Recently, I attended the workshop regarding the book published by Hwa Chong Institution – Towerhill. It was a collation of the students’ works throughout the year. Many of which, does not seem like a work from a students, particularly the ones from the Secondary 4 students. The thoughts and ideas of one was expressed through the writings. The book was initially entitled “Parnassus”, however, it was too difficult for non-poet to understand it, hence, named as Towerhill instead, a straight forward and blunt word-choice, to express the idea of hill top. The theme of the book was black and white, so as to keep it simple. The design of the book cover, is to represent the past to the future.
There are two parts to the book, first part on the traditional elements and cultural themes. While the second part of the book is talking about a progression from the past to future. Regarding the first part of the book, traditional elements and cultural themes, I feel that the poem, about the grandfather clock, had left me a deep impression. It talked about the loneliness of the clock as interpreted, the fading of such tradition. There is also a writing specially pointed out by the speaker, about the culture of Chinese people fading rapidly. It was really a success, with great connections with our daily lives. Until the last sentence, it had left me with a heavy impact, making up unable to forget it. It was mentioned that this piece of writing was inspired by a visit to the writer’s grandfather’s urn. With that, I can conclude that literature, is not something forced out of someone, but something that comes out of someone naturally, and when the ideas starts flowing, the writing could be then, done in no time.
The second part of the book is about a progression from the past to future. It was symbolized by the drawing on the front cover of the book. To me, it was particularly interesting. It is so as such a book is not published every year, however, was the first time after so many years. With that, the theme, progression from the past to future is shown, be it the style of the writings throughout the years, or how the choice of themes had changed. It can only happen when such a book is published only every several years. The book is thus invaluable, since it collated the outstanding pieces from so many students over the years, and is the best way to show the past to future. Knowing to use such a theme, I feel that it is really interesting. It is also a form of reflection, when a writer look back at the past, hence improving his writing.
I am sure that a lot budding writers have this concept, that the heavy usage of bombastic words could impress the readers. However, as the speaker of the workshop suggested, “Writing is to express, not to impress” which is true. What is the point of writing, when the reader could not understand what you want to express? I feel that we can only express our ideas completely when we use the language we are used to, trying the use another style will only result in our writing being unnatural. When producing a work, there are times where we are afraid of being mocked at. However, it may very well be due to the fact that we had not put in enough effort. If we did try our best, however, is still criticized, we should take it positively and taking it as a platform for improvement.
The cost of the book was $10, and the proceeds of the funds will go to the Japan earthquake victims. This had added significance to the book, while enjoying the literature, we can help the victims of the earthquake as well. All in all, I feel that it was an extremely meaningful talk, I have also received a lot new explorations to the world of literature.
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