Remove the Fluff

What happens when you get rid of the mask you put on to act an acceptable member of society? What if you stop trying to be who you think you’re expected to be? I’ve been on a personal journey to remove the fluff. You know, all the excess, the things we carry around because we believe that’s what we’re supposed to do. I’m stripping myself naked so to speak.

No, I’m not taking off all my clothes. I’m talking about finding my core creator, the honest writer, the one who doesn’t care what others think. I’ve used my share of profanity in my writing. Why? Because I don’t care if I offend anyone. However, it’s also not my goal to be offensive. My goal isn’t even to be authentic. It goes deeper.

My goal is to be the truest representation of myself that I can be, even if others don’t like it.

How can I reach that goal? I can start by removing the fluff, by telling it like it is. In writing, I’ve found poetry to be the best kind of writing for that. Music is good for expressing the deeper emotions. But in either case, keeping it simple, primal, and direct is key.

You might have noticed that the essays on this site are short and to the point. That is the point. Much of the writing I see today is too verbose. Why use analogies if you can just tell it like it is? Niceties and politeness only go so far. Stop hiding behind societal norms. If you have dirty thoughts, share them. If you want to write a book about homosexuality, or suicide, do it.

Don’t be afraid to be who you are, to write how you feel. It doesn’t matter what others think, if they agree or disagree. Just write your core. Be direct. Remove the fluff. – dse

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Author: Dan Steven Erickson

Dan Steven Erickson is a great undiscovered American songwriter.