There are so many little details that make up a writer. What do you look for? Today, we will talk mainly about personality traits that you can come to expect. If you're a writer, this may make you laugh and giggle a little at yourself. I know it did for me.
So get out your copy of Writing Down the Bones and dig in. Time to join the conversation. I'd love to hear your feedback.
Living Twice
pp. 53-54
Writers live twice. Once when they experience it, and the second time they relive it through their recollection of it. When speaking reflectively, perhaps they relive it 2, 10, or 25 times focusing on tiny snip-its of scenes and recreating it for their readers.
Do you remember a time when you used recollection as the topic for a story or poem? What was your process? Did you enjoy it? Share with us your journey below.
Writers Have Good Figures
pp. 55-56
What many people don't realize is that writing is a physical act. You can tell a true writer by their posture, or the way they sit when they approach their craft. As they get used to it, their handwriting gets broader and looser. Their faces more relaxed. Do not be afraid to let this process happen. It is sort of a workout, but remember it is more of a marathon than a sprint.
What are some of the aches and pains you experience as a writer? What do you do to alleviate some of them? Please share it with us in the comments section below.
Listening
pp. 62-64
Goldberg was born tone deaf. As she grew older, she learned that there is no such thing as being tone deaf. Learning music is 90% listening. In this essay, Goldberg suggests that writing is the same way. If we truly listen to those around us, we will emerge to be the writers we are meant to be. Goldberg states that there are only three essential skills as writers: 1) Read a lot, 2) Listen intently, and 3)write. Don't over-analyse everything, or think too much.
Do you agree with Goldberg? Do you think we only need those three skills, or do you think that there is more to it than that? I'd love to hear your thoughts. So join the conversation!
pp. 60-61
Analogy: If you are writing about a scene in a restaurant, don't stray from your characters talking and thus creating your dialogue to a fly on the wall or a napkin. Your readers don't need to know about the fly in minute detail, so try very hard to stay focused. You can love the fly if you want to, you can think that it's pretty, but please, oh please, don't marry it. Don't let the fly define your writing.
Have you ever gotten side-tracked as a writer? Would you share it with us? I try to keep some of these distractions in a separate file, because I might be able to use that information later. What do you do? Please share in the journey. Share with us your writing process in the comments section below.
For next week, we will cover pp. 62-74. Please join in with us at any time. The beauty of this book is that it doesn't have to be read in a particular order. You can just read an essay here and there to reflect on it.
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