Writers speculate. We think we know so we scribe. The best we can do is interpret our observations and play with our creativity. Recently, I came across a writing prompt with the instruction to use the phrase, “maybe it was because …” Inserting this phrase during a free write gave me permission to engage in reflection. Accepting that I don’t know led me to imagine a possible truth. Something to consider.
The topic of the prompt was to free write about a childhood experience using the present tense and staying in the point of view of a child. Following that, the prompt asked the writer to revisit the experience from an adult point of view using past tense and inserting the phrase, “maybe it was because.” This portion of the exercise was easier for me and provided permission to create an understanding of an event beyond reporting its play-by-play reality. It allowed for the speculation of its significance.
By speculating, I could explore and think about various possibilities or ideas. Granted, these may not be based on concrete evidence. The sentence starter – maybe it was because – involves exercising one’s imagination and engaging in hypothetical scenarios, while still being grounded in some form of logic. I recommend using this in your own writing practice.
I sometimes write about an all-loving divine being who I describe in the context of a Christian religion. Maybe this is because I want it to be true. Maybe it is because I know I have been comforted by these beliefs and wish to comfort others. Maybe it is because not believing leads to chaos in my life. Speculating on the existence of God allows me to imagine a loving and just world.
Speculation can be a valuable tool for creativity and understanding the world around us. However, it’s important to remember that speculation is just that—conjecture—and not necessarily a representation of reality. Nonfiction writers should use caution in using speculation and follow up assumptions with research to reach valid conclusions.
However, in creative writing we get to take liberties, to imagine a truth that is true to feeling. With so much gray matter, it’s fun to speculate about the hard lines of reality, to offer an authentic, reasoned interpretation of life.
In my coaching business, people ask me what is “authentic writing.” To me, creative authenticity is when you chase your assumptions of truth through your writing, trying to capture a moment in time for others to maybe read. It is an act of giving testimony to your interpretation and imagination. ...
An interesting thing happened to me recently while at the title company; the associate needed me to give my occupation. I stated, “writer.” She quickly followed up by asking what I write. I paused unsure how much to share. In that space, my realtor rescued me by saying, “She writes ...
