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Crowing along the way with wisdom and practical advice |
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All of these entries were originally posted in my Newsfeed. Feedback welcome! Feel free to read and review any and all of them! |
| STORIES AMONG THE NOTES I have always believed that cold writing (writing that has no particular objective in view) is not only excellent practice but also contains the seeds of multiple stories, articles, or poems. The initial thought you begin with may well meander through many a convolution as though it had no certain destination in mind. But then, almost without notice, the sprout of an idea appears as something that could grow into a full-fledged work of writing art. The funny thing is, you probably never saw it coming. Cold writing notes often start in one place and end in quite another. Those notes that randomly alighted from your finger are so often full of promise, but we must give that promise time to manifest. Never conclude that your efforts are in vain. As the panner for gold continues to sift through the waters and rocks in anticipation of his prize, the writer continues to write until he spies that special glint among his words. First shared here: "Note: STORIES AMONG THE NOTES
I have always be..." |
| IT'S THE READING THAT COUNTS Every author on Writing.com loves to receive reviews from their fellow writers. We all look forward to those little gifts left in our inbox. But consider with me for a moment as to what you would rather have, three hundred views or thirty reviews? Everyone knows that they get more views than they do reviews. So, you might think to ask yourself, which is more important? Don't get me wrong, I appreciate good reviews as much as anyone. But I am caused at times to wonder what they really prove. Of course, if a review is well done, it can be of great help to the author. On the other hand, there are reviews that give the writer no insight at all as to the quality of the work. I have received reviews from one reviewer that is worded the exact same way each and every time. In such a case they wouldn't even have to read the work. I care nothing for such reviews. And that brings me back to my original point, that is two say, that views may bring much greater rewards than reviews. Considering that those who view your works actually read them, there is the audience to which all writers aspier. When you compare views to reviews the views will always come out on top. And that's what authors really want; they desire that people read their work. If one of those readers takes the time to give helpful comments, that's all well and good. If not, at least your work is being viewed, and that's great. First shared here: "Note: IT'S THE READING THAT COUNTS
Every a...". |
| A LITTLE ABOUT WRITER'S BLOCK Every writer fears the dreaded 'writer's block' and every baseball player dreads falling into a 'batting slump'. Most have heard these terms used to describe a place where one is stuck. In fact, this writer does not believe that either one of these conditions actually exist. There is nothing that bridles the writer from writing or the batter from batting. There is nothing, that is, except the belief of their mind. Lets talk about writing for the remainder of our time together and leave batting to the sports page. Writers are continuously discussing the, so called, writer's block. It could be this incessant discussion which has solidified belief in the condition. But again, writer's block does not exist except in the belief system of the writer. If a writer's well of ideas has seemed to dry up, maybe he or she should search for the water of inspiration elsewhere. As most writers know, reading is always a good place to explore for fresh ideas. All writers should be avid readers. The reading list should be as eclectic as personal interest will tolerate. Never get stuck on one subject unless that is all you plan to write about. Yet another way to get those mental juices pumping is by 'cold writing'. The writer sits down at the typewriter or laptop and begins writing. Have some idea of what you wish your first sentence to say and then let the subconscious mind take it from there. Don't attempt to force the process. Let the idea manifest on it own. Ideas are like toast in a toaster, they will pop up when they're ready. And remember, give yourself time to think. Time spent in contemplation is priceless. First shared here: "Note: A LITTLE ABOUT WRITER'S BLOCK
Every..." |
| A RENDING OF FLESH Some would say that you haven't been truly reviewed until a reviewer with professional experience takes a scalpel to one of your works. What is such a professional? We could consider former editors, journalist, and those who have degrees in the mechanics of English composition. Once a reviewer with a command of composition takes a fine blade to your work, you should begin to see things in a completely different light. Of course, you may feel seriously threatened by such magnified scrutiny of what you have written. It is difficult to see your words excised, and what you thought was muscle to the body of your prose, cut away. It hurts like a rending of flesh. It is, in fact, the best thing that could happen. You should learn from the experience and become a better writer for it. It is very important that you do not respond in anger and a spirit of dismissal. Do your very best to receive any criticism in the most positive light. No, it isn't easy, but it could mean the difference between improving or spinning in the deepening rut of repeated mistakes First shared here: "Note: A RENDING OF FLESH
Some would say that you hav..." |
| MISTAKES Making mistakes in this life is part and parcel of being human. Everyone makes mistakes. Some are harmless enough, while others can cost more than you are able to pay. Wouldn't it be a sweet life if we could sail through with a spotless ledger? Unfortunately, such is not a part of our reality. Now, it is one thing to make mistakes and quite another to forgive one's self for having made them. The truth of the matter is, we should all give ourselves a break. Who among us has not done something that, in hindsight we wonder how we could have done. We look back and realize how foolish it was of us. That is usually the point at which we begin our recriminations. In most situations the best thing - and sometimes the most difficult thing - is to own up to the mistake and go on from there. We shouldn't beat ourselves up about it. It's easy to say that we shouldn't be so hard on ourselves, but, for many of us, our self-chastisement had it beginnings in our youth. The problem is, we had no understanding that we were being set up for lifelong self-ridicule. The danger for many is that self-slamming can cause low self-esteem and a constant fear of rejection. For a writer, such existing conditions can be most crippling. They can even go so far as to stop writing dead in its tracks. Now then, step out into the light. Take all criticism with a little salt. Keep and learn from what is of value. Harsh raillery, set aside. Learn from the good and the bad. Most of all, don't expect that you will always get it right. First shared: "Note: MISTAKES
Making mistakes in this life is part ..." |
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