Comments on: What Secret Message does Your Writing Reveal?

By: SpaceAgeSage

SpaceAgeSage — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 18:05:09 +0000

Interesting thoughts — what hides beneath the surface of our words? What kind of resonance is there to them? When we read a secret message are we reading between the lines or reading into the mind? If our words had “body language,” what would they say?

I think that is why I find Leo so appealing and motivational. His island calmness combined with his sense of community and helping shine through.

Ouch is right. I do see something I was missing before in my writing — Oh look — another learning experience!

By: Shefaly

Shefaly — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 21:03:09 +0000

Hi. As the 2nd ping back above shows, I mentioned this post as ‘related reading’ today.

Sometimes that message is revealed through the readers.

Someone today called me “Ms Most Serious Blogger”. When I wondered why, readers revealed why they think I am a serious writer and mentioned my thoroughly researched and balanced writing on issues of life, work, politics etc. I think “balance” and presenting opposing views, even if they disagree with my own is the strength of my writing. No solutions, just a way of thinking, arguing and presenting points in a debate.

Just my tuppence.

By: Blog award « La Vie Quotidienne

Blog award « La Vie Quotidienne — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:24:14 +0000

[...] What secret message does your writing reveal [...]

By: Patricia

Patricia — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 02:51:27 +0000

Mary Jaksch, I write because I love to write and on days I don’t write I sometimes lie awake half the night, until I figure out I am writing in my head and need to get it down on paper. I write when I am swimming my laps and in the columns of my shopping list for the week and I fill journal after journal. My life goal is to inspire folks to be the best they can be and to live their lives now not in some futuristic time zone – be engaged in living. Writing my blog just makes me happy right to joy, and everyday I go to see if I have any hits and if someone has commented and heard what I write – I talk to my web person to help me design my words so that folks will comment, yes a couple have along the way and I am grateful. I truly need to get paid for what I do, I need to pay off my child’s medical bills (cleft palate repair is not covered by any insurance policy in the USA) so I have the pressure of making some money a living wage after 35 years of volunteering and caregiving and I am hoping by supporting, encouraging and inspiring I can write to my done – in joy. Your post and this website has added to my inspiration.Thank you, I am grateful.

By: Terry Finley

Terry Finley — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:09:12 +0000

I know the meaning of my stories.
I do agree there may be a sub
conscious meaning that comes out
unknown to the writer.

I am amazed at the armchair psychologists
and psychiatrists who might feel free to
comment here.

If you Try to produce the hidden or
secret meaning, it is no longer
secret or hidden; it becomes very
obvious.

By: Chase March

Chase March — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:46:13 +0000

I don’t think a blog has to have a secret message. I think it just needs a unique and honest voice. I know that I blog about a variety to topics that are of interest to me. I write with passion and dedication and that is all that really matters.

By: Summer Foovay

Summer Foovay — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:08:55 +0000

I don’t think there is so much of a hidden message in my blogs – but definately in my fiction writing, both short stories and novels. Probably more “secret” in some than in others. I’m well aware of what I am about, and what I am writing about – but I also think that the message will have more impact if it is “secret”.

Here’s my dream in life…I write a book that after you finish reading it, you sit still and quiet and think about it for a few minutes. Maybe several times over the next few days. Maybe even discuss it with a few people. And maybe, maybe it will even change how you look at life. Am I really that good? Dunno. But I have read books that affected me that way – and that is what I would like to write. :)

By: Jim Manley

Jim Manley — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:42:34 +0000

Terry,

I believe all writing has central meaning. That meaning may be hidden – in which case the reader either senses ‘shields up’ or else the piece seems bland or hollow. Or, the writer may not know what he or she really wants to say so, the meaning comes across as confused or arbitrary. But, as Mary’s post says, how you handle your central meaning in what you write can be the determining factor between what “clicks” and what doesn’t.

If you’re not sure what your meaning is, try reading your stories again. See if you can reduce each one to a single statement. Then, collect all the statements and see what single statement they make. And, it may not be explicity stated. Instead, it might be the unspoken assumption about life all the statements sit on.

By the way, I like your website. Mine is embarrassingly rough, but it beats no website (revision in process). Good work on yours.

By: Terry Finley

Terry Finley — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 02:52:30 +0000

Do you think all writing has hidden meanings?

I write short stories; I may just start looking for
my hidden meanings.

thanks

By: Steve Pavlina

Steve Pavlina — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:43:52 +0000

Hey, let’s really crank up our life! ;)