I want stories to tell

I realised today that I am not a writer. Yes, I write. Yes, I can write well at times. But I am not a writer.

A writer, to me, sounds like someone who is an expert; or enjoys it; or is well-practiced in the wielding of words. Words are their tools. They’re a wordsmith. Maybe they have an appreciation and understanding of etymology, metaphor, grammar, and the like. Maybe they don’t really mind the topic, as long as they get to use their skill of word-wielding.

I am not a writer, then.

I am not doubting myself or underplaying my abilities. I just know that my range of vocabulary leaves something to be desired. My metaphors can be bit cliche. I rush. I ramble. I ignore the rules. Heck, I don’t know some of the rules at all.

Instead, I’m rebranding my title. My purpose. My future. My identity.

I am a storyteller.

This is not a new word by any means! I didn’t make it up. Many people call themselves storytellers and I just want to get used to calling myself that, too.

A “novelist” doesn’t quite cut it, though it comes close. For me, a novelist makes me sound sort of pretentious. Or like I’m a literary writer.

An “author” is someone who is published, which I am but not in the way I wish to be. And that’s a limited title, too…

You see, I tell stories. In many ways, shapes, and forms. For young readers and older ones. Set in our world, and made-up ones. For me, and for you.

I am a character creator. I am a world builder. I am a magic conjuror. I am a theme explorer. And a plot seeker.

Writing is an element of storytelling. A tool for it. Like the builder uses the hammer, the storyteller uses writing to build their story. But it’s not the writing alone that I love. Or the writing alone that makes me do it. Or the writing alone that I feel is my deep calling.

I want my future to be about telling stories. Written ones, verbal ones, ones on the big screen, even, if I’m lucky. I want to step into a more confident version of myself, where I have interesting things to say, points of view and ideas to share, and people listen to me! Captivated by my stories. That’s why I need to live a life that’s not small.

No, I’m not seeking grand adventures. I’m a humble little introvert who likes the cosy comforts of her home. I’ll always seek a home space first. Carve a cave for myself with my nearest and dearest. But I do want to step out of my comfort and experience life. Experience thrills. Experience challenges. Experience growth. See the world and ask questions and speak in many languages to see how they feel and taste in my mouth. And taste! Gosh, eat my way around the world. Connect with people who have lived very different lives to me and cry or laugh together as though we were neighbours.

That’s what I want. That’s a peaceful, simple, beautiful life in my eyes. One full of stories written and spoken by me to wonderful people willing to listen. And time and space for me to sit back, eyes closed, and listen to the stories that others and this world have to share with me in return.

Doesn’t that sound perfect?

It would be nice if I can use this blog in more of a storytelling format, too. But we’ll see.

For now, thanks for reading. Thanks for being here with me.

Sincerely,

S. xx