This is going to be a short post, and not just because I've shopping
to do, a house to clean, and food to start preparing, but because those of you
who are celebrating festivals probably don’t have writing advice high on their
list of priorities for Christmas Eve. So, today, just a few thoughts on
writing fiction.
To start with there's no rule that says you can’t just sit down and write a novel.
After all, we use language every day, and most of us have been doing so for a
number of years, so using words is a skill we mastered as children. Nonetheless, you can find innumerable courses, books,
retreats and groups where you can practice and hone your writing skills, as well
as getting (hopefully) constructive feedback.
However, creative endeavours have several aspects. First
there is the preliminary phase of incubation/rumination; next
the absorbing active productive period; finally the contemplative/reflective
stage. A good question is what do we get out of these enterprises, other than
the activity itself? Producing work, whether art, music or literature (or even finger puppets) that you view as successful is a challenge. And it may be that wider public acknowledgement
or reciprocation never comes.
So why do people rack up, for example, eight nano
novels? It must be because the enjoyment in doing the activity outweighs
anything else, including the effort involved in transcribing and expanding something
which can, in the beginning, be no more than a glimpse of an idea. A certain amount of
self-belief, which may or may not be justified, investment of your time and a
determination to improve are definitely needed. Yet none of these criteria act
as a deterrent when a story begins to live in a writer’s imagination and the
urge to share it with others takes precedence.
I think we undertake these pursuits because,
ultimately, we find them deeply satisfying. For me writing is about emotion,
with the character, plot and setting aimed at eliciting a particular response
from the reader. Each writer starts and ends their writing journey in a
separate place, and although we share certain commonalities, each journey, just
like each individual, is unique.
Today’s
Haiku
WINTER
snow lies on the ground
one red apple left hanging –
blackbird finds a feast
Useful links:
If you’re looking for a gift for someone who has a
kindle, check out these two links:
http://amzn.to/197yrbN Roads Taken (5 great short stories) by M.
Joaquim
Check out these two links if you’re feeling down –
laughter’s a great medicine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57dzaMaouXA
I would like to wish everyone, especially the six people who
clicked the follow button on this page, my friends on Twitter and in the Google + communities, and anyone who reads this blog, a
great Christmas - may you all be merry and bright - and a brilliant 2014!
Join me on Twitter at: teagankearney@modhaiku
To all story lovers out there, good reading, and to
those of you who write, good writing.
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