Randy Lacey's Blog
August 7, 2021
With a Single Word
“Thus, with a single word, begins the journey of unbridled imagination, untapped potential, and unstoppable perseverance in the writing life.” ~ Randy Lacey
People write for many various reasons. Some write as a means of healing from personal experiences and traumas. Others write for the simple joy of writing. I could go on with the countless reason why people write, but to do so would deviate from the purpose of this piece. Regardless of the stated reason(s), everyone has the very same underlying reason, whether they admit it or not, they need, desire, and want to get it out of their mind.
I recall a quote by John Greenleaf Whittier , “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, 'It might have been.”
This holds true for the many words which could have been, should have been or might have been written, but were not. There are so many tools available to the modern day writer, there is no excuse to not commit thoughts and ideas to “paper”. Of course, I mean paper not in the literal sense of the word, for today paper comes in many variations. There is the physical writing implements, pen, pencil, crayon and so forth. Then going way back, writing surfaces such as clay, stone, papyrus and eventually paper which is still common today. Let’s not forget the digital means of writing which has made the writing process for some a whole lot easier, while others yet still prefer the ‘old fashion’ way of things.
Some people swear by the writing journal, pen, and paper or digital. Diaries were quite popular and to some degree till are, depending on who you talk to. There are many ways to document ideas before they are lost forever, I believe it is worth taking the time to investigate what might work for you the best.
As I stated at the very beginning, thus, with a single word begins the journey. Anyone starting a journey typically has a destination in mind. For writers, the destination might be the pinnacle of writing success, which no doubt looks different for each writer. For other writers the journey could be a journey of self-discovery, exploring the deep chasms of emotion or other writers the journey may have an undisclosed destination, not letting boundaries such as borders or rules to hinder them Whatever or wherever or however the journey, the first word moves you toward it.
I wonder where your journey will take you. How about you?
People write for many various reasons. Some write as a means of healing from personal experiences and traumas. Others write for the simple joy of writing. I could go on with the countless reason why people write, but to do so would deviate from the purpose of this piece. Regardless of the stated reason(s), everyone has the very same underlying reason, whether they admit it or not, they need, desire, and want to get it out of their mind.
I recall a quote by John Greenleaf Whittier , “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, 'It might have been.”
This holds true for the many words which could have been, should have been or might have been written, but were not. There are so many tools available to the modern day writer, there is no excuse to not commit thoughts and ideas to “paper”. Of course, I mean paper not in the literal sense of the word, for today paper comes in many variations. There is the physical writing implements, pen, pencil, crayon and so forth. Then going way back, writing surfaces such as clay, stone, papyrus and eventually paper which is still common today. Let’s not forget the digital means of writing which has made the writing process for some a whole lot easier, while others yet still prefer the ‘old fashion’ way of things.
Some people swear by the writing journal, pen, and paper or digital. Diaries were quite popular and to some degree till are, depending on who you talk to. There are many ways to document ideas before they are lost forever, I believe it is worth taking the time to investigate what might work for you the best.
As I stated at the very beginning, thus, with a single word begins the journey. Anyone starting a journey typically has a destination in mind. For writers, the destination might be the pinnacle of writing success, which no doubt looks different for each writer. For other writers the journey could be a journey of self-discovery, exploring the deep chasms of emotion or other writers the journey may have an undisclosed destination, not letting boundaries such as borders or rules to hinder them Whatever or wherever or however the journey, the first word moves you toward it.
I wonder where your journey will take you. How about you?
July 21, 2021
For the Sake of Writing
There is absolutely nothing in which I am an expert at. However, there are a few things I am passionate about. This still does not imply I have incredible knowledge about or efficiency in.
Of my many passions there are only two which I will say take precedent over the others, writing, and spice blending. One of these passions I have been doing a considerably longer time than the other.
I have been writing poetry since 1979. You'd think by now I'd have some proficiency at it. Am i a good poet? Is it really for me to decide? Let me ask you this, does book sales determine if a poet is good or not?
I don't write to win popularity contests. Boy, am I glad writing is not like American Idol, I wouldn't have even qualified to make it on the show.
If i was in it for the money, then I would have published my first book back in the 80's rather than in 2013. I don't write for profit, I profit from writing.
Then why do I write? I write because I have a passion to write. If what I write sells, then great. If it doesn't, well I'm okay with this as well. Neither outcome determines whether or not I continue to write. Why do rivers flow if nobody is around to enjoy them? Because it is just whatthey do.
With every new piece I write, I learn something about me, about my perspective, and my ability to capture it in the moment putting it into words. What I write has always been about me, first as a means to cope with life, then as a means to silence the flowing thoughts in my head. The thoughts still flow, sometimes they only trickle.
Rich or poor, famous or not, I will continue to write and share my writing with those willing to read it.
Of my many passions there are only two which I will say take precedent over the others, writing, and spice blending. One of these passions I have been doing a considerably longer time than the other.
I have been writing poetry since 1979. You'd think by now I'd have some proficiency at it. Am i a good poet? Is it really for me to decide? Let me ask you this, does book sales determine if a poet is good or not?
I don't write to win popularity contests. Boy, am I glad writing is not like American Idol, I wouldn't have even qualified to make it on the show.
If i was in it for the money, then I would have published my first book back in the 80's rather than in 2013. I don't write for profit, I profit from writing.
Then why do I write? I write because I have a passion to write. If what I write sells, then great. If it doesn't, well I'm okay with this as well. Neither outcome determines whether or not I continue to write. Why do rivers flow if nobody is around to enjoy them? Because it is just whatthey do.
With every new piece I write, I learn something about me, about my perspective, and my ability to capture it in the moment putting it into words. What I write has always been about me, first as a means to cope with life, then as a means to silence the flowing thoughts in my head. The thoughts still flow, sometimes they only trickle.
Rich or poor, famous or not, I will continue to write and share my writing with those willing to read it.
