Sometimes as writers, we get in a rut just like everyone else. But how do you break out of it? This weeks entry talks about everything from experimenting with form, to working in a different space, to playing with your writing style, and moves onto your commitment to write. What are you willing to do to grow as a writer?
No matter what you do,life happens. At times, trying to write is next to impossible, and for many of us we continue you to compose in our minds.
Whatever the case my be, break out your copy of Writing Down the Bones and follow along with us. Don't forget to share with us what you find about writing and about life.
A Sensation of Space
pp. 133-135
If you want to write in a certain form, you must first read a lot of that form. If you want to write novels, then you need to read novels. If there is a particular genre within that sect, you should focus your reading there. For example, if you want to write a crime drama, you should read crime drama's and so on.
Also, pay attention to structures, A poet, for example, approaches his craft differently than than a novelist. A poet needs to use terse language and often, as a poet, I confess that I have re-worked my material for days, weeks, months, or even years. To get accomplished at any form, takes lots and lots of practice.
pp. 136-139
Goldberg went to teach another writing class to some students in a mid-west town in Minnesota. Most people from this region write very well. One student caught her attention because he got up and said the word masturbation slowly, and he also used different emphasis for the syllables.
When I took a marketing class at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference, we talked a lot about shocking BROCA. You need to find elements in your writing or on your person that will make you stand out. Things that will make them either remember you, or your writing.
While the commitment to write is important, don't allow yourself to become so regimented that you lose your identity and get lost among everyone else out there. Do something different, or at least approach it differently. It may be the breath of fresh air your writing needs.
pp. 140-143
This talks about letting life and writing have a flow back and forth in a seamless fashion. If you are forcing yourself to write every day, but don't have anything to say, don't be afraid to take a break. On a contrary note, don't take that break if you have a lot to say.
No Hindrances
pp. 144-146
Make a commitment to write every day, or at least most days. Stay flexible, but yet firm in the commitment to write.
Laurie Epps is a senior at Anderson University
majoring in Creative Writing. Already Laurie is most published as a feature
article writer, essayist, and poet. A seeker of beauty and world traveler,
Laurie hopes to grow into a career in travel writing illuminating the many
stories that make us human despite our differences. Currently, Laurie also has
a Thoughtful Thursday column dedicated to the fine art of poetry and a column
called Fiction to Film that is an accompaniment to English 365 at Anderson
University.
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