At the age of eight, Maya Angelou began writing stories and poems. Although her early work wasn’t recognized as exceptional, it was a sign of a talent that was to come. By the age of thirteen, Angelou had written her first story, which she sold to a magazine for a small sum. She then wrote articles, short stories and even scripts for radio and television to support herself. It wasn’t until she was in her early twenties that Angelou decided to write her first book, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings which was published in 1969.
Angelou’s choice to become a writer was mainly due to her passionate, creative nature. As a young girl she was an avid reader of books, which encouraged her to be creative and think beyond traditions. Writing was her way of expressing her most intimate thoughts and revealing her true essence. She believed in the power of writing to control her narrative and bring justice to those oppressed, like she had felt in the past. An essential part of her development, her writing served as an empowerment tool.
Angelou’s early efforts as a writer weren’t particularly noteworthy, but she kept striving, studying and creating. She had to develop the craft and refine her voice. To hone her skills, she read widely and studied fiction, avoiding simplistic, formulaic ways of writing. Her writing had to be natural and honest to gain credibility. Once it was recognized she had a knack for writing, she continued to pour her soul into her work.
Angelou’s strategies to become a successful writer were rooted in her work ethic. Early on, she dedicated herself to the task of honing her writing techniques and mastering the art of storytelling. She was driven to express herself through writing, no matter how challenging the creative process. Sitting down every morning, she invested countless hours of hard work and devotion, taking into account every aspect of the craft, which she gradually managed to master.
Angelou worked hard to become a respected storyteller and become a powerful author. Her knowledge of rhetoric, psychological principles and through her engaging stories, she achieved her goal. In a way, she was a self-made writer, determined to invest her time and energy in developing her skills. Writing eventually became an inherent part of Maya Angelou; when she wrote, she wrote from the heart.
Education and Experience
Maya Angelou’s early writing efforts were enhanced by her education and experience. From a young age, Angelou was exposed to art and literature, which she studied and practiced. Growing up in a family that valued the written word and knowing that her mother was a writer, she effectively internalized the power of words. In addition, she was tutored regularly by her grandmother and uncle, who provided her with extensive artistic and literary instruction.
Angelou’s thirst for knowledge, coupled with her intuition and insight led her to pursue a variety of disciplines. She was well-versed in music, dance, theatre and literature. This knowledge, combined with her natural affinity for writing, served as a breeding ground for the powerful words that she crafted. Not only did her extensive education assist her in understanding the nooks and crannies of writing, but it also allowed her to explore new ideas and sources of inspiration.
In addition to education, Angelou also held different jobs to gain insight and connected with a variety of people. Whether it was being a cook or calypso dancer, Angelou was able to learn from her experiences and draw from her observations to write with a unique perspective. Each job provided her with a deeper understanding of herself and others. She was also able to hone her writing skills as she wrote articles, scripts, and poems.
In piecing together the puzzle of her early writing history, it can be seen that Angelou’seducation and experiences were paramount to the development of her unique style. Her initial writing attempts contained elements from the various sources from which she drew her knowledge. All this, while at the same time developing a voice that was her own.
Writing Habits and Interpretations
Maya Angelou’s writing habits and interpretations of language allowed her to create powerful stories. Her writing process was a private activity; she would be forced to confront her feelings and transcribe her thoughts. At times she would play music or take a walk to free her mind and return to the task at hand. Each day Angelou wrote early in the morning, determined to record her insights before memory dissipated.
Angelou had an ambition for her writing that was unparalleled by her peers. She was determined to quickly master her craft, no matter how complex the task was. Despite her awareness of the difficulty of writing, she persevered, relying mainly on practical writing strategies to shape her stories. One of the key strategies that Angelou developed was her ability to paint pictures using words.
Through the use of vivid imagery, Angelou was able to convey her art so that her words invoked strong reactions. The metaphor of the caged bird, which served as title of her memoir, symbolized her yearning to live freely and without boundaries. The birdscages provided a lasting memory, an image that for Angelou, spoke about the courage and struggle of being oppressed.
The reader can sense Angelou’s influence in her writing. Readers felt her raw energy and daringness through the words she crafted. Her voice was unique and each sentence seemed to possess a life of its own. It was as if Angelou were speaking to the reader directly, encouraging them to hear and understand her story.
Angelou’s ability to write with authenticity and poignancy made her narrative stand out. Knowing how to evoke strong emotions, Angelou wrote what was both true emotionally and spiritually. With any paper she wrote, she crossed boundaries, boldly tackling tough and sensitive issues with grace.
Reception and Success
Maya Angelou’s work was met with a warm reception and ultimately led to her success. Despite any initial doubts she had, Angelou invested time and effort into her work and eventually it was accepted into the public sphere. Although many critics attempted to defer her message, others appreciated the subtle nuances of her writing.
Angelou’s memoir, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings found success immediately, as readers were intrigued by her novel. Her book reached millions and made her not only a celebrated author, but also a voice of inspiration. This unique memoir transformed Angelou from an the journalist and poet to the inspiring icon she is known for today.
The immense success of Angelou’s first book carved the way for her other writings. In her subsequent books, Angelou wrote with the same message of strength and a focus on black identity. She continued to capture and captivate readers, who often gravitated towards her writing because of their necessity to connect and relate to the stories she told.
Because of her success and reach, Angelou was often referred to as an “American poet laureate.” Apart from her writing, Angelou taught creative writing classes and often delivered lectures, thus leaving behind a powerful message for future generations.
Angelou’s success as a writer is evident in the expansive reach of her work. Her writings, talks and lectures exceeded the boundaries of her own community, reaching a global scale across various mediums. From radio and television, to film and the internet, Angelou’s influence was undeniable. The power of her narrative touched millions around the globe, providing strength and courage to those in need.
Quotes
Maya Angelou was known for her powerful and engaging quotes. These words of wisdom delved deep into the morale of her stories, while also offering guidance and advice to readers.
When giving guidance to young people, she once stated, “I believe that each of us comes from the creator trailing wisps of glory. So when you stand, respect the glory within yourself and respect the glory within each person that you meet.” This statement signifies her strong belief in the importance of self-respect and human dignity.
Angelou often touched on the need to identify the power of one’s story. She said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you” During her life, Angelou was able to articulate her story, which quickly gained attention and served to empower millions of people.
Another quote from Angelou conveys her belief of the power of knowledge. She stated, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” She reminded people of their power to make a change.
A final quote Angelou left behind was, “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” In the wake of her influence, her words continue to offer guidance and hope to those who seek it.
Legacy
Maya Angelou left behind a remarkable legacy, one that many remember and continue to build upon. Her memoir renewed interest in African American literature and culture, while her poetry and essays reached across the different troubles of life. She was bestowed numerous awards and honorary doctorates, while preserving her status as one of the most beloved authors of her time.
Throughout her life, Angelou reminded everyone of the truth of their inherent potential. In the words of educator and writer Dr. Nikki Giovanni, Angelou “had the courage to tell the truth about the complexity of being a black female in a racist and sexist world.” This ability to be honest earned her the respect of millions who looked up to her bravery and strength.
Outside of her writing, Angelou was an activist and role model to many. As an advocate for human rights and esteem, Angelou shined a bright light on the importance of speaking out. Her unique take on the world painted a mosaic of humanity, focusing on the intrinsic value of each individual.
Angelou’s influence and words of wisdom continue to stand the test of time. She is celebrated annually on her birthday, which becomes a global reminder to celebrate her courage and strength.
Since she left this earth, Angelou’s legacy has grown and there is no telling how far it will reach. From one person to the next, her words continue to be endured, her works forever resonating in hearts and minds around the world.
