Re:Making a difference

KathyKRO who-is-at aol.com
Wed, 3 Jan 1996 20:09:20 -0500

Hello, everyone!
I'm slow to catch up on my messages, but I wanted to add to this thread of
the discussion before it ends....
I have enjoyed reading the reasons advanced for writing and particularly for
publishing one's writing. But, two others occur to me and seem relate to what
has gone before....
A reason for _me_ to write is to have a "voice". This word is charged with
issues of empowerment and hierarchy, and has its roots in feminist theory,
yet it captures an important motivating and defining feature of my writing.
It is _my_ opinion that I float out to the world. I make my private
thoughts public. I might even be heard. This ties in with the other
motivating factors like the resultant attention one gets when heard, and
other features that others have mentioned very eloquently, including
membership in a group through which one identifies.....
The other reason is one evoked by earlier postings several months ago.
Someone was writing about the emotions and images that often accompany
poetry-reading, I believe. Or trying to put into words the feelings that
accompany listening to a piece of music. And, the connection here is that a
rich metaphor or a textured turn of phrase can be a thing of beauty. This can
be fun! This can be beautiful and touches some creative sides of me by using
language in a certain, crafted way....
My two cents.
Kathy O'Byrne
Cal State Fullerton