My advice is simple, stolen
from Rise of the Guardians and, as North (Father Christmas) says, "Now we get down to tacks of brass!" He asks a young Jack Frost "Who are you, Jack Frost? What is your centre?" There is a great ensuing analogy with Russian dolls that I would not dream of spoiling for you so go and watch the film if this intrigues you, however, I think all writers should ask themselves the same question.Now don't get me wrong here, I don't expect you to know the answer! It can take a lifetime to really know yourself (and that's if you are lucky.) But the exploration of yourself is key. You could surprise yourself. All the experiences, emotions, peaks and troughs of life are an education. They give you knowledge that can be harnessed and applied under all sorts of fictional or poetical circumstances, but only if you take time to learn what they mean to you.The best writing I have read, shows conviction, belief and insight. How can that be achieved without introspection, and knowledge, maybe not of what you are, but who you have been and who you could be.I am a chocolate metaphor
There are plenty of toffee's,The hard sort that stick in your teeth.They keep the strangers out.Foil wrapped are the praline,Smooth and nutty and sweet.Sufficiently tasty for the single serving friend.Chocolate hazelnuts.Creamy, crisp and heavy.Welcoming to compadres.Turkish delight,Heavily fragranced, vividly colouredFor the acquired taste of a lover's palette.Tangy and velvety orange creamsWarm, soft, so smooth,Enveloping those loved ones within reach.Until there is but one left,The paper menu has been lostAnd all withdraw with their spoilsLeaving the black matt paper twist.But I know that this one is precious,Lost amongst the swirls of brightly coloured wrappers,Seemingly unappealing.It is truth, bitter and sharp,Crystallised ginger in a dark chocolate coating.Unwanted by all but the bravest,Unobtained by all but the one.Thanks for reading,
L :-)
