Transforming Letters: The Art of Storytelling and Self-Discovery
Written on
Chapter 1: The World Through Letters
Everywhere I look, letters seem to descend from the sky, weaving through trees, fences, and light poles. Each glance reveals another narrative waiting to be shared. Reality and magic intertwine, much like a cockroach speaking from the corner of my confinement. How did I endure this? By carrying the essence of every experience within me; they can confine my body, but never my mind. I embarked on flights of imagination at every opportunity, revisiting past moments—from the battlefields to the streets filled with chaos, and from Seoul to Jerusalem, all marked by fleeting memories formed from letters.
I've always spoken solely for myself, transforming my perceptions into eloquent expressions. Sitting comfortably in my armchair, I navigate between worlds—both created and dismantled. Rain becomes letters, and clouds storm with sheets of sleet. Though some may have thought me eccentric, I remained indifferent to their opinions. My notebook became a sanctuary for quiet dialogues with Henry, Rose, Friday, and Thomas.
My confinement lacked physical barriers; it was instead constructed from newspapers and letters. I had faced harsher prisons before, enduring longer sentences. Yet, I realized I wasn't confined for reckless acts or foolish decisions. My imprisonment was a journey toward becoming who I was destined to be. It evolved from a matter of leaving or staying to a quest for transformation. I converted my prison into a chrysalis, where the walls transformed into pages.
It took considerable time to master this craft. Writing is stubborn; the more you try to force it, the more resistant it becomes. Instead, you must cultivate a relationship with words, showing them they can rely on you. When you demonstrate patience, the walls, kitchen, and plants become letters. Trust me; once you choose to be patient, the magic reveals itself.
For years, I struggled. I lacked a distinct style, couldn't organize my thoughts, and found it challenging to determine whether theme or narrative held more weight. Dialogue eluded me, and I could only express myself in the simplest terms. My attempts at linear storytelling felt futile, leading me to doubt my abilities. I often set aside my pen, convinced I wasn't cut out for writing. Yet, something always pulled me back. As I wandered through life, words would appear, compelling me to interpret the world as a series of stories, despite my disdain for the phrases they formed.
I felt devoid of identity until it slowly began to emerge, much like an archaeological dig. It requires significant effort and determination to reveal the fossil beneath layers of sediment. This painstaking process mirrors the journey writers undertake.
Writing is a path to unveiling your true self. I believe that all forms of artistic expression fundamentally revolve around self-discovery. The world serves as a canvas for you to uncover your authentic identity.
Daily, I return to my characters, each representing a fragment of my imagination. The initial stages of editing are demanding. Henry navigates mazes behind bars, Rose grapples with her affections, Thomas confronts his lineage, and Venice embraces her womanhood. Their journeys intrigue me, reminding me of our shared transitions. We are all on a trajectory, and I ponder the idea that the greatest immorality is to halt our evolution.
I often think of them more than my own family. I wonder if they perceive the world through letters and snippets of newspapers, if they sense the approaching changes. It's fitting, considering the vastness they occupy, much like how ideas, stories, and characters expand until their moment arrives.
Henry has crafted a novel he can’t recall: The Secret Train to Kabul, and he’s been sharing stories with The Sobriquet, a rebellious publication. The warden is displeased with his endeavors. Sometimes I contemplate whether Henry is a reflection of myself. Then I realize they all represent aspects of me. I created them, yet they are not mine. They exist in the realm of letters, and those letters travel wherever they may.
Roman Newell is diligently working on his debut novel—20XX—a piece of magical realism exploring the intricate complexities of modern societies amidst shifting social norms, rapidly evolving technology, and traumatic impacts. To stay updated, follow Roman's Substack to join the 20XX contact list.