What Inspires You to Write?

For me, I’ve always had a kind love-hate relationship with writing weirdly. I constantly did well in English comprehension during Primary School, however, when it came to writing Compositions and essays, I’ve always been at least average in terms of my execution and academic performance. Something about writing length paragraphs always never sat right with me, at least when I was younger. Maybe because I’ve never viewed myself as someone who particularly had an imagination. Even after I graduated Primary and moved on to Secondary, I still struggled immensely. During my first year of Secondary, I was introduced to a form of Literature most students dread (hilariously in a sense haha), the famous and beautifully written work of Shakespeare. Ironically enough, something I highly despised at the very beginning, would turn out to be one the main sources of my inspiration as a writer today, along with the other various forms of inspirations I found along the way.

To Write, Or Not To Write.

There is no denying the very iconic legacy and prominence of William Shakespeare. His work remains a household staple within the world of Film and Literature. His written works still residing in many libraries, his plays being constantly reenacted in theaters by aspiring actors, and is also still taught to people in schools and universities around the world (probably the source of some poor Literature student’s suffering as we speak haha). Still managing to retain its relevance four centuries later into today’s ever revolving world. He was clearly way ahead of his time.

This is something that took me a while to acknowledge as I hardly even knew anything about Shakespeare, or even Literature at the time. Definitely a rocky start. The first playwright I was introduced to was “Merchant Of Venice.” As an 11 year old reading and being taught Shakespeare for the first time, I thought it was literal hell! I often failed many tests and assignments due to my lack of interest, and also because I found the way the characters spoke to be stupid. I often received multiple scoldings from my teacher due to this. She still pushed me to improve, despite my almost obnoxious, very obvious lack of care towards the subject. Nevertheless, I was still compelled to continue because it was an integral aspect of the school’s curriculum which I had to abide.

As the years went by in Secondary school however, I gained a new found appreciation and ironically, even love for Shakespeare and his work, as I started to steadily improve in Literature academically. However, it was only until my last year of Secondary school, that I truly outdid myself, and all my hard work had finally paid off. In my final year, I was required to obtain my GED in English Literature, and the book I had to study (which is also my all-time favorite playwright by Shakespeare) was “Julius Caesar”. Never had I studied a piece so intensely and diligently. I was very determined to ace my exams. Ultimately, after watching the play and almost relentlessly absorbing notes I wrote until 3 AM the night before the exam, I felt ready, and I definitely was based on the results I received afterwards. Nothing matched the pure bliss and satisfaction I felt the moment, opening the envelope and seeing that I aced by miles away. I felt amazing, all my hard work had finally paid off. However, that moment suddenly left a bitter-sweet taste on my tongue, as I realized that I wouldn’t be able to share the good news to my first ever Literature teacher from year 1, as she had unfortunately died a while before. One can argue whether this is superficial of me or not, however, even to this day, a part of me believes that she was always watching over me (and still is even now), and was able to celebrate my victory as well. I appreciate her for pushing me to strive to be better, and aiding me to become the aspiring writer I am today. My journey however, did not stop there.

Lights, Camera…. Action?

Humans (or at least the majority of the population), enjoy watching a good old movie or television show from time-to-time. It’s what allows ourselves to immerse in a universe which is not our own, to be part of something incredible, even if only for 2 hours. It’s also a community, whether you meet people with the same passions for film as you have, or maybe chatting with your best friend about the latest episode of the hottest series. Film has truly made its footprint in the society we live in, a gateway to the world we live in with limitless possibilities, allowing you to explore one’s vision, experience one’s experience through the big screen.

I’ve always enjoyed film, growing up, it was also kind of like an escape for me (even sometimes now as an adult). From Movies, to series, documentaries and even animation, I was always intrigued by other worlds which were far different than mine. Film has truly shaped the individual I am today, allowing me to live vicariously through others, obtaining the knowledge they possess, learning the lessons they learned.

At some point, I’d often wondered, “What if I created my own universe, my own characters, my own plot?” This would be a reoccurring theme as I would very often find myself subconsciously creating plots and characters in my mind whenever I was alone with my thoughts. Though I’d also often think nothing of it, and just cast my psychological concoctions aside as I also believed that I wasn’t capable.

However at some point, I realized I had nothing to lose, and so much to gain. My current living circumstances at the time didn’t make me happy either. I was in college, studying majors that I believed would’ve made me rich, but I ultimately became burnt out and depressed as a result. People around me were telling me that pursuing writing would get me nowhere, and my chances of becoming a filmmaker were slim in such a saturated industry. I blindly listened to the same tune they were playing me, over and over again. At some point however, enough was enough. I realized there was so much more to life for me. Watching film and reading books taught me how limitless the universe was, how endless the possibilities were. I forgot how inspired I was, driven, and I was determined to obtain that once more. I wanted to be happy again, doing what I love, while also finding a way to make a living from it.

The End Started My New Beginning

Ultimately, after overcoming the emotional and mental conflict and turmoil within myself, I ended up dropping out of college. I realized while it served others well, it just wasn’t for me. I felt as though a huge burden was suddenly lifted from my shoulders. Even though I was kinda scared for what the future held (and I still am at times even now), I was also very excited, for the possibilities were endless. Regardless of what anyone thought, my life was my own, and always will be. Their experiences were not mine, just as mine were not theirs. Their opinions did not shape the path I walked on in my life. I knew for certain that I now had to work very hard, however, at least it was at something I was very passionate about.

Now at this current time in my life, I’m still an aspiring writer and filmmaker, however, I’m taking it one step at a time. I know with the correct mindset, and also execution, I know I’ll make it where I want to be. It makes me so happy knowing I can share my experiences and passions with others, even if it’s just one person, for this ultimately, is my biggest inspiration as a writer and future filmmaker.

So tell me, what inspires you to write?