My Crone Writing Crown

Why do we write?

My Crone writing crown

I was going to title this “Why Do We Write?” but I figure there are probably millions of articles with that title, so I relegated it to a subtitle.

This is my writing crown. I found it in a little shop in Upstate NY when I was first searching for a new place to call home. Actually, now I refer to it as my Crone writing crown.

I have no idea why I deemed it my writing crown. I guess because my writing had slowed to a halt, and I thought maybe wearing it would magically get my stories flowing again.

Also, it’s Pink, actually more of a rose-pinkish gold, and that’s a huge piece of the puzzle, which I will share in a separate post.

I just today started referring to it as my Crone writing crown. I’m sure I’ve chattered on about how much I love the word “Crone.”

Most people think it’s a derogatory term when in reality, it’s a reverent, magical word given to a wise woman.

It literally means “crown.”

I’m starting to notice that I’m repeating bits and pieces of my stories in other stories. It must be because I’m a wise old forgetful Crone. Actually, I’m not forgetful if I’m noticing that I’m repeating myself. It’s more, I think, that the stories in our lives are interwoven.

Anyway, my Crone crown is sitting here beside me as I’m musing about why we write.

There are so many reasons, don’t you think?

It’s obvious here on Substack that there are many writers who write to share vital information. Some of them have been censored in the mainstream and have come here to say what they need to say.

To inform.

To help make this a better world.

Some write about politics.

Some about cooking.

Then there are those of us who feel more like the creative who needs to just get it out.

The poet.

The storyteller.

The person who always wanted to be a writer.

Or a combination of all of the above.

When I joined Substack and had to come up with a one-liner to describe The Quaking Poplar 🌳, I couldn’t be pinned down to anything in particular, so I came up with:

Whatever's on my mind that makes it to the page. Usually, Nature is involved. 🌿

Sometimes I want to share what I think is vital information. Especially holistic health-related.

But, mostly, this has turned into a platform for telling my stories.

For a very private introvert-at-heart, this strikes me as a huge dichotomy.

While pondering this post, I happened upon this meme:

From @introverts.are.awesome on Instagram

This is my Vata-introverted self in a nutshell (or a meme.)

I never aspired to be a writer (I know, I’ve said that before.) It just happened.

I never “studied writing” but once joined an online writing group with writing prompts, which usually make me groan.

There was no critiquing (thank God!), only sharing. And, somehow, I found my groove.

I was scrolling through my photos the other day, and this one popped out at me:

I guess I needed convincing at the time. :)

Speaking of scrolling through my photos, I realized that there are hundreds of stories I could tell just from these pictures. I have to pull myself away from the over 30,000 images I have on iPhoto so I can concentrate on the job at hand.

Years ago, I remember reading an article about “why we write” that really resonated and stuck with me. So, I just searched for it and found it!

The article was titled “Thank You For Bleeding: A Love Letter To Writers” by John Pavlovitz.

It’s a gem.

Writing itself is a delicate, volatile mix of sweat and magic. At times the creative process is arduous work and at other times it is an effortless dance. Some days the words are hard-won in bloody battle and others they are easily received, gift-wrapped from the ether.

Most writers don’t write because they must have something to say, but because they have something that they must say. To be silent would be to be disobedient. It is not a choice made, but a burden carried, a calling embraced.

Go check out the whole article if these tidbits resonate.

I have felt both the arduousness as well as the effortless dance of the creative process for all of my life, but lately, the words have been flowing, seemingly “gift-wrapped from the ether.” I don’t know how long this will last, but I am grateful it is so.

Do you remember the Turtle oracle card I shared in “Turtle Tales?”

Well, check out the card I just pulled. :)

From The Wild Unknown Animal Spirit Guidebook

SWAN

EFFORTLESS CREATIVITY, SENSITIVE MYSTIC, ELEGANT POWER

The Swan represents heightened creativity. In Hindu mythology, the goddess Saraswati (the embodiment of language, creativity, and artistry) rides on the back of this graceful creature. The Swan is ready to take us there—to the fluid realm of writing, creating, and reflecting. This potent and healing energy is not to be taken for granted or taken lightly. When the Swan card appears, your soul is calling for attention…for solo time. An inner voice is waiting to be heard, an inner vision likely to be revealed. —Kim Krans

Here’s to all the writers on Substack and beyond - informing, creating, inspiring, sharing stories, recipes, or whatever their writer-loving hearts desire.

Much Love,
Barbara