Recently I read a blog that talked about the ways you see people, and how they can sabotage your writing. The blogger started off by talking about ethnicity immediately. Then he listed out ways of seeing people that can sabotage your writing and I immediately thought to myself: This is not how I initially see people.
I know that we all have our unique view of life. That is awesome. It’s what makes the world interesting. Maybe I’m sharing a bit too much here, and you will all finally see just how off I really am. My brother keeps telling me I am. So maybe it’s true. You be the judge.
Last week while passing the smokers that litter the front of the bus station, I walked past a man who had a wide face with cheeks that sagged so low they formed pockets at his jaw line. He also had a long, swooping white mustache. From my description what would your first impression be?
My first impression was: That man looks like a catfish. And in my head he was a catfish. I filed him away for future use as a character because I’d never seen a catfish man before. In my head he has already taken on the characteristics of someone who is wise and has lived many lifetimes, maybe an oracle of sorts. We will see.
Back to my point. I do not see people as most would. I am grateful for the imagination God has granted me. My world is one of color and beauty where strangers get to be oracles, or the guards of monsters, with kind hearts who ease the suffering of the condemned.
Is this the world of all writers? Or am I one of the lucky few, who’s life sometimes feels more like one of those Clorox commercials than reality? (I’ve provided a link to one of the commercials, in case you’ve never seen one. They are awesome!)