by John on May 27, 2008
I love words. I love the way that words can shape mental images and sway opinions. Because of this, I can recognize the bias behind what I’m about to tell you. (But I think I’m right anyway.) Writing is the foundation for creative expression.
It doesn’t matter what medium you choose, good creative expression is an expression of you. Art that is engaging is art that offers the soul of the artist. Writing is a means for each of us to be in touch with our own soul. And that is why it is so hard sometimes. But that is also why it is a discipline worth developing.
Over the past few months, I worked my way through On Writing Well, by William Zinsser. It is one of the classics about the art of writing, filled with practical advice on how to write more gooder. (See what I mean?)
But through all that practical advice, one theme stands out: writing is a personal transaction. The more you are present, the better it is. I’ve already posted one quote that emphasizes this. Here are two more, from early and late in the book:
- “Sell yourself, and your subject will exert its own appeal. Believe in your own identity and your own opinions. Writing is an act of ego, and you might as well admit it. Use its energy to keep yourself going.” (pg. 24)
- “My commodity as a writer, whatever I’m writing about, is me. And your commodity is you. Don’t alter your voice to fit your subject.” (pg. 233)
For some, writing might be limited to a personal exercise in the form of daily pages. Fair enough. But for most of us, the way we craft our words is critical to how we find and offer our voice. As your voice becomes more clear, your ideas and images become more engaging.
Popularity: 49% [?]
by John on May 12, 2008
A few weeks ago, I blogged about when “when” is bad. I meant to follow it right up with what you are about to read. But I had to wait until “when” I had time. It became a bad “when”. But “when” isn’t always bad.
I’ve previously written about using GTD before as a way of making creative space in my brain. It’s important to have a reliable way to capture ideas and to-dos so they aren’t rattling around in there. The more my mind is free, the more I can let it focus on creating or problem solving.
Creating space isn’t only valuable for the brain, but for the calendar as well. I find that I need to create blocks of time in my calendar to just get things done. I need to clear away distractions and concerns that might be looming over me. It is an exercise in creating space to “do”.
But just as important is the need to make space to “create”. This is the good kind of “when”. It is protected time to further develop that idea you had, that story you wanted to write, or painting that has been waiting for you. These are the projects that usually get pushed back because there is no external deadline.
Please don’t misunderstand. The good “when” is not a deadline you set for yourself. There are already enough deadlines in life. The good “when” comes when you block off some time in your calendar to just be, just create.
Now, go block off some time in your calendar. Do it in the next five minutes, or else…
Popularity: 50% [?]
by John on May 11, 2008
Writing for yourself is a powerful search mechanism: there’s no better way to find out who you are and what you know and what you think.
–William Zinsser, On Writing Well
Popularity: 45% [?]
by John on May 1, 2008
A few days ago, I stumbled on oneword. Here’s a description of the site:
simple. you’ll see one word at the top of the following page.
you have sixty seconds to write about it.
as soon as you click ‘go’ the page will load with the cursor in place.
don’t think. just write.
Sometimes, when in a rut, it helps to just break out and do something different. A fresh look.
oneword is a handy and quick way to do just that.
Popularity: 49% [?]