Welcome to the first post of our first #WordsMatter Blog Hop. We’re looking forward to reading your take on the prompt: Outside my window.
Outside My Window
My first response to this prompt was to write about how Nature can inspire writing. The Frangipani Creative studio is located in a lovely part of the city – looking outside we see green and hear the sounds of birds, including peacocks. Truly a blessing in this day and age and one that I never want to take for granted. Even as I am writing this, I’m enjoying watching the rain fall and inhaling the lovely petrichor.
But that’s not what I want to share today.
Writers Explore The World Outside Your Window
Today I want to focus on the need for us as bloggers and writers to explore and discover the world outside our window. Not just the physical windows or traveling the world.
How often do we challenge ourselves out of our comfort zones to look at things differently? Do we dare to take on subjects that make us feel vulnerable? Even when writing about ourselves, do we write authentically and bravely?
We need to look beyond our experiences and perceptions, and more importantly we need to use our writing for good.
Don’t Play It Safe
Of late I’ve been hanging around Twitter a lot more than I usually do. My mind is completely blown away the misogyny, the terrible bias, the religious intolerance. It seems to get stronger.
We can grumble and curse Social Media for giving every bigot a voice. We can choose to stay ‘positive’. We can pretend we don’t read this stuff and if we do, don’t respond to it.
History tells us that it was writers, playwrights and artists who spoke out against injustice and through their works brought about change. If you are familiar with English Literature, you’ll see how they spoke out directly or subtlety to question prevalent norms and practices. They were part of revolts against injustice by the leadership of the day. Even apparently frivolous plays like Oscar Wilde’s ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan’ was a satire , poking fun of the social expectations of Victorian England’s higher classes and their ‘do as we say, not as we do’ attitude. Another example is Harriet Beecher Stowes anti slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin .
Write Bravely
I’m reminding myself to have the courage to write bravely against the intolerance and other social ills assailing our country. I’m particularly encouraged by the Twitter timelines of my two blogging friends Shinjini and Roshan who share their opinions so fearlessly.
While it’s tempting to play it safe, how can we call ourselves writers if we don’t speak out?
“In becoming forcibly and essentially aware of my mortality, and of what I wished and wanted for my life, however short it might be, priorities and omissions became strongly etched in a merciless light, and what I regretted most were my silences. Of what had I ever been afraid?”
Audre Lorde in “The Transformation of Silence,” Sister Outsider
I know I never want to regret my silence. I want to explore that world outside my window and write about it as bravely as I can. Do you feel likewise?
#WordsMatter
Excited to kick off this Blog Hop created in collaboration with Parul and Shalini. It’s my pleasure to pass on this tag to Shalini Nair at Kohl Eyed Me. There are 47 of us on this Blog Hop and it will be spread over 3 days – 2, 3, 4 August. Do follow the #WordsMatter Blog Hop and prepare to be surprised!
All the participating blogs are listed day-wise and in order. We are updating the exact URLs as you post. I hope this makes it easier to follow all the wonderful posts on this Blog Hop.
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
Yes, as a writer, we are here to speak our mind under no pressure. This social media has its own pros and cons. As much as it gives strength, it has hatred also if your piece of work is not acceptable by society. But that’s where we are called writers. We write even when nobody is reading!
“We need to look beyond our experiences and perceptions..” Inspiring words, Corinne. I am not writing too much on my blog these days but I am glad, I participated in this bloghop.
Payal Agarwal recently posted…Outside my window
That’s a insightful post. And a true one, we write but do we write bravely ? A long due question answered. As always, your posts are inspirational!!🙂
Nikita recently posted…Outside My Window
I am a huge fan of yours for a lot of reasons and one of them is writing and speaking bravely. I am not like you but I want to learn from you. I loved that quote you shared. In the light of mortality and what we will think of our lives, I would like it to be remembered for standing up and showing strong. I am so glad I had the chance to collaborate with Shalini and you on #WordsMatter. It has been such a pleasure! Thank you and hugs! I am grateful to have met you online. Offline is not far away too 🙂
Parul Thakur recently posted…Outside my window #WordsMatter
There is always this fight going on inside me. The wanting to write bravely and the fear of being punished for it. Sometimes the brave me wins and sometimes the scared me wins. This year I am in the process of transforming myself and hopefully it is the brave me that will grow stronger and win in the end.
I love the way you write such inspiring posts. I was under the viral fever spell for almost a week. But after reading your post today, I made a sincere effort to open my laptop and pen down my thoughts on the same.
Thank you for always inspiring.
http://natkhatz.com/my-musings/outside-my-window-wordsmatter/
You have a lovely space there as your writing studio – the green surroundings are soothing and something that we should not take for granted.
Your thoughts on the prompt reminded me of the saying – the pen is mightier than a sword. Using the power of words to bring awareness is something all writers should aspire to do.
Glad to be part of this blog hop. Needed something to come out of my blogging slumber.
Jyoti Babel recently posted…Outside My Window #WordsMatter
I think the world outside my window does need to be written about, but of late, I’m lacking confidence to write. Just trying to break the shackles, but it seems to return often. My umpteenth time breaking it, but hey, at least I refuse to be tied down to a block because my words do matter to me 🙂
Leo recently posted…Outside my Window #WordsMatter
Yes pen is mighter than sword, wish all understand this power and express the thoughts to bring the positive change.
When I saw the topic “outside my window” first thing came to my mind was not the physical window of my house but the mental window. Mental barriers which we need to expand. As you said the comfort zone. Yes, it is difficult to step out and stop playing safe. Can’t agree more. I was away from blogging for long. With this blog hop, I decided to start again and get back on track. Thanks to you.
It’s hard to be brave on an international stage filled not only with a receptive audience of real humans, but a well-orchestrated, world-wide symphony of hecklers, bots and botnets, and political/ideological propagandists, some of whom won’t hesitate to harness the malevolent energy of the mentally unhinged. It helps to have the support of your “tribe.” 🙂
Scheduled. Loved doing this, thanks!
That is true. We need to look outside and venture into writing or speaking about things that are difficult for us. That is what we need. That is how we grow.
The words in this post bring about an awakening. I never shy to write authentically about myself despite feeling terribly vulnerable but taking it up heads-up with the prevalent social ills calls for greater courage. More voices joining in together will do more good and bring inclusivity for those who shy out of standing alone. The perspective of not just looking out of the physical window and taking an alternative view is something I will try to work on next time.
Anamika Agnihotri recently posted…River watch or skywatch? What does the trick for you? #WordsMatter
I was a speak-my-mind girl earlier in my life. But now, I prefer to stay quiet even when my mind races to speak up. The hatred we see around us in the online world is magnificent. Sometimes I feel people are deliberately lowering their standards to tempt us. Still, I speak up in WhatsApp groups when I see mindnumbing discrimination and stupidity. I am glad you wrote about this topic, Corinne.
I particularly like your “Write Bravely” words. Although we claim to have freedom to do this and that, it is sad that we have to go through the daily struggles be it simple or heart-breaking. I guess Darwin’s theory can be modified as Survival of the Smartest for today’s world. Writing bravely is very essential, it reaches its mark when the readers feelings are taken into consideration where necessary.
I’m glad I’m doing this bloghop with you and Parul! That’s a brilliant take on the prompt, Corinne. You have always supported writing bravely and it is important in today’s world to voice one’s opinion. Social media can be used for good too. The #MeToo movement is one such amazing thing which happened because people stood up for it.
Shalini R recently posted…Outside my Window #WordsMatter
So True! I myself feel not so confident sometimes to try something different when i write. I try to make it happen and think and write out of the box and explore beyond the territories i marked for my self. But, I still have a lot to learn going forward. I liked how you addressed the ‘don’t play it safe’ card we often use in our life unknowingly. It is important to talk about something that we do not agree or the idea of something that bothers us. I couldn’t agree more on that!
Keerthi Vydyula recently posted…The First Day Fun with Food! #6
Writing bravely was one of the most challenging blog hops for me last time around – I wrote about stuff that I never thought I would get off my chest. And I had kept quite all along because of what people would say and when I wrote it all, I didnt care who would read it as it was a terrific catharsis for me when it happened.
Your POV is powerful and absolutely on the dot -how will history judge the writers of today? Cowards or sheep who just followed a line they were told to and did so because of fear? Intolerant bigots who love propaganda and spreading hate? I am writing something on these lines for Monday musings as the Anti-muslim dialogue is really getting to me these days.
Loving this blog hop and hoping it would help me exercise the writing muscle which has been unused for past 3 months. Thank you for initiating this.
Indeed writers and artist can get creative outside the window, as nature is always very inspiring.
Words are very powerful and of course #WordsMatter. Have always been a big fan of you and #writeBravely and wish you all the success when you explore outside the window.
Writing bravely about issues that affect our society needs courage, and you, like Roshan and Shinjini, have it in loads, dear Corinne, and I admire you for that.
As for me, this Blog Hop about writing bravely is giving me a chance to explore the side of me I have kept hidden for a long time.
I loved writing fiction, but realised I wasn’t good at it. Yes, it was my fault that I compared myself to others, established writers, actually, and decided to do away with it. But, since some time now, the need to try something different has been nudging me to revive my fiction blog. And, WordsMatter has given me that chance, to write bravely fiction pieces that I enjoy writing…it’s a completely different genre from what I usually write.
The day I read your mail about this blog hop, I wrote my post and have been waiting ever since to share it here! I am so thrilled at this opportunity, really! How I wish we had this twice a month. 🙂
Playing in a comfort zone is a preferred choice for most. But when you have something to say which might bend the norms or even question, you got to do it. Social media is a platform to share and “Write bravely” is a responsibility too. An apt take on prompt. You are inspiring.
Pragnya Mishra recently posted…Self-care ideas for new mom
I have to admit, I try to keep away from controversial topics in my writing. Not because I want to play safe but because that’s just not my style. But I do agree, one should write authentically and when posting comments, be honest if you don’t agree with the content.
Suzy recently posted…Grief #writebravely #celebratewritetribe #suzysilation
My post is published
Suzy recently posted…Outside My Window #WordsMatter
It can sometimes be a difficult choice because speaking up can invite all kinds of trolls to come out of hiding. I have had a couple of experiences that positively scared me but as you say, one must speak up.
I know it’s so important to write bravely but over the past few years I have grown silent because I know rather I feel nothing will change talking on social media. All I can do is change the small things around me if possible. It perhaps isn’t right but all the venom out there, I don’t have the strength to face it. Once bitten twice shy you could say.
The intolerance and attitude on twitter is indeed a sad thing. I try to limit useage in a quest to minimise the negativity from my mind. I agree we need to write bravely , expressing ourselves, engage with people, but suly not with those with that kind of attitude
I can agree wholeheartedly with you Corinne on this one. Your tagline #writebravely makes so much sense these days, considering the amount of intolerance that’s spreading even on social media.
Well said Corinne. Writing bravely is a talent and need tremendous bravery, its not at easy is what I feel.
Happy to see my name associated with this topic. Ironically even before I saw that, I was planning to comment on how similar the mindset was for the start of this post to my own.
I really wish more bloggers would take up the fight against intolerance. Winning or losing is inconsequential at some point. But we can’t allow what is happening to go on… It has reached absurd levels already and people are sitting around justifying the most heinous crimes based on religion and political affinities.
Roshan Radhakrishnan recently posted…Four Hopes Through my Window #WordsMatter
Apt use of the prompt! I have been thinking on the same lines recently (see my post for this blog hop). I have had my share of backlashes and brickbats in the past, so I had gone back into my cozy shell. I still fear the venom that exists on Twitter, so I stay away. Not every writer has the capacity to bring about change though. It can have the opposite effect too at times. So yes, write bravely about our feelings for sure. But others have feelings too, we just need to keep that in mind too while on Social Media.
Jyothi recently posted…Wake up and move on
This post inspired me. I usually try to speak my mind, but let me confess, I have also played it safe. There are things that bother me but I don’t write about them because am scared of the trolls. I know there are people who would shred me to pieces if I write them. We are unfortunately living in an environment of intolerance, where sane voices are being muted. But, I think as a writer I am avoiding my responsibilities and not writing. Indeed the time has come to “write bravely”. You have always been an inspiration, keep inspiring us.
True, it’s easy to stay in the comfort zone and turn a blind eye to what’s happening around us. But we all have a responsibility to speak out and #writebravely because even the smallest voice can make a difference in a big way!
I am always in two minds about responding to misogyny on Twitter. I agree with your point that writers/scholars also fought against prejudices and paved the way for a better world. But the venom people spew on Twitter really scares me and makes me shy away from responding. Inspired by your words, I will definitely try to Write Bravely. 🙂
Rajlakshmi recently posted…From the hospital bed!
Even though I want to write bravely, it is very difficult. I admire Shinjini and Roshan for speaking their minds on twitter and wish I could say so too. But, many times I hold back. I also need to explore outside my windows and my comfort zone. After all, the writing should wake you up from slumber, make you think and do something about it. Great words Corinne and definitely they matter a lot.
I agree. We can spread positive word or write bravely against social evils which might influence many. Possibilities are a lot.
Indeed the pen is stronger than the sword and many social changes have been brought about by writers, poets and intellectuals who were brave enough to talk about it. A case in point is the recent acceptance of sexual preferences, a personal choice ( or is it predisposition?) that was once stigmatised and criminalised , causing untold suffering for many.
Writing Bravely truly requires courage, which, I admit, often times fails me.
That tagline ‘Write Bravely’ never made more sense. It is tempting to play safe, to cut oneself off from all that’s going on around us and yet each of us has a responsibility to step up and speak out. Well said Corinne. This is a fitting beginning to #wordsmatter because they do.
Obsessivemom recently posted…The elevator hates me
I envy you Corinne for being so close to nature while you are at work! Chirping of birds including peacock call, petrichor is more than enough for me to feel jealous.
As for writing bravely, I must say one has to open the window within. It does has fantastic stuff to surprise self.
You have always strongly advocated “Write Bravely” and are a pretty fearless writer, someone a lot of us look upto. As writers, bloggers, we have the power to create a change, however small with our words and thus need to use it judiciously. While we need to write fearlessly it is also essential that we not add fuel to flames.
I am glad of this blog hop personally as I needed it to shake off the cobwebs off my writing. Also a great opportunity to connect with like-minded bloggers.