Comments for Writing Craft & Practice

Comment on Query by Stephanie

Stephanie — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:54:38 +0000

Interesting. When I wrote that question I was thinking of “inspiration” as growing at least partly out of skill. That is, developing the “muscle” you refer to creates a foundation on which to do the deeper work more effectively (as Judaye says in the comment above). But you’ve approached this question from the opposite side.

Comment on Query by Saxon Henry

Saxon Henry — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 03:08:54 +0000

I believe there is. I’ve made my living as a journalist who covers the design/architecture beat. I can make deadlines like crazy through years of developing discipline in research and scheduling. When it comes to my deepest work, though, I find that it is a little trickier to operate by rote. It’s not that I’m shortchanging anyone who reads my design/architecture journalism, it’s just that I’ve developed a muscle for writing such work that my truest writing sometimes slips beneath. My newest blog http://bit.ly/czIbbt is challenging me in many new ways.

Comment on Memories, memoirs, meditation—1 by Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 21:53:04 +0000

This makes sense to me. The stories parents tell have a mythic quality that enthralls, sometimes harmfully since the view of reality they offer may not be very realistic and actually limit the children’s own development. So retelling your story frees you of those old definitions of who you are and presents a new reality you can live in.

Comment on Memories, memoirs, meditation—1 by Joyce Zonana

Joyce Zonana — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:02:42 +0000

I’m struck by Stephanie’s question about how good is it for us to revisit, explore, and reinterpret the past. It was, indeed, for me a “compulsion,” and that’s why I wrote the memoir. But, the very act of writing (and publishing) my version of the past in fact freed me from it, bringing me much more fully into the present. Perhaps not everyone has this need; perhaps not everyone is gripped by the good or bad experiences of childhood in the way that I was . . . . what I know is that writing for me was a necessary way towards freedom, allowing me to find “home” in the present and the place where I currently am. What’s of further interest, I think, is why we read (and find value in) other people’s memories . . . .

Comment on Let your unconscious do the work by Stephanie

Stephanie — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 21:20:53 +0000

You have me beat there. I only record interviews when they’re for more creative work (or with doctors who talk really fast). But it’s quite true that the act of transcription really burns the material into your consciousness.

Comment on Let your unconscious do the work by Saxon Henry

Saxon Henry — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:41:26 +0000

Stephanie:

I’m so glad I found your blog. I have similar patterns when I’m writing. Two that come to mind: when I’m writing journalistic pieces, I tend to record the interviews. I take notes as well, but then, even if my notes are precise, I transcribe the interviews. I’ve had editors laugh at me, saying that I’m doing double work. It’s my way of doing what you and Carol do: going back over the notes again simply help me process what I’m going to write. Also, like you, I never leave a deadline to the last day. Things simply need to cook and that takes time.

I’m just beginning to apply some of these principles to my creative writing and I am finding that I wake up at night with flashes that set my direction more firmly. I look forward to reading more of your blog when I’m not on deadline. Happy writing and Happy New Year!

Comment on More on reflection by Let your unconscious do the work : Writing Craft & Practice

Let your unconscious do the work : Writing Craft & Practice — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:18:15 +0000

[...] More on reflection [...]

Comment on The sky of mind: vast like space by Let your unconscious do the work : Writing Craft & Practice

Let your unconscious do the work : Writing Craft & Practice — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:16:38 +0000

[...] posts described using reflection to plumb your own depths for inspiration. But what about just going to sleep and letting your [...]

Comment on Query by Judaye

Judaye — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 13:08:31 +0000

Sometimes I wonder about the validity of unexpressed thoughts. What I mean is that when a seminal idea is not shared with other people, the opportunity to influence for good could be lost forever. So what good is it really if it just sits in the mind?

I do think that inspiration and skill intersect. Both are essential parts of my writing process. Skill is necessary to be able to work with words in such a way that meaning is conveyed and understood by the reader. That is the only way to impart or communicate inspirational, original, and creative insights to others.

Personally, I have plenty of inspiration, but not as much skill! I am working on it.

Comment on Writing & anxiety by Judith D. Schwartz

Judith D. Schwartz — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:12:45 +0000

Interesting. I realize that mistakes I’ve made in writing–such as not going deep enough during a revision–resulted from the avoidance of anxiety. Really grappling with the material was uncomfortable so I convinced myself I didn’t have to go there.