Exploring Creative Writing and Cultural Ontology

As a creative writer, I often find myself grappling with words and perspectives that challenge my own. Recently, a piece by Lisa Cron has sparked interest in me for its delve into the depths of understanding. Her perspective, while framed within a Western paradigm, resonates with a more global and diverse sense of cultural ontology and epistemology.

To begin, let's clarify a few key terms: epistemology deals with the nature of knowledge and ways of knowing, whereas ontology concerns itself with the nature of existence and reality. These concepts are pivotal as they shape our understanding of the world and, by extension, how we approach writing.

In today's interconnected world, driving forces such as technology, the internet, and globalization have brought diverse cultures into a unified space. This can be seen vividly in New York City. Living in Manhattan, I witness the intersection of cultures, languages, and diverse perceptions on a daily basis. While I leave the boroughs infrequently, the variety of faces, voices, and living styles I encounter daily serves as a microcosm of the broader cultural tapestry.

Writing from a Diverse Perspective

My cultural heritage is a rich blend of Irish, Scottish, African, and Narragansett Native American ancestry. This diversity has undoubtedly influenced my own writing, especially my approach to storytelling. Unlike a linear narrative, my writing process often meanders through unstructured beginnings and flexible timelines, reflecting the complexities of human experience.

I often engage in writing while living life to the fullest, weaving in experiences, conversations, and observations into my work. My process involves a blend of handwritten notes and digital edits, allowing me to explore different facets of a story before refining it. This organic and often non-linear approach reflects the fluidity of reality itself and the many interconnected dimensions of life.

Aesthetic Examples: Toy Boy

The show Toy Boy, which I recently watched, offers a fascinating lens through which to explore different cultural takes on reality. This Spanish telenovela is a blend of Hollywood aesthetics and local cultural nuances, weaving plots of murder, romance, and societal issues into a tapestry of fluid friendships and complex sexual dynamics. The storytelling emphasizes authenticity and raw emotions, much like real-life interactions.

One notable feature of Toy Boy is the way it handles storytelling. Characters often reveal significant plot points directly to each other, mirroring the fluidity and immediacy of human interaction. This narrative style reflects a different cultural approach to storytelling, where intimacy and honesty are valued more than the intricate plot twists often seen in Western media.

The Role of Time and Multiverse Perspectives

Time perception plays a crucial role in my writing. The experience of being "stuck in time" is a recurring motif, much like the time loop experienced in my university days. When I rented a small junior apartment, I found myself inexplicably awake at the same time every day, a surreal experience that underscored the fluidity and multiplicity of time. This motif subtly reflects the idea that we are living in a multiverse, where different experiences and realities can exist simultaneously.

This perspective is reflected in my writing, where timelines and characters can exist in multiple time signatures. Characters and story arcs don't always develop linearly but can be interwoven in various ways, creating a more complex and nuanced narrative. This combinatorial approach to writing allows for a deeper exploration of character and plot, making the final product rich and layered.

Conclusion: The Essence of Writing

The essence of writing lies in its ability to capture the multifaceted nature of human experience. By embracing a diverse range of influences and cultural perspectives, writers can create works that resonate with a wider audience. Whether it's the fluidity of time, the interplay of cultures, or the non-linear progression of a narrative, the key is to remain open to the myriad possibilities that life offers.

Further Reading

To delve deeper into the topics of epistemology and ontology, explore:

Ontos: Journal of Philosophy and Language The Routledge Handbook of Modern Epistemology by John Greco and Eric Lormand Articles on Philosophy(SM) Online

By continuing to explore these ideas, writers can enhance their craft and create works that not only reflect but also deepen our understanding of the world around us.