The Writing Game Liege Lord Lanre

Anartwithinanart

One morning, I was sitting in my studio listening to the music of Tupac Shakur bombasting heavily out of the speakers With me iñ the studio was a group of students from a writng school in the community where I reside Their teacher had brought then to me so as to learn a thing or two about what it takes become an accomplished writer

After playing the music for a while, I turned it down Then I spun round to face the dozen or so pairs of eyes focused on me The first probe concerned the connection between 2pac and my career as a writer This is because plastered all over the studio wall are 2pac's posters Even the dainty pendant dangling around my neck features the image of the rap icon

I don't care what you've read or heard about the late rapper 2pac was the most intellectual revolutionary where I'm concerned 2pac was instrumental in the evolution of my personal style as a writer His music has a formidable influence on my writing

The point I'm trying to make is that an aspiring writer should have a foundation on which to base their literary career. Not to come across as a 2pac- bandana-wearing intellectual militant. It's because in my study of 2pac's body of work, I learned that his cue was mostly taken from the poet and writer, William Shakespeare. In fact, the rapper said that Shakespeare was his biggest inspiration. It takes creative imagination to be able to draw themes from real life settings and turn these into curative metaphors that challenge the intellect. For this, 2pac, like Shakespeare, was a great teacher and a master of his art. And in helping the voiceless to find a voice, 2pac became the character on whose mouth the words are spoken. This ability to go deep into one's soul to become another person, while at the same time remaining true to oneself, is an art within an art. And the ability to distill themes from Shakespeare's works such as Macbeth or Hamlet made 2pac known for his poetic virtuoso. All this plus the fact that he was well read put him in the class of a scholar. The point is simply this: An aspiring writer must start out with a model to follow. You need someone whose work will not only guide you but also be your inspiration You know, you must have a giant on whose shoulder you stand so as to see farther. Even if you're not a writer, be you a painter, sculptor or whatever do, you need someone who has gone ahead of you in your chosen field

You have to learn from them and model your career upon their work. And then create your own unique style. Another vital topic that sprang up in course of our discussion was about service. I made it clear that as a writer, you have to surrender yourself in service to society. This means having a deep desire to use your talent to help others. This is the purpose for which the talent was given to you in the first place. To fulfill your role as a writer, therefore, you have to be selflessly serving humanity. Many people live an unfulfilling existence because they don't understand that they have a duty to fulfill.

The problem these days is that most people are not living with passion. As a writer, your work should be an expression of your passionate feelings about the subjects that touch your heart Your longing should be to be the rainbow in other people's darkness

There are so many people suffering in the world today People are in pain everywhere But people who live with unbridled passion override their own pains when they endeavor to ease the pains of others This is the best good you can do with the talent which the heavens have given to you And this is what determines whether you'll become a fulfilled and accomplished writer

When you have a passion in your heart, making money won't be your primary focus This is very important for would-be writers to learn For several years I've been writing without giving a thought to remuneration My joy comes from knowing that at least one life is touched by what I'm offering