TODAY, WE ARE ALL WRITERS

More than at any other time in the history of the world, we are writers. We write because we know: writing is power, it is beauty, it is life. Through writing we express our emotions and challenge what we do not even know exists within us. What an opportunity we have in this 21^st century to share our closest ideals with ourselves and each other! Even if we are master speech makers, it is text that is always proof. In order to truly prove anything, our lovers require us to write love letters, our potential employers to type up resumes, our friends to phone-text ridiculousness. This art of writing has always been the proof that what we believe really matters to us and the world. Inherited from this belief that writing has some type of gospel magic, writing must be true, for it is written. For the reader, he or she must read and listen to a silent voice in his or her mind; this listening required for reading is perhaps the most invasive and intimate communication we will ever hear in our lives. We can listen beyond miles; we can listen even beyond time, through hundreds or even thousands of years ago.

Whether we like it or not, we are all writers, for today we are expected to be writers—writers in our professional, personal, and intrapersonal lives. What we do with our power is our own personal responsibility, but I believe that many people are unaware of the writing power they hold. A life-transformational moment: You are a writer. What will you do with your power? Will you pretend that it holds the same dynamic as your verbal voice? You must know that there is a difference.

Writing has not always been our privilege. In the not so distant past, only the wealthy had the power of the word. Now, however, for approximately ten years, en masse we have been fervently writing using our smart phones and other social media. Do not believe that because of texting or Facebooking we have somehow devolved our writing skills. Many of us happily and boldly write even though we may not know correct grammar. The writing revolution is here, and it is our duty to recognize the art that we all create in the sentences or fragments we share.

This new type of writing is not a hindrance or obstacle to academic or professional writing. On the contrary, this new type of writing is an opportunity for all of us to embrace a dramatic evolution in the history of writing. Let us, therefore, be conscious of the many types of writer we all are. No longer is writing for only the cultured class. Today the word belongs to everyone.

The next time you send out a text, an e-mail, or a blog, consider the voice and art you have created. Make it your best, and make it truly represent you. The writing of today no longer requires a teacher to correct it, unless you desire to make-believe that writing is only about academic type of writing. That is a farce. You must know you are a writer, so write with joy, confidence, and bravery.

Here I have assembled an incomplete list of writing contexts for you to consider in your everyday life. Know that the forms you use or ignore may help or hinder you from reaching your own potential as a writer, yet also know that you have the power within you to play with forms and create new styles of writing.

                                       Writing Contexts:

• Journal/Diary/Intrapersonal
• Social media
• Life planning/list making
• Intimate relationship
• Academic essay
• Professional
• Complaints/grievances
• Poetry
• Blogging
• Creative writing

This list is meant to show you your range and style; it is not an absolute list of the human complexity we use for writing. Nevertheless, it is my desire that we embrace our new identity of writer instead of ignoring the artist within us. To welcome and accept this new evolutionary persona can help you live a more exciting, investigative, and fulfilling life. Write with your heart, your humor, your intelligence, and your courage. Share your words so that we can all grow.