Featured #TellHisStory Writer: Marcus Goodyear
During 2013, dozens of talented writers are joining me to cheer you on in your storytelling. These guest-writers will share a few helpful words with you right here every Tuesday night, to encourage you as you #TellHisStory. (Come back after midnight to link up your story by clicking here.) And now, I’m delighted to introduce you to my friend Marcus Goodyear, senior editor for TheHighCalling.org.
A Weight-Lifting Regimen for Writers
Good athletes practice their game all the time. Johnny “Football” Manziel won the 2012 Heisman trophy and helped lead Texas A&M through an incredible season because he is not afraid to practice. He is ready for the games because he practices hard.
But good athletes also work out in the gym. Strength developed in the gym can give an edge in the game. Certain muscles develop best in isolated repetitions and exercises.
Writers too need to develop their skills in isolated repetitions and exercises. Poetry is the gymnasium of words. Through poetry, writers hone their skills, learn how to create the unique turn of phrase, engage abstract tools like figurative language and sound devices and syntax and diction and imagery.
Of course, some writers, like some athletes, will discover that they love the gym. They will write poetry for its own sake. They will turn the gym into a sport of its own, knowing that as many people follow poetry as follow weight-lifting. Other writers find strength in the gym that they can’t find on the field.
Has it been a long time since you’ve visited the gymnasium of words? Try Poetry 180.
This explains why I feel out of my element writing poetry, I’ve never been comfortable in a gym. Though I’m open to getting better acquainted. Love the way you phrased this Marcus, and I could hear your voice when I read it. I kind of like that I can hear it.