I've been writing creatively in earnest, on a regular basis, for nearly 4 months now. I thought it was time to take a little time to reflect on my experience with writing so far.
1. I have noticed in the past few weeks that writing regularly makes me experience reading differently. Sentences hold my attention longer. I'm more patient with them. I am more curious about where the writer is taking me. I see the sentence as a construction, some good, some better, some that need work. Overall, it makes reading each one a fun, navigation activity. Last week I read the book, Before I Go To Sleep by first time novelist, S.J.Watson. It is a brilliant thriller that you've probably already heard lots about. You should read it. As I read, I started to feel a little like I was reading it from backstage. I still thoroughly enjoyed it as a reader, but in some small way, I started to feel like a writer reading it, looking at the back of the set. Interesting.
2.I've been listening more intently. I have caught myself sitting very still as a conversation takes place just across the room. A stillness settles in and synapses start snapping. I have been listening better to my kids (still have a long way to go on that one), to people at the bus stop, to conversations that I otherwise would be dominating. I am getting to be a slightly better listener. I am also noticing that I am listening more and more intently to what is not being said. I am still not a great listener, just better.
Everything in writing begins with language. Language begins with listening. -Jeanette Winterson
3. I've been trusting my voice more. I do not always know where the writing of words is going to take me. I'm more willing to find out and more confident that it is worth the effort.
4. Finally, writing, however little, has made me more alert. Not RED HOT alert, just tingly alert--alert to subtle changes in my environment. It creates more conditions for noticing things that I normally look past. I am more prepared to stop what I'm doing and turn my head. Taking more photos has helped with this too. For me photos and writing are partners in my creative activities.
1. I have noticed in the past few weeks that writing regularly makes me experience reading differently. Sentences hold my attention longer. I'm more patient with them. I am more curious about where the writer is taking me. I see the sentence as a construction, some good, some better, some that need work. Overall, it makes reading each one a fun, navigation activity. Last week I read the book, Before I Go To Sleep by first time novelist, S.J.Watson. It is a brilliant thriller that you've probably already heard lots about. You should read it. As I read, I started to feel a little like I was reading it from backstage. I still thoroughly enjoyed it as a reader, but in some small way, I started to feel like a writer reading it, looking at the back of the set. Interesting.
2.I've been listening more intently. I have caught myself sitting very still as a conversation takes place just across the room. A stillness settles in and synapses start snapping. I have been listening better to my kids (still have a long way to go on that one), to people at the bus stop, to conversations that I otherwise would be dominating. I am getting to be a slightly better listener. I am also noticing that I am listening more and more intently to what is not being said. I am still not a great listener, just better.
3. I've been trusting my voice more. I do not always know where the writing of words is going to take me. I'm more willing to find out and more confident that it is worth the effort.
4. Finally, writing, however little, has made me more alert. Not RED HOT alert, just tingly alert--alert to subtle changes in my environment. It creates more conditions for noticing things that I normally look past. I am more prepared to stop what I'm doing and turn my head. Taking more photos has helped with this too. For me photos and writing are partners in my creative activities.
What's invisible to us is also crucial for our own well-being. -Jeanette Winterson
sounds fantastic. no pun intended. I'm glad you are taking your writing so seriously, it is good to do.
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