my final essay for the quarter, I wanted to share :-)

The Tell (Your) Tale Blog
Much beloved theologian and author, C.S. Lewis, said in his autobiography “Surprised by Joy: the Shape of my Early Life,” that …”every man must tell his own tale.“ Speaking for myself, and for the many other aspiring writers around the world, I find this to be very true as we strive to find our unique voices in this high tech age.
 Even in this era of Kindles, E-Readers and I-Pads that we find ourselves immersed in, that yearning for a true and real story we can relate to is still there. It’s something that I think we all look for in a story, and an aspect probably found in all our favorites.
 I stumbled across the writing site Helium in February 2007, and though I don’t visit it nearly as often as I used to, I plan to try and collect the best of the over three hundred poems that I have since submitted to the archives and threads there. This social networking site literally changed my life in the span of a few weeks - giving me an instant writing family, and also giving me back a dream forgotten since childhood. I will be forever grateful I found it that day.
 For the modern day writer, there perhaps are more opportunities than ever to enjoy writing, whether as a professional or enthusiast. Blogging, journaling, freelance writing and networking your latest piece through Facebook or some other site, are the main ways to express yourself through the written word and perhaps get paid for it. You can gain a worldwide audience for your creations from the comfort of your own computer room!
 There are a lot of ways to connects with great writers all over the world for inspiration, fun and collaboration. From Helium, to Blogspot, to 20 Something Bloggers, the web can be an aspiring author’s paradise of pen pals, from the same town to the other side of the globe. You can find out what life in New York, London, or a little town is like for your latest novel. This will in turn help to develop and infuse new life into your characters.
 Over my years at Helium, many older and wiser poets have taken me under their wing,
and supported me with every line I’ve written. Sid, Missy, Nancy, William, and Jim are the ones
I give the most credit to for their honest and caring critiques of each word I’ve posted. My writing and my life would not be the same without them, and wherever I go in my journeys I will remember all their generosity.
 Another new adventure that I am embarking on is being a pen pal. I met a young man on a site for personal growth and support, and every day we comment either on the journals that we’ve posted, the goals that we are getting closer to achieving, or simply write on each others profiles. We have also sent each other Halloween cards and will continue our mail correspondence. I enjoy seeing the world through his eyes, and being a part of his family’s life. His friendship is a great gift that this social networking site has given me.
 A new opportunity that I have literally started in the last few days, is to be a part of 20 Something Bloggers. I look forward to making interesting new acquaintances, and maybe even a writing pen pal. I can’t wait to see what young adults are blogging about, especially in the Seattle area.
 Of course life isn’t all perfect between creative types, and there are always going to be a few battles. It takes a pretty thick skin to deal with the criticism of your precious literary children, and you may get into hot water for saying that another’s favorite is not their best work. It takes patience and gentle understanding to get along as a community of poets and writers, because we all have different tastes.
 Inspiration and creativity doesn’t have to end with the written word; it is now easier than ever to hone your artistic skills too. Flickr, DeviantArt, Myartspace, and other sites can now showcase your photography, digital art, and other art with a click of the mouse. Who knows… the world’s next great painter may live in your hometown, and you may be sharing an espresso at the local coffee shop soon.
 An obvious downside to all these websites, however, can be their distraction to the “real world,” and to getting unplugged. It has been said that handwriting fosters more creativity than typing, and endless hours spent finding the perfect blog layout can actually be a hindrance to getting writing done. Furthermore, who has the motivation to write a note on Facebook when you can jot down a pithy status?
 It is going to take discipline and time management to get everything done that you want to accomplish, but online (in moderation) and offline contact with your new online acquaintances can actually spur you on to accomplish your aims.
 However, if you get too into a site to get much real writing done, there is a page called Nanowrimo which challenges you to write 50,000 words, or a novelette, during the national novel writing month of November.
 Whether you are posting your watercolor collection, a collection of poetry, or a blog on scrap booking - there is an instant audience and a new group of friends out there just waiting for you. It’s time for you to go out and “tell your tale!“
 Be thoughtful with your critiques, enjoy the process of finding your personal expression, and you’ll do just fine. For me, finding my voice through social networking has proven to be an overwhelmingly positive experience and I hope you find a warm, supportive writing (or artistic) community, just like I did. Good luck!