• Read the articles that are already in Hot Content.  Most of those Triond writers have experience and know what captures a reader's attention. You can find something similar that truly interests you and start writing about it.  If it interests many others, your article will climb to the top of the charts.
• Write often so that you can gain viewership.  If many Triond readers have already read your previous articles, they will want to read you articles often.  You need to make sure to keep them happy and coming back for more.
• Find your niche.  If you are really passionate about a certain topic, write about it.  Others may share your passion and that will get you absolute viewership! Remember that something that you love writing about may be something others love reading about.  You'll never know until you try.
• Write about exotic things.  Find something out of the ordinary to write about.  Many readers like to read refreshing information.  They like to read about things that are not common.  Find something rare and have fun writing about it.
• Incorporate pictures into your writing.  A picture really is worth a thousand words and that may bring you a thousand viewers (a day, hopefully).  Write a good solid article and add some interesting pictures to it to capture your readers' attention.

What ever you do on Triond will bring you success. Whether your article is in the Hot Content list or not don't lose hope, readers will start appreciating your style of writing soon.  One of these days you will find your article in Hot Content and then you will have found the key to reader popularity.

Good luck and keep aiming for the Hot Content list!

Lots of writers derive inspiration from different things. A flash of idea can usually be pursued to come up with a literary piece; or a picture may draw one’s poetic inclination out. Whatever your sources of inspiration are or your ways of inspiring yourself, it is always great to learn something new everyday especially if we wish to be prolific and effective like our favorite writers.

Here are a few ways that are found by many writers to be very inspirational when they seem to fall short on inspiration for their writing endeavors.

Constantly affirm your love for writing

Constant affirmation of your passion for writing can rekindle your interest in it and keep it aflame. It serves to fuel your drive to continue writing against all odds.

Reading your works that you are most proud of

When you feel a little disheartened because your articles seem to be falling short in page views, or you may feel bad over some negative comments, encourage yourself by reading your pieces that you consider to be among your best works.

A little boosting of your pride can do a lot for your declining self-confidence. So go ahead and read those articles which you are so proud of or those that have been performing well in terms of page views or comments.

Read testimonies of successful writers

Successful writers did not gain their reputation overnight. While there may be cases when a writer’s fame is shaped by his very first publication, you would always find out that it is not his first attempt at aiming for popularity.

Explore other types of writing which you may not have done before

To keep your passion for writing burning, try to create pieces pertaining to other genres or niches which you have not tried writing on before. If you have not penned a creative piece, perhaps now is the perfect time to do so.

Look for a comfortable place that you find conducive for writing

There are people who have no problem concentrating and writing amidst a crowded place. But if you are the type who cannot concentrate when there is so much noise around, try to look for a quiet place when you need to write. Some writers feel inspired to write in an open but quiet place, while others prefer the solitude of their own room.  Whatever place you find comfortable and conducive to get your writer’s mind to work, try to spend most of your writing time there.

Allot a regular time everyday to write even just a few lines

If, at any time, you have no problem cooking up ideas for your next write-up; or that you are inspired to write everyday then you may not need to devote a specific time to pen something. But if writing urges or inspirations come once in a blue moon, then you have to set a regular writing workout schedule to adhere to if you want to keep your passion for writing on fire.

Read newspapers and magazines

A perfect way to keep your love for writing alive is to read, read and read. To better encourage you to write, read anything about the things you yourself would want to write. If you are fond of poetry, read different forms of poetry. If you want to write about medical conditions, read health-related articles. Just know what you want to write about, explore it, and read about it.

Browse through old photo albums, scrapbooks, and journals

Old album photos or scrapbook and journal entries trigger old memories that can spark ideas for your next write-up. If you are a little discouraged about writing, your creative blog-like entries in your journals and scrapbooks can remind you of your flair for writing and your passion for it.

Watch television or go to a movie

Good movies and television shows are great sources of inspiration. So when you feel a little discouraged with your writing endeavors believing that you are not going any nearer to your desired goals, don't fret. Take time off from writing and enjoy a movie or two; or simply watch your favorite TV shows. If writing is indeed your passion, you will always get back to it - with zest and interest more than ever.  

Play with words in your mind

I love this mental exercise so much. You could weave a few poetic lines, or perhaps come up with titles of articles or poems you'd like to compose next. The idea is just to pump up your interest and zeal for writing by working up your mind with some creativity in terms of literary composition.

Listen to music

They say music is the language of the soul. It can express what words cannot. So to keep the flame for writing burning inside you, delight in the uplifting power of music. Go for your favorite type of music or for those which you find relaxing, inspiring, encouraging or pleasing. Listening to the lyrics of your favorite songs can rekindle your poetic inclinations.  

For more writing related articles, please refer below:

• Five Ways to Keep Those Ideas Flowing
• 10 Writing Exercises to Hone Your Writing Skills
• A Step by Step Guide to Online Ghostwriting

Source 

I have written over a thousand freelance articles during the past two years.  These articles have ranged in subject matter from poetry to health to motivational and inspirational in nature.  They have come from my heart and with time, I'd like to think that the quality and content has improved and only gotten better. 

Within this time, the vast majority of comments I have received (especially from Triond members) have been supportive, uplifting and a godsend truly beyond what words of gratitude could ever fully express.  But, on the rarest of occasions I do happen to receive some not so pleasant comments.

I know many new and seasoned writers have experienced similar unwelcome comments and I write this article mainly for them; as support and a reminder that this world would not be as limitlessly beautiful if these unpleasant, momentary nuisances deterred them from pursuing their writing dreams.  I write this to say to my beloved, fellow writers, please keep writing; hold fast to your dreams - the world needs the endless pure light that shines brilliantly from your heart illuminating even the darkest night that attempts to extinguish it.

So, onward we go:

When you take the time to sit back and reflect, you begin to see things with greater clarity. You are able to suddenly realize the toughest of critics are merely trying to frighten and make you question the true intention of your work - and I implore you all, do not let them.  As artists, creators and inventors of new visions and ideas, you are leading the world toward greater things, away from boredom, away from a static existence, and, ironically, closer toward the fulfillment of their dreams.  The fear and emotional upset critics are placing on you is actually a reflection of what holds them back from pursuing the beautiful passion found within every heart when the spirit is calm and peace allows it to flow naturally.

Trust with everything in your heart that despite human err or unkind critique, the good, uplifting message in your heart will always transcend any potential obstacle. 

Source 

So, Why Does Deleting Comments Do a Writer Good?

I'm a voracious reader.  I enjoy delving into new concepts and ideas that help me reach all my dreams and goals.  Many of the books I read explain that you must focus on the best things in life, people who only support your dreams, and positive energy, etc.  What you think about most, manifests in your life and reality.  If you focus on the positive, more will develop in your life; if you focus on the negative, logically, the opposite is true as well.

Said another way, everything is important, from what you listen to, to whom you surround yourself with, to what you decide to eat during the day. 

Now, metaphorically, take a moment to reflect upon the comparison below:

Most people have encountered an uncomfortable food situation like the following: Someone you know tells you that you should eat something they made.  The food item is fried, unhealthy and upon offering it to you, they explain that it would hurt their feelings if you do not eat it.  This does not mean that you have to eat it.  If it is not good for you, if it will knock you off your healthy lifestyle goals, and if it will make you feel guilty in the process, there is absolutely all the logic in the world to not only eliminate that influence, but to block it from being able to enter your world at all. 

You have a duty and right to protect yourself from any person who offers you something that is not good for your health!  Yes, this is contrary to much that our society supports.  Be polite; do not hurt another person's feelings, etc. However, I'm a big believer in "out of the box" thinking.  Furthermore, based off statistics, about 85% of the population is overweight.  Are you going to listen to the people who remain overweight or your own intuition, the voice from your spirit that loves you the most?

Comparably Words are Literally "Food for Thought"

If a reader does not like your work, that's completely fine; to each their own.  This is what makes life interesting, if we all liked the same things, our world would be a very different place.  But, if you do not like the comment, if it makes you feel bad, deleting comments is perfectly fine, logical and success reinforcing.

Regarding the Critics

In my opinion, constructive criticism is just that - it's constructive.

Constructive means it helps build, not destroy or leave you feeling deflated, guilty or hurt in the process.  When you build something, like a house for example, you might constructively say to the architect: "You know that window would be better over here where the sun rises because it will help keep the heating bills down."  This comment does not discount the architect's original idea it simply suggests a new idea (building off yours) that could greatly improve your life! 

When reader's leave comments like this, then you have the decision to either "move the window" or keep it where you originally placed it because maybe you liked the window where it was.  Maybe it was an artistic, sentimental, or just your own personal prerogative reason.  You see, this is the power and freedom of art and creating.  It is a reflection of the heart and no two hearts are or will ever be the same.  When we are able to universally realize this, we can then accept and develop a greater appreciation for the fact that there truly is no right or wrong way to express the heart (except of course, if it is with the purposeful intent to harm another person, which is not art). 

Source 

True artists understand that their work is meant to teach and inspire others about how infinitely precious life is and in turn each and every person. Again, your purpose is to lift others up and show them that they too can reach their dreams. You cannot do this if they are able to successfully pull you down to their level. 

In the end, no matter how much we try to interpret another's art, we will never fully know what the artist's vision was.  Again, the greatest purpose of art is to help us understand our own hearts and how we can find common ties that link us all together universally.  The greatest lesson we learn in the process is that everything we see in our world is actually a reflection of who we are.  You can only see in others what you see in yourself. So, ironically, the critics are actually revealing their flaws, insecurities, etc to you.  Given that fact, you can either focus on them or just let them fade softly away like you do worries and instead let confidence and strength guide your path to success.

So, do yourself a favor, delete comments if they make you feel bad in any way.  It's like opting for an "apple a day" over food that's not good for you.  It does a writer good.

You have the power to make all your decisions; choose the very best ones for you and the betterment of mankind.

Remember writing takes exceptional courage. When you write from the heart, it is an exhilarating and sometimes terrifying feeling. You are basically saying to the world, this is me take it or leave it. It is also widely known that public speaking is one of the greatest fears in society, sometimes rated higher than death. Writing is a form of public speaking. And, in the end, this is why I decided to publish this article. It is my way of standing up for my fellow writers and me. Never let anyone frighten you and make you think your dreams are unattainable. Never!

More Inspiring Motivational Reading

• My Best Triond Article Has Received Over 63,000 Views and Counting - Why I think this article has enjoyed great success and how you can experience the same for all your writing work.
• You Must Lift Others Up to be Successful - When you help others you indirectly help yourself, it is the beautiful and incredible circle of life.
• Encouragement and Motivation Especially for Writers - You will make all your dreams come true!
• 57 Websites You Want to Know About - Check them out! 
• Which Articles Get Read and Why- Helpful tips for your writing success.

Thank you to all a Triond for all you do - for such a worthwhile place for creative people!

As ideas fuel the writer's tool which is your mind, you need to have a continuous supply of these essential reserves. A writer is compelled to write. You as a writer have an obligation to your readers to write and deliver something readable, valid, interesting, entertaining and useful to your readers. Otherwise your touch as a writer is lost.

To boost your powerhouse of ideas then you need to stock it up from time to time to ensure that whenever you tap on it, something good and valuable will come out. Here are a few essential ways to keep those ideas coming and your writer's mind at work.

Read

A good writer is a voracious writer, remember that. After all, most writers develop their passion for writing through reading. The desire to be a poet often stems from reading a wonderfully woven poem.

Read everything that's relevant. Read about current events, places and people around the world. Read the things you enjoy reading. Read what is trendy, popular, and unique. Read the things you want to write about. Read anything worth reading. You might be surprised as to what you can learn even from wrappers of chocolates or boxes of milk.

Socialize

Who says that to be a good writer, one has to be a loner? Although many artists including writers are basically loners and introverts, it doesn't necessarily follow that you have to be one too to be able to create marvelous pieces. In fact, you'll soon find out that socializing can open your eyes and mind to something you might not have known before, or that you may be able to see something in a new light, or find some points of interest in something you previously thought to be dull.

Talk with your peers, your friends, and your family. Strike a conversation with sidewalk vendors, with the hairstylist doing your hair, or even with your local postman. You have a lot to learn from these people if you let yourself see the world from their standpoint.

Be Observant

The universe is vast. The world is enormous. The sky is high, and the ocean is deep. Such magnitudes can present numerous points of view from each little standpoint. What I am saying is that you can draw ideas even when you're confined within the four walls of your room or on top of a lofty mountain. And you can think of something while peeping through your window watching the traffic below, or while sitting alone in a crowded park.

The key is to open not just your physical eyes, but your mental and emotional eyes as well. By doing so, you get to really see and conceive the things, the people, and the happenings all around you wherever you may be. A crowded train, a solitary garden, a busy emergency room, a solemn ceremony - all these can keep your writer's mind working and can be sources of inspiration for your next write-up.

Talk with Children

Spend time with your kids, or if you have none, hang out with those in your neighborhood and have a real nice conversation going. Get to know them, and what they're into. Learn what makes them tick and what they think is cool and what's not. Mingle with them; and be accepted by being “one of the little guys.” That way they can act naturally and talk freely in your presence.

Children are naturally curious and inquisitive as they tend to grasp the meaning of everything and find its relevance in their own affairs in an attempt to create a logical pattern that they can understand and explain. When talking with kids, have an open mind and be prepared for a barrage of questions ranging from outright silly to distinctly philosophical. But be ready for a few unexpected lessons as well as you may be surprised at what you can learn from these little minds.

So the next time you need some fresh ideas, try connecting with a child for an energizing boost of imagination through a free-flowing conversation. Or if it's a new perspective on a common topic you want try seeking and viewing it through the eyes of a child.

Write

Although the first four ways mentioned are very helpful in keeping ideas flowing and getting your writer's mind to work, nothing beats the writing exercise itself. It acts as a sort of a pumping machine that gets your mind to work more efficiently each time you use it. The more you pump, the more you produce; the more you produce, the more you improve. In other words, constant practice makes perfect.

Like any tool, your mind gets dusty, rusty, and dull over a period of writing hiatus. To prevent that, you need to constantly hone it by engaging in regular writing exercises. Don't wait for inspiration to strike before grabbing your pen. As a writer, you should not write simply because, or only when, you're inspired. But first and foremost, for all intents and purposes, you must write to inspire and be inspired.

First of all, Helium.com is a website where writers write articles and they can earn money from them. The earnings can be from a cent to anything higher.

But we all have complained about the earnings we generate, right? Yes! A lot of writers only earn a few cents or less for their articles. The work we put into those articles earn very little! And those who live in the UK like me, a cent is only half a penny! Now that is just what kids can earn for their good behaviour. But for us, its like we are poor and that pennies are going to change our lives.

But hopefully my advice will help you boost your earnings. But first here is my little story with Helium.

I joined Helium in May 2008. I was very interested to write articles and make money out of it. So I started submitting work! I got to a total of 39. Yes that isn't bad for a starter. My earnings grew from 00.01 to 00.11 during the weeks. Yes it took me more or less a week to earn at least 2 cents! I was very discouraged! For the rest of May I earned a total of 3 cents. In June I earned 5 cents and most of July I earned only 3! I gave up and thought it was a waste of time until I read an article which made me start over. It was 23 rd July and I REALLY started submitting! The end of July came and the earnings went from 3 to 10 cents! Now that is higher than what I expected! By the middle of August, I had a total of 100 articles and I earned 41 cents for that whole month. Yes! Much higher! The earnings had gone from earning a cent in a week to a few cents a week! And surprisingly, I started earning 2-5 cents a day! At this moment I have 119 articles and my earning total is 81 cents. Ok still it is not good enough but it has risen much more than before! Before I began writing frequently, my earnings were only 12 cents! Big difference, right?

Make sure you write hundreds or even thousands of articles! That way your income can rise higher and you can earn residual income throughout your lifetime. Thousands could earn you more like dollars! So get your pens and work on them articles now!

However, do not waste time writing articles which will not be of any interest. Pick good channels such as Business. I have written over 39 poems in the Creative Writing channel on Helium and nearly all of them have earned nothing! It was a waste!

When you write articles, be positive to write on those which appear in front pages. These get the most page views and can you earn you more! The amount of page views is unknown. No one knows how much you need to earn at least a cent. But I tell you that it isn't something like 10 page views. It would be more!

I am sure in your own head you can come up with some simple ones like these also. Coming up with bigger, complex sentences is something that most people do not have the time or patience to do. So rather than making your head hurt as you try to think up your own, you might want to check out these. Some are funny, some are long, or witty. You will note that punctuation does not apply. I hope you enjoy all of them. If you are clever enough to think up your own, feel free to add it in the comments area below.

• Bob mises sex. I'm Bob.
  
• Madam, in Eden, I'm Adam.
  
• Otto made Ned a motto.
  
• Max, I stay awake at six AM.
  
• Gate man: a name tag.
  
• Dammit, I'm Mad.
  
• Pull up if I pull up.
  
• Was it a rat I saw?
  
• Go home, demo hog!
  
• A man, a plan, a canal = Panama!
  
• Do geese see God?
  
• Never odd or even.
  
• Dennis and Edna Sinned
  
• A dog! A panic in a pagoda.
  
• Cigar? Toss it in a can - it is so tragic.
  
• Eva, can I stab bats in a cave?
  
• Red Rum, sir, is murder!
  
• No lemons, no melon.
  
• Are we not drawn onwards, we Jews, drawn onward to a new era?
  
• Lewd did I live, evil I did dwel.
  
• Now I see, referees, I won!
  
• Mr. Owl ate my metal worm.
  
• Go hang a salami, I am a lasagna hog!
  
• Evil senile felines live.
  
• Sit on a potato pan Otis.
  
• Was it a car, or a cat I saw?
  
• "Nurses run!" says sick Cissy as nurses run.
  
• Step on no pets.
  
• Flo, gin is a sin, I golf.
  
• Live not on evil.
  
• No garden, one dragon.
  
• Kodak ad, O.K.

Writing about a good topic is always the first step to getting lots of views. If you write an article on your old hamster, then chances are it's not going to get views. But if you write about a controversial topic, such as why you believe 9/11 is all a conspiracy, then chances are it's going to do well.

Use A Simple, Straight To The Point Title

This is always the key to getting people onto your article. If your title is long-winded, and just confuses people, or sounds like its going to be a dull read, then people are not going to check it out. If, on the other hand, it has a very 'normal' title such as: "How To Write An Interesting Article That Will Earn You Money" then it will draw readers in much more easily.

Write About Something That Will Help People

This article helps people to write good articles, and therefore people will look at it to get some help on how they can improve their articles; as well as helping them make their bank balance look better.

Even articles about how to put a shelf together, or how to upgrade the memory in a certain laptop will get views as people who need help putting a shelf together, or upgrading the memory in their laptop will look at it.

Use Good Spelling And Punctuation

Nothing is worse than having an article with spelling and grammar mistakes. An article with a title such as "how 2 put the shelf togever!!" is never going to be read. By anyone.

Use Headers

When writing an article always remember that headers are your friends. Breaking the article down into small, manageable chunks is always a good idea. This article would look horrible if I took aways the headers, and just compressed it into a wall of text. Lots of short paragraphs are also another way to break things down under each header.

Don't Make It Too Long, But Not Too Short Either

It's a difficult line to tread, and it's very much like asking "How long is a piece of string?". Generally I try to make no more than ten points in a single article, but no less than five. Use your own judgement and common sense though, one long point is better than a dozen small worthless ones.

Make It Easy To Read

Try to make your article easy to read. If it can be read by the average person then you are appealing to much wider audience than if you use lots of technical terms. Most people browsing the web looking for something to read are not looking for a dictionary.

Finish Off The Article Nicely

Try to have some final words at the end, such as this, where you thank the reader for reading your article, and where you say that you hope that the article helps them in some way.

Final Words

Thanks for reading this article, now go out there and write some really good articles!

Creative Writers do not adhere themselves to the norms of their society and literary standards. They are more like day-dreamers who sketch their visualized castles on paper and are repeatedly accused of irrational themes, deconstructive thoughts and notions. Remarkable as it may seem, their work arises much curiosity, fame and prosperity as opposed to a traditional writers predictable context. They tend to break all rules and free themselves from daily constraints of reality. Their theories may seem neurotic in pattern and mystic in nature simply because they have merged visionary faith into their literature. Such an example is prevalent in William Shakespeare’s earliest comedies, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which chants creative imagination empowered with the supernatural world. Similarly my prose is not limited to the domains of current traditions and morals and I have resolutely fastened myself to an invigorating and innovation point of view. My advice to you therefore is to acknowledge and accept that human conditions existed, exist and will exist furthermore but to be able to do something about them is my fellow- Americans our true honor. We may state, ‘I am the poet of the body, and I am the poet of the soul.’ (Whitman)

Where to Begin

Read

Reading can invoke your inner most thoughts. You need to read as much as possible to identify and personalize your writing style. Initially you may read only non-fiction or mystery but exploring diverse genres of literature opens your minds to accept different styles of narration. Being raised in an urban family with no affordable tutors to aid my education, I began self- studying the works of Homer, Dante, Shakespeare and the Bible. My inspiration vastly came from these primary selections of books although meager. I soon started crafting ideas and penned my emotions. Little did I know that these very books would inspire my substantial quotes to later pioneer American Literature (Walt Whitman). You may feel the urge to rewrite a paragraph or verse.

In your own solace, you may want to pen down your thoughts upon finishing a certain chapter. Various ideas may flash through your mind as you summarize a chapter or pen down your reactions and when you finish, your inspiration will stare back at you in big bold font. Do not worry yourself with Ethics and Norms. As a free will writer you gradually learn the art of expressing your personal heart-felt, provocative and intrusive ideas and are never afraid to take on an opponent in your game of words. ‘O the joy of the strong-brawn'd fighter, towering in the arena in perfect condition, conscious of power, thirsting to meet his opponent.’ (Whitman Walt, Complete Poetry and Selected Prose) Rest assured your logic will one day be evaluated, preserved, and dignified.

Test Your Idea

‘To have great poets, there must be great audiences too.’ -Walt Whitman

People all around tend to evaluate your potential based on which you may excel as a writer. Expose your work to masses and consume their reaction. You may be bombarded with Criticism as critics can be looked upon as consumers of able authors and their calculated opinions are widely accepted in markets only to earn a fortune out of literate mishaps. They limit our speech and want to dictate leadership. If a writer accepts their judgment, he forever remains within their designed boundaries, never again able to inscribe advancements in his career. Likewise he may only listen to expected dignitaries and do no good for the human race. My critics believed that my prose drew me closer to the readers of the British Isles-- where I was first "appreciated and recognized as a major poet". They were indeed my inspiration as my literature knew no boundaries. Critics burn and sore your fingers for penning down themes much to their dislike and horror. Do not be disheartened as this is just the beginning of your Revolution.

I recall an incident, ‘When I, sitting, heard the astronomer, where he lectured with such applause in the lecture room, how soon, unaccountable, I became tired and sick; Till rising and gliding out, I wandered off by myself, in the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, looked up in perfect silence at the stars.’

Get Involved

You need to contribute your efforts to the society you live in. Look around you and what do you see: Famine, Drought, Corruption, Immorality, Rapes and Abuses. I encourage all to tell the story of their own community in verse or writing.

Through my poetry, I have depicted the horrors of the society I had lived in. I started work at a young age and was forever on the move. My strong desire to help humanity led me to Manhattan and Brooklyn where I worked as a printer and journalist. I then became a contractor and delved in Real Estate. While in New Orleans, I witnessed the foul conditions of slavery. The experience brought along deep misery and discontent. Realizing their pain, I wrote down the emotions which intruded my conscious. The American democratic and Idealistic view did not support my content but I endeavored nevertheless to lessen their misery and depict inhumanity in my prose. I began to write about the horrors and neglect of that human condition. At the same time, the Mexican War intruded upon my conscience. Oppression, dishonor, and compassion for the poor and downtrodden were the backdrops which become the central themes of my poetry (Walt Whitman).

Originally hailing from Long Island, my father was actively involved in the Political circle. He likewise invoked a patriotic pride in me (Walt Whitman). ‘I hear America singing, the ’ (Leaves varied carols I hear, those of mechanics—each one singing his, as it should be, blithe and strong, The carpenter singing his, as he measures his plank or beam, The mason singing his, as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work, The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand singing on the steamboat deck, The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he stands; The wood-cutter’s song, the ploughboy’s, on his way in the morning, or at the noon intermission, or at sundown; The delicious singing of the mother—or of the young wife at work—or of the girl sewing or washing, Each singing what belongs to her and to none else; (Leaves of Grass)

Conclusion

To masses of people, students, poets, democrats and writers of the past and present era.

‘Loafe with me on the grass- loose the stop from your throat: Not words, not music or rhyme I want- not custom or lecture, not even the best; only the lull I like, the hum your valved voice.’’ (Leaves of Grass)

Recommended Reading

These poems emphasize the past democracy in America and hold the key of motivation and inspiration for young authors and followers:

"Leaves of Grass"

"Children of Adam"

"Calamus": (In association with the calamus PLANT and Kalamos, a God in antique mythology who was transformed with grief by the death of his lover, the male youth Karpos. In addition, the calamus plant's central characteristic is a prominent central vein that is phallic in appearance.

"We Two Boys Together Clinging"

"When I Read the Book" & ‘’Song of Myself’’ (Personal appraisals)

"When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer." (Learning while in a Classroom)

"The Wound Dresser" (Later set to music by John Adams)

"Come Up from the Fields Father" (The effects of war)

"Dalliance of the Eagles,"(A Colorful explications of sex- in mid-Victorian era)

‘’Death Bed’’ (After a stroke- nearing Death)

In its most fundamental form, writing is a personal experience. Writers can express their emotions or explain how they feel about certain topics that concern their personal life, or the world at large. I enjoy being creative with the English language. I am intrigued that so many words mean similar things, and a writer must choose a combination of these words to say exactly what he or she wants to say. Writing, to me, is fun and challenging. A feeling of great satisfaction comes over me when I read something I have written and know that I have chosen the perfect words to convey my intended meaning. Writing can also be a way to connect people. E-mails, personal letters, and instant messages are not often considered when discussing writing. Without a solid grasp of the English language, however, a person would have great difficulty communicating with others, even through these informal media.

On the more professional side of writing, the ability to put together a well thought out, cohesive piece of writing would help a worker in any occupation become more efficient. This is especially true of those in the writing field. People get information from newspapers and magazines. It takes a good writer to put together an article that will help attract readers. Moreover, the demand for adept writers is established by the millions who purchase and read books each year. Whether writing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or how-to, writing books is the way to earn a living for many people. Lastly, the purpose of writing is often to build a foundation for something else. The lines we hear out of our favorite characters in movies and television shows, the lyrics we hear in music, and the words we hear from politicians and other leaders all stem from a writers pen. Whether a movie or television show is humorous or dramatic, these moods will not come across the right way without good writers backing up the actors. The music we listen to would not be as powerful if the thought provoking lyrics did not accompany it. Likewise, while speeches from presidents, congressmen, and political activists seem to be a form of oral communication, they are formed on paper first. Writing is an essential element to many of the experiences we have each day.

Reading is just as important as writing. For if nobody read, writing would hardly have any reason to live. People read to get information about the world around them. Newspapers and magazines give us our daily news. Books teach us history and science, among other interests. Reading can also be a fun way to spend recreational time. Reading a poem or a fictional story brings about a certain emotional release. When I can relate to characters in a story or the emotions of the speaker in a poem, I feel connection and satisfaction. As I mentioned while discussing writing, e-mails, letters, and instant messages are a great way to connect with family and friends. Reading these messages helps us keep in touch with those that live miles away, or even those that live a couple of rooms down the hall. One of reading's most significant uses is making writing worthwhile. If nobody knew how to read or wanted to read, writing would have no purpose. Personal communication would suffer; dissemination of information would suffer; the creative process of crafting words and phrases would suffer.

Reading and writing go hand in hand. Reading makes writing relevant; writing does the same for reading. They are both significant parts of everyday life. As we walk around our communities, our places of work, and our homes, we are almost unconscious of all the reading we do. Likewise, as we talk to our friends online, or jot down notes to ourselves, we do not realize the importance of our ability to understand and manipulate the language. To be able to read and write is to be able to function and survive in our world.