Paperless Diary

I decided to create a hidden email blog for myself, so that I could write what was on my mind in the style I needed to write without worrying about whether anyone from the outside would disagree, or correct me, etc. Doing this allows me an outlet whenever I am near a computer with internet access.

I like having my blogs, but often don’t write what I’m thinking in them, due to the audience. I originally began this OD with the intention of using it to vent a little creative writing. After a few snide comments, I dropped the idea. I enjoy creative writing, whether it’s interesting to read or not, because I feel it gives me a chance to practice certain descriptive techniques. And let’s face it, writing is about technique.

I used to write much more frequently than I do now. Not just in blogs, but in general. I used to keep a small stack of scraps near my computer of ideas I had jotted down in hopes of exploring later. More often than not, later never came, and most of those scraps found their way into the wastebasket, never to be visited again.

Using this medium allows me that now, without worrying about where the scraps are, or if they’ve been tossed out. It also keeps things rather neat and tidy, since I’m using Gmail for the account. I can search everything I’ve written when I need something specific without having to pore over countless Word documents or text files.

Basically, I log in and write an email to myself outlining whatever idea I have for the moment. I am a firm believer in the concept made real by William Forrester in the film Finding Forrester: “No thinking – that comes later. You must write your first draft with your heart. You rewrite with your head. The first key to writing is… to write, not to think!” Having an email blog like this allows me that kind of outlet, the room to write what I’m thinking without regard of what others will say, and holding it until I am ready to go back and work it over, fleshing out details as I go.

This isn’t to say I’ll never write here again. Far from it. If nothing else, it will provide me much more material to post. And seeing how I post probably once every few months, anything is an improvement at this point.

So, here’s to originality and open forum for practice. And the hope that the muse will find me again.

Cheers.