WHAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM STARING INTO THE BOTTOM OF AN INKWELL

written by: Delphoric

on: 11/2/04


This morning, while getting dressed and ready to go to work, I started thinking about everything I have learned from my time spent creating works of literature. I have been writing nearly constantly for the past twelve years. This is just some of what I have learned on my on going journey on the creative writing highway.

Just say no to self-degradation:

How many times have we seen this in the description line: “I know this poem/prose sucks, but I posted it anyways”. Discrediting your work before your audience has even read it creates the mind set that your work of art must not be good. The reader goes into the reading process with a negative image.

Try instead describing the influences that inspired the poem/prose. Give the read some idea of the thought process that went into the creation of said literature. Form a bond with the reader through a witty description that will give them a positive mindset which they carry into the reading of your work. Understanding the inspiration of a story or poem can only lead to the reader finding things in common with the what they are reading. Thus heightening their appreciation of your work.

Read…. Read…. Read….

Inspiration is the key to good creative writing. If you want to be a good writer, read. A lot of the key mechanics of plot, structure, narrative, and character development, can be learned by just reading. I am not saying to adopt someone else’s style, merely see how some of the world’s best writers style their poetry and fiction then use that as a loose guideline for creating your own style. Eventually you will become comfortable with the style of writing you have found and it will continue to mold and shape into a technique all your own. This idea ties closely into the next topic:

Know thy audience, know thy self

“The Art of War” by Sun Tzu, made famous the military tactical saying “Know thy enemy, know thy self”. Even though Sun Tzu’s classic text referred to warfare, the basic meaning can be translated to creative writing. When you look in the mirror do you recognize the face looking back at you? Do you know yourself beyond skin deep?

Knowing yourself when applied to the writing process means you know your strengths and weaknesses in your writing. Good with characterization but not so much with describing the landscape or layout of a room? Make characters that the reader can relate to -- realistically loveable or loath able, for example. In poetry “less is more”. Where prose writers rely on heavy description of situations and characters, presenting their stories in great detail, poetry writers practice adopting a style of restraint. Opting to uses strong imagery to convey their topic to the audience through structured writing.

Knowing your audience is the first step in the basic creative writing process. You have to know who you are targeting with your work. Writers can be selfish to a point, but a successful writer will be selfless. Armed with knowledge of the types of stories and poetry that you like to read and writing in that style is not only gratifying, but your enjoyment of what you are writing will increase quality of writing.

Bulldoze writers’ block

Keep writing even if inspiration is not going as easily at times. Writers’ block can be frustrating and the words placed on page may not live up to your expectations at times but write through it. Eventually you will break through the wall and your writers’ block will crumble.

A change of pace or trying a style different from one you would normally use are good tools for getting out of a creative slump. Instead of focusing on nature try looking at the industrial world. Try a romantic short story in place of a crime novel. Giving up will get you no where, so even when you don’t feel the creative itch pick up the pen and create anyway.

Smile and say thank you

Take criticism with a positive attitude. Understand that the person who has taken the extra time to analyze your work and point out some of the weaker points is only trying to help you improve. Take it as a compliment that they see enough potential in your literature to want to see you be the best you can be. Smile and say thank you for your advice, even if you don’t agree, and you don’t have to! That is the beauty of advice you can choose whether it is the right advice for you. Don’t respond negatively to help offered, especially if it is help that will allow you to grow as a writer.