From the beginning of our lives to the end, we are impacted by the influence of the written word. Whether it's stories we grew up with or speeches that move us, words and their hidden power have embedded themselves into our daily lives. While the ability to be eloquent continues to be a revered skill in our society, those who have mastered it--writers, poets, musicians, scholars--continue to share this benevolent influence with the rest of us.

One of these masters, in particular, is Brian Evenson, world-renowned writer of short stories, novels, essays, and more. Evenson's work transcends genres, themes, meanings, and he is equipped with the creativity, insight, and inspiration necessary to leave his readers in continuous awe and intrigue of his work. In between writing, Evenson paid a visit to the Illini Union Bookstore earlier this month to read, speak, and share the impact of words with those in attendance. I was fortunate enough to attend, and through Evenson's readings, I learned three important messages that Evenson, his work, and the written word overall continue to promote.

1. Sometimes things don't go as planned, and that's OK.

When asked about his writing process, Evenson admitted that he has no set strategy. Sometimes, he'll plan out the entirety of a story and know what will happen from beginning to end. Other times, he won't decide on the plot twist or cliffhanger or jaw-dropping moment until a line before it happens, completely changing the course of the entire story. He asserted that these forms of spontaneity and surprise are entirely natural and shouldn't be ignored or feared. The same applies to life as well. We may expect to have a plan for our lives that we will meticulously follow through, but more often than not, things may not go our way. The most important thing to take away from these curveballs is that it's okay to have them. It's the spontaneous and unexpected moments and decisions in life that have led many to become successful and overcome adversity, and it is these moments that people will remember, whether in their daily lives or in the pages of a novel.

3. Be passionate about your interests and pursue your dreams.

Everyone has a dream, whether big or small. Sure, some dreams might seem a little unreachable, but the only thing standing in the way of achieving them is a negative mindset. If there's something you're passionate about doing or learning or creating, the sky is the limit! Again, I look to Brian Evenson as an example. As a world-renowned writer, he primarily writes short stories that appear in collections and publications all around the globe. However, he's a man of many interests, and he allows himself to write about whatever he chooses. Whether it's science fiction novels for major movie or video game franchises or collaborations with screenwriters, directors, and other writers, he is the prime example of developing an idea or passion and pursuing it to fruition.

Having the opportunity to hear a distinguished writer such as Brian Evenson speak was unforgettable, and it provided me with even more of an insight into the importance of eloquence. Stories and poems may have meanings and themes relevant to humanity, and they are worth enforcing, but sometimes the meanings can come from the writers themselves. Their maxims, whether written or spoken, carry as much of an impact as any other skill believed to be crucial to society. So the next time you pick up a best-selling novel or listen to a revolutionary speech, take the time to wonder just what gave these words their power and how their truth can change your life as well.