In these fast-paced times, a well-orchestrated sketch can still attract the attention of busy, over-informed, stressed humans. Writing however, demands so much more from the consumer. It takes time and effort to read something; there are so many other things vying for one's attention: shopping lists, enrolment forms, the car manual and that neat story on Facebook about beautiful child stars who later became ugly.
Heck, sometimes I think I should give up this fruitless writing bizzo and just share photos of cute kittens tripping over themselves. People would actually look at those.
I used to share my writing on redbubble.com, where they'd actually plead with viewers to take time to read some amazing poetry, short stories and the odd limerick as well as checking out the visual art. Even as a writer, I had to force myself to do this - I mean, there's no guarantee that you're going to like what you read. What if you lose ten minutes out of your day to something that doesn't rock your world?
I shared my photography and drawings as well as my writing. Maybe I stumbled upon an effective way of getting people to read my stuff - they'd like what they instantly saw of some of my drawings or photography and were moved to delve further. Or maybe redbubble garnered sympathy for us poor overlooked writers.
I've spent years on my novel, 'A Fine Invention' (working title) and maybe it's all in vain. All those nights spent staring at my laptop (or in the old days, my desktop) could've been spent making money by returning to my Tupperware gig, or watching more movies (I still haven't seen 'Top Gun') or being more sociable, like a well-adjusted normal person.
The writing I spent my time, heart and energy on that I post on here doesn't garner much attention. Meanwhile, the odd post of a sketch that I share gets plenty of views. (Not likes, just views. I really should buy a puppy, make it wear costumes and photograph it). Yes, I put effort and heart into my drawings but writing is my first love, creatively speaking.
It can be disheartening. But I can't think about my ego, as difficult as that is. Praise is wonderful. Being noticed for my creative endeavours is addictive. Still, I intend to 'Keep Calm and Continue to Write' because it's my passion. I can't improve my writing skills by giving up on writing. If people aren't taking time out of their day to read my stuff, then that just means I've got to step up my writing game.
I love life drawing classes. Anything that massages the creative temples is worth doing, even crucial to living a fulfilling life, if you ask me. It's a lot more sociable than writing, and so relaxing. There's nothing quite like sitting in a room with other creative people, playing with light and shadow while enjoying a glass of wine. It's all part of my ultimate goal - to experience more life and art in order to strengthen my writing.
So I'm going to leave my ego at the door and keep on keeping on. Because I'm not Kim Kardashian; I'm a writer. I owned the title once I created a Facebook page titled 'Michelle Ham - Writer.'
So just watch me (or ignore me, whatever) while I write my little heart out. You never know, there might even be a piece about adorable kittens clumsily trying to roller skate (accompanied by video). Watch this space.
