Henry David Thoreau: Truth

"The one great rule of composition...is to speak the truth."

Honestly, truth is why I write. It’s why I read, too.

There are too many lies in this world. Too many masks, too many secrets, too many things overlooked and hidden and buried and distorted.

I find a calming clarity in saying and hearing true things. There is something piercing and healing and empowering about naming things as they are.

Don’t ever write what you think your audience wants to hear (trust me; I’ve tried); they can smell it a mile away. Write what is true, even if it seems weak or embarrassing, and your audience will quietly nod along, glad to have found someone who shares their secrets.