Writing is never an easy procedure; in fact I even had trouble getting this blog started. There is always that underlying question of what to write about. Whether writing a blog or a novel, there are different ways to come about starting the process, it is just the matter of getting to that point that makes it so hard.
When reading all three passages I was very interested in how the material was different yet they were all basically relaying the same ideas about the writing process. All three authors essentially said that getting started as a writer flat out sucks but once you find out your mode of transportation, it’s an easy ride towards the finish line. The one that I can relate to the most is “Shitty First Drafts” by Anne Lamott. Her idea about how “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts” is extremely true. Especially to me because almost every essay or short story I have ever written, had a pretty shitty first draft. It’s getting around the idea that it’s just a first draft that is so bothersome. It is not impossible though, Anne Lamott proves to us that even through all her struggles with critiquing, the voices in her head telling her she cannot do it or even her own voice telling her she can’t, she got through it and eventually we all seem to.
I know there was many a night where I would be up until two in the morning trying to perfect a critical lens or a descriptive narrative. Meditation could have done me some good but of course I would never think to do that. Jon Kabat-Zinn writes about the “Praise of Non-Doing” and how it is an effortless activity. How there is a difference between non-doing and not doing anything “consciousness and intention matter her. In fact they are key”. I believe that everyone should take a moment out and practice this non-doing. It might help clear the mind, which is not only good for writing but good for living in general.
I have a journal which I only open when “talking about it” just won’t do. In the passage “How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives” by Louise DeSalvo the author tells a story about writing down emotions instead of describing actual events is the most helpful in even the most traumatizing events stricken you. Having a journal with some of the most dramatic and secretive moments in my life honestly helped me get through the day to day struggles that most teens endure. I highly recommend keeping one, even if not, write down your feeling when you can might surprise yourself and who doesn’t like surprises?
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I wrote about very similar ideas from the readings. I completely agree about the whole blog writing process and getting started. It took me countless hours of reading blogs and getting ideas from other experienced bloggers to some what understand how to write a blog. It's not as easy as it looks. I think everyone, myself included, writes horrible first drafts. It seems impossible to have a perfect paper on he first try. I like the part at the end where you say "and who doesn't like surprises?" I can relate to this because I always surprise myself when I write my feelings on paper. Then I suddenly feel better.
ReplyDeleteAlong with you, I also would write in a personal journal that would let me get all of the emotions out of my head and onto the paper. Back in middle school my grade made “prayer journals” where we could write anything and everything down knowing that noone would be seeing it. I was surprised at how great I felt after opening up. It’s hard letting people in which I why I only truly trust one other person who I can tell anything to without being judged. It’s good that you kept up with your journal because it really is helpful to get everything out.
ReplyDeleteIts funny to me that in the begining of your essay you write about how even this blog was difficut to start, and it is only funny because i had the same problem. Whether it is writting a blog or an essay it is always difficult to get started. (maybe we can attept non-doing and that will get us focused to start our writting processes)
ReplyDeleteCaroline,
ReplyDeleteI also had trouble getting started with this blog and it was hard for me to believe that you did also, only because it was very well written.
I also enjoyed reading "Shitty First Drafts" because I could relate to it. I used to hate writing drafts and thought they were pointless, but now I see that they can be very helpful in the writing process.