SquarePeg Books

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

Oh. Ummm…. Are we talking about written language or spoken or just language generally?

I was in 4th grade when I learned that one was allowed to write without having been blessed from some authority on high.

I was in middle school when bringing in professional storytellers to focus on a specific culture’s myths was all the rage in the public educational system. I was immediately entranced with the idea of not just writing stories, but performing them as well (Later I discovered t that I was far superior at writing than performance.).

But “Power”?

I suppose it depends on how you define “power”.

I learned early that words could cut sharper than any knife, even if wielded for only the best of intentions. It took much longer to realize that I did that unconsciously to those around me.

I learned from friends much later that words could be powerful in a good way.  The right combination of words can make someone. even a complete stranger, walk on air for days.

I learned on my own that words could be therapeutic – slapping words on a page sometimes helps me sort through things. I could even take real-world situations, insert them into a story, and alter it all the way through to the the ending to what I wished happened.

Power comes in different forms, and early is relative.

Check out the Insecure Writer’s Support Group to see more writers dish about their concerns, their solutions to various problems, or just general logophobia.