Zestful Blog Post #184
These days when extraordinary, historic events occur,
everybody becomes a writer. Social media enables all of us to spew impassioned
opinions—joy, outrage, elation, despair—if we want to. And so many do. And free
speech is great.
But a real writer of either fiction or nonfiction takes a
much longer and deeper view of human affairs and human nature than most people.
A real writer is more curious than defensive. A real writer
explores. A real writer is ready to be surprised. A real writer never panics. A
real writer knows the world is in the work.
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The world is in the work. That's the challenge, getting writing friends to embrace this, when they feel the new "order" could open it's maws and swallow their lives whole.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if this works best with writers who write - no - matter - what.
Bright spot: going to Jane Friedman's blog this AM and seeing your pic as one of the featured writers who follow her on FB.
It's amazing how many are out there raising Cain, throwing words at the disappointment they feel, the hurt, the anger. I can't do that. I guess I am more introspective. I very rarely cry in front of anyone else, so I wouldn't spew words now in the public forum that I might want to take back later.
ReplyDeleteHey Cordia and BJ! Thanks for stopping by. Yeah, I suppose the more immersed one is in work, the better to deal with change of any kind. Also, I might note that a real writer isn't a drama queen (a term, BTW, that can be applied to either sex)...
ReplyDeleteOTOH, you may have started something with a "real writer." Better to write drama, than be it?
ReplyDeleteYou betcha, C.
ReplyDelete“Examine every word you put on paper. You'll find a surprising number that don’t serve any purpose.”
ReplyDelete―William Zinsser, On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction
Substitute "The Internet" for "paper" and think about it.
I like how you (and Zinsser) think, Tricia! Thanks for stopping in.
ReplyDelete