Comments on: But, I May Never Reach You

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:23:47 +0000

Writing, and reading the writing of other people, gives me hope. I know it sounds corny, but even if you don’t feel like you’re reaching someone right now, you’re creating a record of our time, and that’s pretty incredible.

It is hard to think you can communicate when those who are supposed to be closest to you shut you down–I get that. But–don’t ever think you are reaching no one, because you really are.

By: Katy

Katy — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:50:32 +0000

I’m definitely with you. There is something humble about writing, something quieter, but sometimes it can contain power that no amount of yelling can.
I think you DO reach people. All the comments on your posts are so evident of this. You give us something to laugh about, something to think about, someone to connect with.
I think that’s what writing is, in the end. It’s our connection. It is our way of reaching out, hoping we find someone who might read our words, see who we are, and reach out back to us.
Keep writing, because you are reaching people who receive your words and reach back.

By: Ari

Ari — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 03:24:02 +0000

Hey found you thru 20SB..

I think the title of your blog is awesome, really… my blog doesn’t have a name and it’s blog that yours that make me want one. Plus it’s really true… that you ARE writing to reach other people!

By: Sunehra

Sunehra — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:42:38 +0000

I’ve changed the direction of my personal blog so many times and I’ve finally reached a decision that I want it to be about all aspects of my life, not just my writing aspirations. I have two other blogs that are both niche blogs and I’ve been doing consumer magazine writing for so long now that I’ve forgotten how to write to (which is what I want my blog to be, a dear diary) myself–something you do really well :)

By: Ellie

Ellie — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:42:34 +0000

More often than I like I am terrible at communication. I just do not know how to express myself. I agree with you that writing somehow makes communication possible – this is especially true for me. Whenever I am dealing with highly volatile emotions I find myself forced to use letters. Yes, old fashioned, stamp-bearing letters. Maybe not hand-written depending on what I have to say.

I love the phrase you’ve chosen for your blog! Definitely feel what you are saying about the meaning. I on the other hand never seem satisfied with mine.

By: Paula

Paula — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:52:50 +0000

First of all, I love that song too. I love Travis. They’re my local band so it’s extra good that I actually LIKE them too. :)

Secondly, I definitely feel like if I am trying to communicate something, I communicate it FAR better via the written word than I do via speech. I don’t know why, but it’s just the way it is. I don’t rate myself particularly highly as a writer but I do believe if I could speak as well as I write, I would be far easier to understand!

By: MinD

MinD — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:38:32 +0000

I wish I had words to say now, but you’ve left me a bit speechless.

I definitely believe you reach people. Sure, there are times when I read and don’t relate to you – but we’re different people, so that’s bound to happen. Other days, what you say truly does resonate with me and causes me to think a bit more about something. Nearly daily, I think you accomplish your goal of reaching people. Maybe it’s not always me, but it’s probably someone out there.

By: cari

cari — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:57:42 +0000

i hear you. on almost all of it, actually.

the one thing that is different is something that i’ve consciously chosen to change and it’s HARD. and that’s communicating with people. face to face. being honest, being open. and whatever comes out of my mouth comes out. secrets, honest opinions, misguided thoughts, all of it. i’ve decided that because those are the kind of friendships that i want to form. i am so tired of superficial friends and when i’m honest, they either are honest back or they leave. and i’m fine with both options.

writing is a world all unto itself. it’s you, your “pen and paper”, your thoughts. and it’s less scary. because you can edit, rework, reword, and make it say precisely what you want it to say. and that’s what i love about writing.

like i said, i feel like you pulled most of this out of my own brain, and i love it. and that’s why i keep coming back. thanks.

By: omega

omega — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:56:14 +0000

I think its easier to express your feelings in a written form than face to face. Your thoughts are more organized. And on the plus side you can always edit what you wrote.

By: Pam

Pam — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:35:11 +0000

This is another wonderful post that I completely relate to. I have a hard time communicating with people and sometimes prefer to just write it all down and have them read it.

I love your title. And I love the song. So now everytime I hear it, it reminds me of you and your wonderful writing.

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:25:08 +0000

Writing is not any less valid than having a verbal conversation with someone. Everyone has a way to communicate that they’re most comfortable with. You’re such a skilled writer and never cease to inspire me with how open you are about yourself on your blog. It’s still one of my favorites.

By: John

John — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:18:28 +0000

Sure, writing might be a futile act, but I think deep down you have to believe that someone’s going to read and going to say, “Aha.” That moment is easy to achieve when reading your posts for me. But maybe I’m thinking along a similar vein because I really like depressing music too.

By: 12minds

12minds — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:17:31 +0000

I think that there’s a significant distinction between poignant and insightful writing on the one hand and depressing stuff on the other. While I’m a newcomer, what I’ve seen lies firmly in the former category; indeed, it’s strong, it’s real, and it makes one think, process, and feel. The name of the site is apt.

I’ll just say this: you’ve gained a new reader and I’m looking forward to more.

By: Katie

Katie — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:02:38 +0000

I like to talk, but as I’ve said before I have a hard time making my thoughts go from my brain to my mouth sometimes. Especially when it comes to emotional matters. If it’s something that I know about, things flow rather easily, but emotions….well, you know how I feel about those…..

By: Lys

Lys — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:02:27 +0000

i second Kat and i also like that your blog is named after a song that touched you. the same thing happened to me. i used to listen to really depressing music, even my boyfriend wouldn’t listen to it because he said he didn’t like the way it made him feel. my justification was that sometimes the music helped me to feel things i would otherwise keep repressed. then the song i named my blog after (how lucky we are – meiko) came on and that was it. it meant the world to me, it perfectly described my life, my relationship, who i wanted to be.

By: Kat Argonza

Kat Argonza — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:20:12 +0000

Well, I think Writing to Reach You is incredibly appropriate for a blog, I mean, consider the fact that all of us are writing to reach an audience. Most of us are looking for some kind of importance or influence.

By: Megan

Megan — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:10:36 +0000

I communicate much better in writing. Growing up, when I had something of complete importance to say, I’d write a letter.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:18:23 +0000

Great post.

I don’t think you should say you are a bad communicator. Everyone communicated differently, and writing is definitely a form of communication (and one that you are great at!)

BTW- I’m listening to this song right now, and I really like it!

By: mandy

mandy — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:12:02 +0000

I really enjoyed this post (as I do all of them) because its so so true. I find that I get my point across much more effectively when its in written form. Writing to reach people is very important and I think you do it splendidly.