Timothy J. Pruitt's Blog, page 143

iPainting Egghead

Since my earlier Inktober post was connected to the Batman 60’s series, I thought I’d follow it up with another Bat Classic reference and Egghead. I loved Vincent Price in this hilarious role.

The Application Of Writing Part Two

We began yesterday by talking about the application of writing, and I’d like to consider that today as well. This morning, I would like to look at the definition as it relates to writing tools. We call a word processing program an application. We also call the practical conclusion of a piece of writing an application. It can be both the tool used to carve it out, and the results gained from it.

I mention the two together because, one is designed to serve the other. Some will write on a laptop, tablet, or desktop. Others will write on legal pads, napkins, or use a voice recorder. The tool used is not nearly important as the results, or as finding the process that works for you.

The tools I use to write with, may not be the best options for you. Think of it as an artist, specifically a painter. When first starting, they will get recommendations from other artists of what brush to buy etc, and they’ll find they are good beginning tools. As time and experience come, they’ll discard some and add others. They know what works for them.

What works for me is using a program to record my quick thoughts, like Apple Notes, Evernote, or Onenote. Then using a program like Scrivener, Ulysses, or Pages for long form writing. These tools work for me, they may or may not work for you, but here is the important thing about the tool. It’s not about how shiny the chisel the woodcarver uses, it’s about the result.

I would encourage you to find a process that works for you, for the act of writing, but not to fall in love with your tools. They most likely will change over time, and it’s good to be adaptable to new tools and technology so that one day you won’t be twenty years in and have to learn a whole new environment because the old one was discontinued.

The tools are different from the concepts and process of writing. For example, while the programs I use to jot down ideas, and then to flesh them out can vary, those two actions will benefit every writer. Record an idea quickly, jot down enough that will trigger your memory, and fleshing it out later are concepts that will work across the board. What you use to do that with, must be ones you are comfortable with.

I would encourage you to find tools that enhance your writing, not just ones with a lot of features. Sometimes features can be a distraction, not a plus. Once you find a means to carve out your story, then let the tools become almost invisible, and focus on the writing. What you write will be the actual application that the reader will see. They won’t know how you write it once it’s in their hands, they’ll just know what you said, and the application to them.

Sketch Inktober Splat

The Application Of Writing Part One

It’s the fourth definition of the word application, but for our purposes I’d like to look at it. It is defined as the practical conclusion or lesson to be derived from a speech or writing. I like this because it references both the writer and the reader. Good writing, I believe, serves both writer and the reader well.

Writing that can be applied to someone’s life in some way, is valuable. This isn’t only writing that is inspirational, motivational, or instructive. It can be true of good fiction too, a story that connects with the reader, they can apply to their own journey.

The application of writing, of serving the reader, comes from several areas. One of which is for the writer to take care of themselves, and their families, in the process of writing.

You’ll notice this is posted later than normal. That is partially because it is Sunday, a day when we go to worship. It’s also because we took our son to the pumpkin patch after Church, as part of a trip with our youth. He loved the animals, slides, and playing with his cousin Ava.

Serving the reader doesn’t mean writing with abandon. It also doesn’t mean sacrificing the writer’s life to serve the reader. For writing to have true application for the reader, it has to come from a healthy place for the writer.

Writing is a serving relationship, where the writer entertains, informs, and instructs the reader. To do this well, the writer must be rested, energized, and well rounded. It doesn’t mean you never write tired, I’ve written at 3 am with a sleeping baby in my arm. It does mean that you serve the reader out of a healthy storehouse, otherwise the writing can’t be truly applicable to the reader.

In the process of writing your book, for the next few weeks, build in time for yourself and your family. This will make you a better writer. Does this mean that some days you won’t get 500 words written, probably.

That’s why you consistently write 500 words, because some days you’ll write more, and those days will average out the others. It also means that the more you write, the easier you will find you can write. Eventually you’ll find the writing that took you an hour, can come in thirty minutes, and you’ll have time for ice cream.

The application of writing is a tool, like writing itself. It’s easy to become overly focused with something that is important, but when applied correctly by both the writer and the reader, it will enhance both of their lives. A very real truth is, writing changes a person, and it changes the writer the most. In changing the writer, they can better serve the reader. Let’s continue talking about the application of writing tomorrow.

Sketch Inktober Extinct

Today’s Inktober word is Extinct, and I couldn’t resist a play on words. Everyone thought they’d never see Michael Keaton in a Batsuit again, and then Flash happened. Of course no one expected Adam West to play Batman again, and they made two animated movies set in the series. You never know what might happen.

Sketch Bat-Doodle

I did this one day playing with Nicholas. What can I say, it’s a Gotham City thing!

Sketch Inktober Leak

Today’s Inktober word is Leak. Leaks happen when something isn’t shut off completely, or when something like a washer is worn. The Scripture says not to be weary in well doing, that you’ll reap in due season if you faint not. I would encourage you not to allow anything to wear you down.

We all get tired, but there is a difference in tiredness and weariness. Build in time to rest and recharge, because it’s far easier to maintain, than to repair a leak.

The Writing Why

Why do we desire to write? What is the purpose of our writing? For me, I knew from an early age that writing a book was important. I can’t really pinpoint the exact moment, but I knew. I knew that I felt it was important for me to write a book. Since then, I’ve discovered it is part of my life’s calling, to write and serve others through my writing.

As to the purpose of writing itself, it is about service to others. From informing to entertaining, most mediums involve some form of writing. Whether it’s a guideline or script for video, or cue cards for a comedian, words are involved. Writing is about service, and communication. You cannot serve those you cannot connect too, and writing is an amazing way to connect.

Concerning your reason to write, while I may not know, I can take a guess. My guess is you desire to write because of four reasons. First, it’s a desire to accomplish this particular goal. Writing is doable, but not always easy, and in completing it you climb a mountain you had not before. Second as a person of faith, I believe it’s a God given gift, and if you feel compelled to write, I would suspect you are called to write.

Thirdly, if you are compelled to write, that means you have some knowledge, or experience you can share with others to better them. You are a unique combination of knowledge and experience that is only you. You have something to share with others. Whether’s its nonfiction or your version of a fairy tale for kids, you can make someone’s life better through your words.

Finally fourth, you place a moment in time on paper. You share yourself, your thinking, and your outlook with others. We still know, hundreds of years later, what men like Charles Dickens, George Washington, and Winston Churchill thought, because they shared it. You may ask what relevance that is to you, but Churchill’s thoughts helped America through September 11th. That one moment in time of your writing, may change someone else’s lifetime.

Tomorrow let’s talk more about the tools and application of writing, but for today I hope you not only write your 500 words, but you realize how important and rewarding the act of writing can be. This is true both in your own lives, and the lives your writing will touch.

iPainting Autumn In New York Over Bridge

Here is another autumn picture, this time an iPainting from a New York scene over the bridge.

Sketch Inktober Open

Today’s Inktober word is Open. My mind went back to the neon signs. It’s amazing how much work goes into the making of these signs. However to many businesses it’s probably one of their most valuable commodities. Letting the customers know you’re there, and ready to serve is vital.

The same is true in serving others. They need to know you are both there for them, and ready to help them with what they need, that you are Open to their requests.