Tell The Truth and Share What You’ve Learned

Looking Out

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Tell the Truth and Share What you Learned are two of Mr. Roger’s precepts.
 
When we make claim to the vocation of Writer, our words become our deeds. Every word spoken and written counts because it has an impact, no matter how small. When we write we want to focus on what’s truly important. We don’t want to get distracted or waste words on ideas or thoughts that have not been met with a conscious intention. 
 
As writers, sharing our truth and wisdom relies on our being honest with ourselves first. We also need to tap into our own personal version of reality – our own unique and personal wisdom. You and I may have similar experiences and intentions but our stories will be wholly unique. That is one reason to focus on your truth versus the facts of a story. 
 
What is your personal truth in this particular narrative or scene? 
 
What wisdom of yours can you draw on to share with the reader? 
 
Actually no one has walked in your shoes, as the cliché goes. But we can get close to understanding your experiences and wisdom through your words and stories. What happened to each of us isn’t as important as how we experience and interpret our encounters. This is what we write about: our truth, our experiences, what we learned. Not the event itself so much but what happened to you (or your character in a fiction). The event and facts  frame our narrative but isn't the story.  Only you know the story.

​Don’t tell us what happened. Show us what it meant to you.

Dig deep, keep it simple but honest. 

​Share what you've learned. 


MEET UPS!  Come meet up with me and other writers!  Free offerings: 
 
A virtual Sunday Afternoon Writing Circle from December 15th through till Sunday January 18th 2 till 4:00.  Write from wherever you are. Email me to sign up and for details. 
 
Free Winter Writing Retreat, January 24th at Badger Hollow, home of Suzan and Richard’s. 10 till 4:00.  Email me to register. This takes the shape of the many free writing retreats I have offered over the years to my writers. These follow in the footsteps of William Stafford who offered his home and land to writers. 
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Finally, I will be writing at Sjolinds (in Mount Horeb) on Friday December 27th from 9 till 1:00. Join me for some writing, great hot chocolate and petite consultations.

 
Fred’s 10 Precepts -- 
Be Deep and Simple.
Be Kind to Strangers (even the stranger in yourself)
Make a Joyful Noise
Tell the Truth
Connect with Other People Every Way You Can
Love Your Neighbors
Find the Light in the Darkness
Always See the Ver Best in Other People
Accept the Changing Seasons
Share what You’ve Learned (All your Life).