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On Writing…
Writing has been described as the paring of opposites, a joyful participation
in the sorrows.
When one decides to become a writer, one makes an agreement; an agreement above
God, the universe, ones self or whoever. It is an agreement made with your writing;
to make a reflection; a mirror held up to the face of God the universe, ones
self. What are the reasons a writer writes? Is it for money, fame, popularity?
Some write to be thought of as a writer. I find this often when talking with
young writers who have trouble coming to terms with the idea that a first draft
is just that, a first draft. Writing is re-writing; you've got to be
prepared to put in the flight hours. Charles Bukowski said it best, (and who
am I to think I could say it better), "Unless it comes out of your soul like
a rocket, unless being still would drive you to madness or suicide or murder,
don't do it."
Writing is an arduous task, many hours are spent in solitude before
one's work sees the light of day. Because of this, the writer often
lives in the shadow of doubt, indecision and uncertainty which can lead
to feelings of detachment and depression.
In light of this, if you have no other choice, if the writing has chosen you,
if remaining silent is paramount to alienation, if it's the first thing you
think of in the morning and the last thing you think of before sleep, then write.
To become a writer is to make a moral obligation to put it in the forefront
of everything in your life. And if the writer finds this true, the table that
supports the feelings of doubt, indecision, and uncertainty will have no legs.
Writing acquires meaning through sincerity; writing for money, fame, popularity,
one could never hope for the legitimate artifact. Every attempt to shortcut
the process denies the writer of ones true nature, of ones fire.
It's been said that writers should, before they sit down and confront the blank
screen or the blank piece of paper, ask themselves, 'is this writing necessary?'
I believe that if you are sincere about pursuing your craft as aforementioned,
this question is speculative. If you are certain in the pursuit of your art,
I feel it is pointless and somewhat corrupting to second guess ones self at
every turn.
In the art of my writing, I find myself in a constant struggle to perfect my
mechanical skill yet not to dilute my work. Every day I find myself walking
the fine line between craft and communication. I've found that writers who are
obsessed with the mechanics, grammar, punctuation, spelling etc., lack true
creative vision. This is not to say that grammar, punctuation, spelling are
not essential, but they have their place in the final draft. Don't let formalities
obscure your creative vision; while in the trawls of the creative process, energy
is more important than perfection. Your prose should be alive, life has flaws.
Even insomuch as the final product, I would choose fire and life over perfect
grammar. As a writer, ask yourself this: 'Am I a story teller or an English
teacher?'
48.1
Last Updated: 9.11.2007
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