Allow me to get right to the point (cherish this moment, it won’t be so easy for me to do in future posts): I know what it’s like to repeatedly come upon creative dead-ends and to be at a loss as how to get out of them. I also know what it’s like to have tools without quite understanding how to use them. Sure, we can all define irony. Sure, we all know the formal difference between a first-person and a third-person narrator. Sure, we all know what exposition and denouement are. But why do you use them? How do you know you’re using them the right way? Is there even such a thing as the right way?
I’ve been writing for a number of years now, and I think I’ve figured out a few things, which I’d like to share. In future posts I’ll do my best to handle topics like plot, character, dialogue, exposition, narration, and so on. To begin with, here are seven general guidelines which I try to keep in mind when I write. I know they may seem a little obvious, but I reread them every once in a while to stay focused.
Respect the classics. Not because other people have deemed them classics, but because your writing is the product of an entire writing tradition – whether you realize it or not. You don’t have to like them, but you should have a basic knowledge of what came before you. Just because something was written scores or hundreds of years ago, doesn’t mean you can’t learn anything from it now. Besides, you shouldn’t have a false sense of your own originality.
Never think you have nothing left to learn. You can evolve, change, grow – whatever you want to call it – at any stage.
Don’t be concerned about what a book/script “should” have. Critics, authors, and readers have been arguing for centuries over the essential components of a text. They will never stop arguing.
Regard each project as unique. Even if you keep returning to the same themes, characters, or places, you can still develop them in new directions or gain new insights by taking a different approach. Call it rehash prevention.
Use whatever you need to keep track of your work. Notebooks, reminder notes, charts, bulletin boards, etc. It’s entirely your decision. You need to be comfortable. What works for one writer may not necessarily work for you.
Take your time. You don’t have to force yourself to finish a project within a certain amount of time. Finishing at any cost can be worse than not finishing at all. Though having a schedule can be useful in keeping you focused, it can also add unnecessary pressure, thereby affecting the quality of your work.
Handling Writer’s Block. This is simply a point where you need to stop and leave the project for a while, maybe for a couple of days or weeks until you’ve “forgotten” it somewhat. Then after you come back, hopefully you’ll have a bit more perspective and will be able to figure out why you’re stuck. It’s not because you forgot to sacrifice a goat to that muse and now she’s mad at you so she’s sent you Writer’s Block as a punishment. The problem is somewhere in your construction and you can find it. Don’t let your own temporary disgust/disinterest cause you to throw away a project or compromise it by finishing prematurely.
Next time on Technical Saturday, a formal introduction between you and your readers –formal wear not necessary.
I’ve been writing for a number of years now, and I think I’ve figured out a few things, which I’d like to share. In future posts I’ll do my best to handle topics like plot, character, dialogue, exposition, narration, and so on. To begin with, here are seven general guidelines which I try to keep in mind when I write. I know they may seem a little obvious, but I reread them every once in a while to stay focused.
Respect the classics. Not because other people have deemed them classics, but because your writing is the product of an entire writing tradition – whether you realize it or not. You don’t have to like them, but you should have a basic knowledge of what came before you. Just because something was written scores or hundreds of years ago, doesn’t mean you can’t learn anything from it now. Besides, you shouldn’t have a false sense of your own originality.
Never think you have nothing left to learn. You can evolve, change, grow – whatever you want to call it – at any stage.
Don’t be concerned about what a book/script “should” have. Critics, authors, and readers have been arguing for centuries over the essential components of a text. They will never stop arguing.
Regard each project as unique. Even if you keep returning to the same themes, characters, or places, you can still develop them in new directions or gain new insights by taking a different approach. Call it rehash prevention.
Use whatever you need to keep track of your work. Notebooks, reminder notes, charts, bulletin boards, etc. It’s entirely your decision. You need to be comfortable. What works for one writer may not necessarily work for you.
Take your time. You don’t have to force yourself to finish a project within a certain amount of time. Finishing at any cost can be worse than not finishing at all. Though having a schedule can be useful in keeping you focused, it can also add unnecessary pressure, thereby affecting the quality of your work.
Handling Writer’s Block. This is simply a point where you need to stop and leave the project for a while, maybe for a couple of days or weeks until you’ve “forgotten” it somewhat. Then after you come back, hopefully you’ll have a bit more perspective and will be able to figure out why you’re stuck. It’s not because you forgot to sacrifice a goat to that muse and now she’s mad at you so she’s sent you Writer’s Block as a punishment. The problem is somewhere in your construction and you can find it. Don’t let your own temporary disgust/disinterest cause you to throw away a project or compromise it by finishing prematurely.
Next time on Technical Saturday, a formal introduction between you and your readers –formal wear not necessary.
6 comments:
Hey I really like this post. You give great advice and have a stylish method of expression, really enjoyable!
Your grammar is excellent and your writing style is very clear. It shows a solid grasp of the english language.
Nice. To the point and encouraging. :)
I like that the first item on your list was "respect the classics." A solid advice for writing and for life generally.
The thing about the goat floored me. What kind of talk is that?
Excellent advice. I really enjoyed your blog...keep it up!
"...you shouldn’t have a false sense of your own originality."
I do love you so.
I tend to disagree both on the "better not finish than finish poorly" and the writer's block. Because both of those are good methods of walking away from something you're invested in very deeply and then getting depressed about it. Also, they tend to disregard the existence of the editorial process.
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