“Write as if you were dying. At the same time, assume you write for an audience consisting solely of terminal patients. That is, after all, the case. What would you begin writing if you knew you would die soon? What could you say to a dying person that would not enrage by its triviality?” (Annie Dillard)
Dillard says every book has an inherent impossibility, which is what a writer will notice as soon as the excitement for the project begins to dwindle. You write in spite of it. You have an idea, a plot, THE story, it has come to you on wings with your name on it, maybe just one line at a time but it is there nonetheless. I love Dillard’s words, “It’s like something you memorized once, and forgot.”
What do you write? Complex stories, poems, articles, essays? They all have the same difficulty as does a long novel. But do you think it is better to throw yourself into a bunch of little projects or should you exhaust your energy into one big book? Dillard says you should spend it all in one long project.
Dillard says every book has an inherent impossibility, which is what a writer will notice as soon as the excitement for the project begins to dwindle. You write in spite of it. You have an idea, a plot, THE story, it has come to you on wings with your name on it, maybe just one line at a time but it is there nonetheless. I love Dillard’s words, “It’s like something you memorized once, and forgot.”
What do you write? Complex stories, poems, articles, essays? They all have the same difficulty as does a long novel. But do you think it is better to throw yourself into a bunch of little projects or should you exhaust your energy into one big book? Dillard says you should spend it all in one long project.
What do you think?
You know the saying “use it or lose it”. Creativity should not be bottled up or saved for another time. Ideas are saved and planned but when the words begin to flow don’t try to stop it. Give everything you have. Don’t lock it up. Write about winter in the summer.
Remember the last time a line or a few words were delivered to you magically, or so it seemed, and your fingers went flying over the keys. You couldn’t stop until you had spent all that you had received. This is the experience I am talking about. You are sitting at the keyboard or writing pad. Tapping your toe; thinking; “I wonder if Diane is going to call me.” Your mind is wandering from one place to the next like the balls in a lotto drum going round and round and never landing. You never see the words coming until they are in your face. You write till you drop.
Further, as writers we are also readers, so what do you look for in a writer? Are you looking for wisdom or courage? Why else do you read? I must admit I read for knowledge and entertainment. I am always inspired by other people’s words.
You know the saying “use it or lose it”. Creativity should not be bottled up or saved for another time. Ideas are saved and planned but when the words begin to flow don’t try to stop it. Give everything you have. Don’t lock it up. Write about winter in the summer.
Remember the last time a line or a few words were delivered to you magically, or so it seemed, and your fingers went flying over the keys. You couldn’t stop until you had spent all that you had received. This is the experience I am talking about. You are sitting at the keyboard or writing pad. Tapping your toe; thinking; “I wonder if Diane is going to call me.” Your mind is wandering from one place to the next like the balls in a lotto drum going round and round and never landing. You never see the words coming until they are in your face. You write till you drop.
Further, as writers we are also readers, so what do you look for in a writer? Are you looking for wisdom or courage? Why else do you read? I must admit I read for knowledge and entertainment. I am always inspired by other people’s words.
If you would like to learn more about Annie Dillard and her books check out this NY Times website.
Write it down,
Carma
Hi Carma,
ReplyDeleteThis was an inspirational post for me as a writer. Gave me another perspective.
Thank you as always,
Take care,
Judy
http://www.localfoodconnections.com
Hi Carma,
ReplyDeleteI like to be transported to another place and feel that I am right there with the character. But mostly I have to really care about the protagonist.
It is fun when you get in the groove and an unexpected word or phrase takes your story in another direction. I think I'll have to spend some time on my novel this weekend!
Theresa
Stress-FreeParent.blogspot.com
Hi Carma, I'm running a group for beginners in writing at the moment. Each one of them has become excited when they've experienced that feeling of flow you describe in your article. The first time it's a revelation, but even when you're experienced the thrill is still there. I guess it's like Harry Potter riding a broomstick - thrilling and exhilarating, isn't it? Dorothy www.kidsbooksuk.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteHi Judy,
ReplyDeleteI agree we all need to look at things from different view points at times.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Yes Theresa, I too love the unexpected words. It's like you are writing along and a sudden aha moment comes with just that one thought and you can't seem to type fast enough.
ReplyDeleteDorothy I don't think the thrill ever goes away either.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by.
Hi, Carma,
ReplyDeleteI could relate to this..."You are sitting at the keyboard or writing pad. Tapping your toe; thinking; “I wonder if Diane is going to call me.” Your mind is wandering from one place to the next like the balls in a lotto drum going round and round and never landing."
I hate it when that happens. But then, suddenly... it's right there. The words do start coming, and you really can't seem to keep up with them. That's one of the most amazing feelings.
It's great to be a writer.
I hope you're having a great day, Carma. Take care.
Lisa Kirby
www.familyfunandfood.blogspot.com