Chief Editor’s Note: 3 Words
“Who is my character? Use 3 words”.
This writing prompt has been popping up on my social media feed for a while now. It challenges one to think about something we don’t often talk about - identity. There is not much reason to talk about it; yet it’s integral to every character, real or fictional. I found the idea intriguing; it’s perfect for those who wish to write beautifully diverse characters but have no clue of who they actually are. Or how to begin unravelling them in the first place. They taste like cardboard and the only mentionable clue of them is that scar they have running across their eyebrow.
As a fellow writer, I immediately wanted to write extensive descriptions of my own characters; but I noticed thinking more about what my 3 words would be. Identity is a deep subject, so how could I explain myself with only 3 words? This chief editor’s note was born from those midnight thoughts.
The first word I ended up choosing from my very-very-long list of possible ideas - artsy. A quick Google search shows that it means someone who is artistic or is really keen in the arts. One could argue it’s very generic and vague, and I can agree with that. But is there something wrong with generic descriptions? My answer is no. People interpret words differently. Even if a word has an acknowledged meaning, it’s something unique for the person using it. I would like to argument, that as there are no two identical artists in this world, there are no two identical uses of the word artsy.
I also think this word tells more about me than the word creative. The first image we get in our minds hearing the sentence “she is a creative person” is usually of a woman painting, writing stories or doing something else the society considers a creative pastime. And that does fit me; I write more than I practise any other of my interests. So how come I didn’t choose this word instead?
I personally believe artsy explores every side of me which has something to do with art. It explains my interest in art itself - I like paintings and sculptures, visiting museums, exhibitions and everything related to them. I read a lot of books, watch plenty of movies, and listen to all kinds of music. I enjoy aesthetics and the whole concept of things being pleasing to the eye. Anything that inspires me or touches my soul is on my list of interests. On the other hand, artsy describes the side of me which longs to create. I wish to share the passion I hold so tightly inside of me. It’s unexplainable really - how me and the need to put something into the world are intertwined. It’s not about fame or possible admirers, not about how many publishings I could get. It’s about making art, the process of sharing something of myself with the world. A world that is both cruel and warm at the same time. It’s also about hoping to touch someone, anyone. To leave something inside of them - something they can examine in their hours of inspiration and use it to fuel their passion into reality, into art.
The second word I chose is lover. Now some of you might be thinking of Taylor Swift and her iconic love song. Which I also love. And that is the whole point behind this word - to love.
I love a lot of things. The sound of rain during night-time, poetry, the smell of coffee, that one special person. I love travelling, beginning a new book and learning something new. If I’m quite honest, I think there is more I love in this world than I despise. Flowers blooming as spring finally begins, holding hands in public transport, listening to a lofi playlist. Smiles when entering shops, the grounding feeling of a hug. Kisses exchanged at the airport, a new package, passing a challenging course, moonlit evenings during autumn. I believe love has also made a nest somewhere inside my emotions that are supposed to damage. It’s near impossible to make me mad with anger. I don’t wish for vengeance nor hope to hurt those who have hurt me. Instead, I try my best to support everyone; friends, strangers and foes alike. I make time to listen to people. I care for their wounds, both mental and physical. I negotiate and explain and am happy when I get to help others. Some have obviously tried to use this against me. Did I let them walk over me? No. But did I still think of them with fondness after our paths grew apart? Yes, and sometimes I still do.
The third and last word of the ones I chose is tears. I think this one is the most self-explanatory of the words discussed so far. I cry a lot. One could say more than most people. I cry when I’m sad and anxious, but I also cry when I am happy, surprised, or see something adorable. This happens all year around, not just during shark week.
Some probably wonder why I didn’t choose the word sensitive or some other similar adjective. The reasoning for this is within the connotations of words like that; they are usually negative. At least to me. My family has used the word sensitive all throughout my childhood. It was a joke to them, a trait they could pick on for some laughs. Because of this I spent my teenage years hiding my emotions. I could not cry to save myself. Tears were a utopia, something I knew existed, but couldn’t reach. Neither did I want to. I didn’t want to be seen as sensitive. To me it had become a trait of a weak person. It took time to unlearn this way of thinking. Months of forgiveness and learning to access my emotions again. Dusting my tears and letting them run free. That work is still not finished, and I don’t think it ever will be. I will always struggle with the ghosts of my past. But nowadays I have love towards myself, and I joke about my status as a crybaby. My tears don’t make me weaker. Being someone who cries easily is not a thing I should be embarrassed about. It’s both hilarious and touching. Tears should not be hidden in order to make others comfortable. The real ones will stay; whether you cry after a failed exam or when being gifted flowers.
In this note I’ve told you my 3 words. The key fragments of my identity if you will. And as identity is the theme of this November’s BTSB issue, we have plenty intriguing content for you readers to enjoy! For starters, Robi offers us a creative piece full of secrets and forgotten meanings. Audrey discusses sexuality and fashion, while Lauri gives the older generation some well-deserved words. In addition, we have Sini showing us how Father’s Day feels to someone who has lost their father. Sara shares her riveting thoughts on the new album of Taylor Swift and finally, we have two new pieces from Annika. Her first article discusses the power of diagnoses, whereas the second one sympathises with all those who have been disappointed by their childhood heroes.
