Sometimes I write things I am unsure of. I do this on purpose. Unbaked thoughts only come full-term when they are examined, drawn out of their slumbered dwelling, and made to lay under dissection. This is difficult when running a public blog. As the writer examines and digs for some greater truth, the audience can many times feel uncomfortable with the process. For in the readers mind, the writer is often sure footed. Of course, nothing is further than the truth. Writers are typically insecure and often unsure. While every writer has their own set of motivations, mine have always been to ask questions and respectfully critique when necessary. Perhaps more than this, I wish to offer some sort of encouragement, refreshment, and a feeling of unity with those who are gracious enough to read my thoughts. Truly, if you read this or anything I write, I am truly honored and humbled.
These blogs are never “finished” work. They are often thrown into the blackhole of internet stimulation as a mere blip. While a book or study is done with more care and deliberate editing (and re-editing), a blog is meant as a rapid fire art of self-expression. I take this very seriously. I try to write within the tension of being myself, with broken ideas and leanings, while still genuinely caring for the modest audience allowed to me.
So who does the author write for? Herself or others?
Well, in my case it is both. Deep down I suspect that every writer does so out of some need deep within them. We write because we have to. This is the craft that makes life a little more bearable for us. Otherwise we waste away into monotony. It is a craft to work at, and when we do the work, we feel a little more unified with something greater than our laptops. This explains why millions of people write without compensation, recognition, and praise. Writing rewards the diligent.
Yet, we all want others to read and engage with our work. We desire a deeper connection with the world outside our blank page. We want discourse, conversation, and even disagreement. When we unleash our mumblings into the world, we have a responsibility to our audience. To be ourselves, to be humble, and to care for them. If we wish anything, it is for the reader to think for themselves – to come alive in thought and action. May you be stimulated with the danger of thought.
This is my hope for you, dear reader.
Think freely.
Think dangerously.
Move on your convictions in love and curiosity.
Matt simon blog 