The Pen is always Mightier

I've been a writer virtually all my life--when I was probably six or something I started writing random short stories, poems, and other things 6-year-olds should not be doing. I know I'll always have the passion and ability to write for the rest of my life. Lately my brother has been on a writing kick too and it's reminded me that good writing is so much more than just a bunch of words pieced together.

Whenever I need an emotional or creative outlet, I end up typing (or hand-writing) whatever's on my mind. In the past, this has come in the form of girlfriend letters, friend e-mails, loved one poems and lately personal blog entries. I just think it's the easiest and most direct way to get out what's on your mind. I wish I was artistic because that would be another avenue, but unfortunately God didn't bless me with that skill.

I've been told I'm a pretty good writer and sure, I've been published lots of places and picked up some awards along the way. But writing, to me, isn't about the author; it's about the audience. When those words can jump off the page and really connect with the reader, that's when it hits home. The best writers can establish a connection with--and deliver an emotional appeal to--the reader that takes the subject off of the author and keeps it on the story, or on the message. This is something I strive to do in most of my writings--whether it be columns, articles or letters. Strong written words have an impact that nothing else in life can have...and it's a lifelong hobby that I will never give up.

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who knows the pen is always mightier than the sword and hopes to one day prove that with a Pulitzer Prize.