“Echoing Emo: Exploring the Harmonious Intersection of Writing and Emo Music. Express, Engage, Triumph!”
There is a widespread belief that writing is more than just putting words on paper or typing on a digital platform. It is indulging oneself into a raw and cohesive form of expression, translating thoughts into the harmony of words. The whole process is similar to composing a melody with numerous sharps and flats, creating an orchestra of sentences and phrases, a composition that resonates with the reader just as music does with its listener.
The same philosophy can be applied to the unique genre of emo music, which has often been seen as an embodiment of intense emotions and personal experiences – a dynamic form of storytelling. The emo genre of music, often dismissed or overlooked due to its associated angst and melancholy, is a realm of writing that has much in common with literature and, indeed, storytelling. Emo Music follows the arc of an outsider, often misunderstood, maligned, and overlooked, triumphing over popular opinion and the so-called ‘cool’ kids, much akin to the journey of a writer, especially a budding one.
The India Writing Project, now in its 5th season, is a platform that encourages these unique voices and narratives. In doing so, it provides a platform not only for literature enthusiasts but also for those who find comfort and expression in the emo genre. Through the contest, participants embrace their feelings, experiences, and insights, sharing them through various forms such as essays, poems, short stories, and articles. The contest inspires writers to express themselves freely without adhering to societal norms, much like emo music.
Let’s be honest, isn’t writing about being the triumphant, angsty outsider, celebrating our individual journeys and narrating our own stories, just like the essence of emo music? Just like the emo narrative, we’re inviting you to celebrate the misunderstood, the maligned, the outsider perspective, unfiltered and unabridged.
Our esteemed panel of judges, comprising accredited authors and literature aficionados, assesses submissions based on a variety of parameters. These include clarity, subject focus, consistent narrative, and storytelling ability—skills that mirror the emo genre’s narrative arc.
Just as emo music has carved its way into mainstream acceptance, the winners of The India Writing Project will be rewarded with the fulfillment of seeing their work in the daily national print. The top three winners will have their write-ups published and will also be awarded cash prizes.
No matter where you draw your inspiration from – be it the honest introspection of emo music or the intricacies of classic literature – remember that at the core, writing is about expression. So get your storytelling cap on, let the music in your soul guide your pen, and dive into the world of writing with us.
Source: Peter C. Baker, “When Emo Conquered the Mainstream,” https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/when-emo-conquered-the-mainstream.
