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How Does Writing Help to Make Things Possible?

I have an idea that the act of writing, consistently, over time, can change things.

Changes the way that we feel or that we look at the world.  Changes our perception of obstacles, and possibilities.  Acts, in some way, to help make things possible.

I’m going to be exploring this idea over the next couple of weeks as I draw the theme of possibility to a close.

But I’d love to get your input too… which leads me to the additional group writing project I mentioned the other day.  (Yes, I know they’re a lot of work to co-ordinate, and yes I probably do need my head examined.)

This one is simple.  Answer the question “How does writing help to make things possible?” in 30 words or less.

I tried the 30 words or less formula in a previous project on powerful writing, with very, well, yes, powerful results.

What we should end up with is a compilation of one-liners on what writing can do: how it helps to make things possible.

A bit like having a fantastic set of quotes on the power of writing – but written by you, rather than voices from the past.

Are you up for it?

If so, all you need to do is come up with your answer in 30 words or less then:

1. Share it on your blog, with a link, and a comment here too please, to be sure I find it or

2. Leave a comment here with your answer or

3. Share your answer on Twitter (clearly this will limit you to 140 characters).

If you share it on Twitter, please could you also send a link to the tweet to me @joannayoung so I find it.

Deadline for contributions is Friday 11 September.

I look forward to exploring this question with you over the next couple of weeks.

Comments

  1. Things come from thoughts; writing distributes thoughts to others; others make the possible real.

  2. Karen Swim says:

    Joanna, I have also retweeted this but it is a fantastic idea! I can already feel the wheels turning in my head. LOL, yes you may need your head examined :-) but I do love your energy and encouragement!
    .-= Karen Swim´s last blog ..Designing Your Reinvention =-.

  3. Brad Shorr says:

    Joanna, What a great idea! I’ll submit my answer right here.

    Words are the bridge between ideas and action. When we labor over them with all our hearts, written words make the bridge strong and straight.
    .-= Brad Shorr´s last blog ..How Should You Select Categories for Your Business Blog? =-.

  4. [...] Joanna wants to know how writing makes things [...]

  5. Carla says:

    I never thought participating in a group writing assignment would make me so nervous!

    Writing helps ingrain thoughts and ideas in your head so that answers and solutions are developed and born.
    .-= Carla´s last blog ..Brave, Stupid or Both? =-.

  6. Naoko says:

    Now this was a fantastic post! It really did light up something in my head, so here’s my response: http://geminianeyes.com/?p=4118
    .-= Naoko´s last blog ..Write with care =-.

  7. Tumblemoose says:

    My entry, Joanna:

    Writing brings the unseen, the unformed into the seen, the formed. Until seen and formed, something does not exist.

    Cheers

    George
    .-= Tumblemoose´s last blog ..10 Outstanding Picture Writing Prompts =-.

  8. Footprints and Blogging says:

    [...] in those days is when I first received visits from Jim Murdoch, Joanna Young and George Angus, who all provided encouragement when I started up again early this [...]

  9. Karen Swim says:

    Joanna, here is my entry:
    Writing is the lifeline to the heart and soul, from the pen flows the passions that haunt us, the desires that consume us and the intentions that drive us.
    .-= Karen Swim´s last blog ..Designing Your Reinvention =-.

  10. Joani Edens says:

    Writing brings words, the building blocks of comprehension, to life so that people are empowered with the knowledge and passion to share, act, and create.

    Posted with links back here and to @joannayoung on my blog.

    Thanks much to Joanna and everyone responding for the fun, both of writing mine and reading all the others!
    .-= Joani Edens´s last blog ..How does writing help to make things possible? =-.

  11. kathleen says:

    Wow, this has been an interesting exercise – reading through the responses so far I am so inspired to go and make all things possible!
    Here is my response –

    The creative art of writing carries an idea from thought to word, from source to sensation, from vague to tangible, from doubt to belief, and thus from ludicrous to possible.
    .-= kathleen´s last blog ..possibility =-.

  12. Ben says:

    “Know thyself,” From the ancient Greeks. To write is to learn and gain wisdom. Once one knows himself, beauty pours forth through the written word.
    .-= Ben´s last blog ..When I Saw You =-.

  13. Wilson Pon says:

    Writing giving me the courage to turn the impossible mission into possible. Even a piece of words is having the power to change the world into a better place!

  14. Joanna says:

    These are fantastic, thank you everyone! I’m looking forward to rounding them up and sharing them next week.

    I love how we are moving “from the ludicrous to the possible” (thanks for that line Kathleen)

    @ Carla, thanks for stretching out of your comfort zone and contributing :-)

  15. Jan Scott says:

    Writing consistently clears out the debris and allows our truth to flow.
    posted on http://janscott.typepad.com/life/ last week.
    It’s great to endeavour to get at the essence of what it is that drives us, so thank you for this, Joanna.

    .-= Jan Scott´s last blog ..moment in time =-.

  16. Joanna, writing has made new things possible for me in ways I never imagined. Ellen and I have been invited to participate in the Bloggers Hub at the World Business Forum. Stay tuned for a blog that tells much more.

    Have been thinking about your question and am ready to post an answer to how writing makes things possible. Will follow up in later blog on your question about how writing affects the brain. I enjoy your questions, exploring latest research to answer and writing the answers!!
    .-= Robyn McMaster´s last blog ..Zappos’ Brain Friendly Work Culture =-.

  17. Here’s my answer, Joanna.

    Writing a blog opened world of others’ ideas, gave space to mull in brain’s backburner, sharpen, and place my “two-bits” out in a shining, moving and expanding Social Media galaxy.

    Not sure my link would publish here, so I’ll provide title: How Writing Makes Things Possible.
    .-= Robyn McMaster´s last blog ..Zappos’ Brain Friendly Work Culture =-.

  18. Aprill Allen says:

    When my mind gets bogged down with too much thought, I write it all out. My mind is then so much clearer and I can focus on the next task.
    .-= Aprill Allen´s last blog ..What’s your style? =-.

  19. Joanna says:

    Robyn thanks for that both here and on your blog – you certainly are a stellar participant in the social media galaxy :-)

    Aprill that’s so true – I wish I could remember to do that when I get stuck!

  20. Joanna says:

    Jan inexplicably overlooked this contribution, sorry… Thanks for sharing those thoughts, I’m glad you found it helpful. Hope you’re getting unblocked too!

  21. Jan Scott says:

    Hi Joanna, no worries. Thanks for your enquiry – I’m properly blocked at the minute, it’s like a wall’s gone up. But maybe that’s just because I’m so busy with other stuff at the moment. I’ll let you know! :) x
    .-= Jan Scott´s last blog ..a rite of passage =-.

  22. [...] asked people for their best personal thoughts on the possibilities writing offers. She also did a three post series on the Language of Possibility. My favourite post on this topic [...]

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