes I am compelled to write in a style I do not enjoy. When God prompts, it is good to trust and follow His leading. I fought with the repeated claim, "I don't write memoir." The more I fought, the more I had creative block. Once I said yes, the ideas returned and the words flowed.

Lesson 4: All writing helps improve skill. Sometimes I "warm up" my writing muscles with short exercises in different styles and genres. Poetry is a great change of pace while I work on a novel. It forces me to consider the picture my words are drawing for the reader. 

Lesson 5: As with everything in life, God is the source of all that is good. When I partner with Him, I will learn the lesson He is teaching me. I will know when to push through obstacles and when to put a piece away temporarily or permanently. He is editing my life as He informs my thoughts and helps me hone my skills. If I try to do things on my own, I fail.

Lorilee Guenter is a Saskatoon based artist and writer. Her writing stems from the many questions she finds herself pondering and from the things she observes on her wanderings. She believes both her curiosity and her creativity are gifts from God.