What does writing mean to me? Its a rather interesting question asked of me recently... and it still has me kind of stumped. Ive been writing for so long now that I cant imagine life without it. Sure, I get the occasional bout of the dreaded writers block, its part of the whole writing deal, Ive still managed to write on a regular basis for the past 11 years.

The question becomes slightly harder when I think back to when I first started to write, and realize that I started writing by accident. Becoming a writer and publishing poetry or a novel was never really a big goal of mine. My introduction to writing came when a friend of mine was having trouble writing a poem for the school yearbook, and she asked if I could help. After that, I started writing for myself and havent really looked back since.

I dont think I am an expert in this field. The majority of my Writing Life has been writing poetry it is only in recent years, that I have branched into the world of lyric writing. I try not to think of writing about a specific subject or person, most of what I write is generally written on the spot a burst of whatever emotion Im feeling at that point.

I think, for me, writing is a kind of escape... similar to that escape a reader feels when engrossed in a novel. However, as a writer, that escape is more personal as what you write and the feels you express are an inner impression of who you are.

Writing has given me a voice and has allowed me to express my feelings on subjects that people just dont talk about. I think people are intrigued by such topics and actually like reading about these taboo topics. By writing about them in a seemingly fictional way, I can share my experiences, thoughts and feelings... and, one hopes, touch the reader in some way; help them through there own pain or experiences.

I find that writing allows you to express thoughts and feelings that you would otherwise suppress. Writing gives you a kind of freedom to say what is really on your mind, and show others how you view and see the world.

I find that writing gives me an emotional release... sometimes there just isnt any other way to express what I am feeling. Writing allows me the chance to let my feelings out - be it frustration, anger, sorrow or even hope and happiness.

Writing means so much to me it is apart of my life, I dont think I could make it without the ability to express myself in this way. In a way, I think it has allowed me to grow as a person. I have been able to learn so much about who I really am through most of my work, I dont think Id be the same person I am today if I didnt start to write.

Of course, writing also allows you to babble your way around a question you dont really know how to answer...

Which is pretty much what Ive done here...

Chyna Dolores
http://www.chynadolores.com/