So after my long break I can thankfully say, I have been steadily writing. It's a relief in some ways and at the same time so natural for me. The act of putting words down to create some piece of art is one of the few things that can make me truly happy.
As with any other time I start something artistic I tend to grow contemplative. This time in particular I got to thinking about the information we take in as a writer.
There are so many things. Watch out for these tropes and cliches. What genre am I writing in? What audience am I writing for? Age group? What are agents looking for right now? What is the most successful voice currently for this genre or that? These and more are often floating around an authors mind the more into the business they are.
Am I saying this is not useful information? Of course not, it is smart to be aware of all of this. The problem comes in when we let these things rule our writing. When they start to take over. It reminds me of when studios come along and make a movie because of some other movie that did well. It happens a lot in all types of entertainment.
So what should rule your writing? You. Tell the story you want to tell. Know the tropes and cliches only so you can use them in a way you want to. There is a time to let the business or critical world of writing come in, I call that revisions. When you sit down to write that first draft, just write. Don't start your story with all of these boundaries. It is a good way to get bogged down before your first sentence is written.
Anyway, these are just some of my thoughts while writing. As always, have fun and keep writing.
I agree on one point here above all others. And that is when you sit down to write the first draft, just write. Write something so disturbing you'd be horrified for it to see the light of day. Write something so honest you wouldn't let anyone read it ever. Write something so god-awful you're embarrassed by it.
ReplyDeleteThat's the point of the first draft. For me, anyway.
Glad to hear you're back on your game.
I agree completely. The first draft is our later drafts we share.
DeleteI'm so glad you're in the groove. I love your drawings. I think it would be great if you did a children's book with your illustrations, or maybe a whimsical book for adults.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
That sounds fun. I did have someone ask me to illustrate something for them.
DeleteIf we become obsessed with the rules, we won't write.
ReplyDeletenot even a word.
DeleteI completely agree. When I think of all the "rules" of writing, it sucks away my creative energy. You have to tell the story you want to tell.
ReplyDeleteyep. Rules are good, but art pushes boundaries.
DeleteI try to ignore some of the "rules." I think it helps my writing, but then again, I'm hardly objective.
ReplyDeleteI know it helps mine.
DeleteGood thoughts! I'm a teenager, so right now it's my job to ignore rules. ;)
ReplyDelete"Now the tropes and cliches only so you can use them in a way you want to." Exactly! This is how I often address complaints of something being cliche. I'm all "how is it cliche?" and they're not really sure, only that it's been "done before." But everything's been done before. There is nothing new. And too a new audience who hasn't taken in a lot of stories yet may find the old elements fresh. Execution and knowing when to break the rules. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if you ever participate in "tagged" blog hops, but I went ahead and tagged you in The Tag You're It Blog Hop. Feel free to play along or not play along at your leisure. You just have to answer four questions and tag three others. My post is at: http://intotheravenousmaw.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-tag-youre-it-blog-hop.html
ReplyDelete