This book sounds very interesting. You have written a compelling review. I feel that once I indulge, I may, however, (as I wipe the grime from other pursuits from the creases of my hands) be ridden with the guilt of creative responsibility for not writing more. Or at least learning how to write more correctly.
When I was first learning to write, I read so many books about writing...and re-read. Then I got to a point at which I'd rather write than read. I'll now pick up books and read when I feel I need to hear some other voice. I never feel compelled to read the whole. THIS book I did--the timing was just right! It had a lot to say to me, that I needed/wanted to hear! But your phrase "more correctly" makes me pause... as does "ridden with guilt"! I get the striving to read and write for the purpose of "serving the story" you are working on. So what is "right" for the story. That's different than "correct." Lyle, have you had time to read the piece about Optimal Writing Time? Or maybe you've been too busy writing! Which would be good. I appreciate you taking time to comment.
I appreciate hearing from you that you often don't finish a book. I regularly find myself in that situation over the past two or three years. Even with books I am finding quite interesting. I have thought this quite odd as I have always enjoyed reading.
My comments about ridden with guilt etc. were said, in part, in jest. I have discovered that my energy and interest patterns compel me (generally) to intensely focus on whatever it is that is the main thing in my life at that time. I find that I get the most amount of satisfaction in that activity if I apply most of my energy to that thing for the duration that it "requires", sometimes at the expense of other things ('cause you can't do everything, all the time).
Writing, for me, is like that too. Sometimes I wake up at 3 or 4 am and am compelled to write, and I don't want to stop until I have explored that theme fully, and exhausted the thoughts that I had been contemplating. Other times it may be months of focus, such as compiling and re-presenting the noblemen, rogues and villians found within our family history, for posterity as well as more ready consumption by younger people.
"The Projects" I tackle become like children (although generally I dislike anthropomorphizing things), - needy and sometimes aggravating but also opportunities for learning, accomplishment and great joy. And I usually find myself with more than one child on hand.
My task, as I see it (and yes, I did read your piece about optimal writing time), is to wrap up some of my other distractions/projects/children to make room for some more binge writing time..... and I look forward to that. Engaging with you and the "Unschool" has given me some excitement and motivation around working with another, different child. Completing some things rather than neglecting the ones that I have already committed to. There are certainly some projects that I want to explore in word, and give concerted attention to, once I begin. I thank you for setting this program up as I feel that I moving in that direction.
My College/Uni education is in the visual arts and so "The Gift" is interesting to me from that perspective as well as the writing perspective. Creativity as a concept, as well as a responsibility. I have been reading Jordan Peterson ("12 More Rules For Life") lately. Like your comment about Lewis Hyde, Peterson goes the long way around to get to his point, and many times you almost think he has lost it, just before he brings it home with the band playing.
I think people/writers who are pulling from a background of breadth tend to do that circuitous thing...but it can be so worthwhile sitting back to absorb, see where they go, with disparate elements. Likewise the connecting of different forms of art, so visual with text. Being an artist and being a parent, nurturing and so much more, have commonalities. I'm glad that this site is working for you! I'm at work on a few things, including the first monthly newsletter, to post on the weekend. Thank you for communicating!
This book sounds very interesting. You have written a compelling review. I feel that once I indulge, I may, however, (as I wipe the grime from other pursuits from the creases of my hands) be ridden with the guilt of creative responsibility for not writing more. Or at least learning how to write more correctly.
When I was first learning to write, I read so many books about writing...and re-read. Then I got to a point at which I'd rather write than read. I'll now pick up books and read when I feel I need to hear some other voice. I never feel compelled to read the whole. THIS book I did--the timing was just right! It had a lot to say to me, that I needed/wanted to hear! But your phrase "more correctly" makes me pause... as does "ridden with guilt"! I get the striving to read and write for the purpose of "serving the story" you are working on. So what is "right" for the story. That's different than "correct." Lyle, have you had time to read the piece about Optimal Writing Time? Or maybe you've been too busy writing! Which would be good. I appreciate you taking time to comment.
Good morning, Alison,
I appreciate hearing from you that you often don't finish a book. I regularly find myself in that situation over the past two or three years. Even with books I am finding quite interesting. I have thought this quite odd as I have always enjoyed reading.
My comments about ridden with guilt etc. were said, in part, in jest. I have discovered that my energy and interest patterns compel me (generally) to intensely focus on whatever it is that is the main thing in my life at that time. I find that I get the most amount of satisfaction in that activity if I apply most of my energy to that thing for the duration that it "requires", sometimes at the expense of other things ('cause you can't do everything, all the time).
Writing, for me, is like that too. Sometimes I wake up at 3 or 4 am and am compelled to write, and I don't want to stop until I have explored that theme fully, and exhausted the thoughts that I had been contemplating. Other times it may be months of focus, such as compiling and re-presenting the noblemen, rogues and villians found within our family history, for posterity as well as more ready consumption by younger people.
"The Projects" I tackle become like children (although generally I dislike anthropomorphizing things), - needy and sometimes aggravating but also opportunities for learning, accomplishment and great joy. And I usually find myself with more than one child on hand.
My task, as I see it (and yes, I did read your piece about optimal writing time), is to wrap up some of my other distractions/projects/children to make room for some more binge writing time..... and I look forward to that. Engaging with you and the "Unschool" has given me some excitement and motivation around working with another, different child. Completing some things rather than neglecting the ones that I have already committed to. There are certainly some projects that I want to explore in word, and give concerted attention to, once I begin. I thank you for setting this program up as I feel that I moving in that direction.
My College/Uni education is in the visual arts and so "The Gift" is interesting to me from that perspective as well as the writing perspective. Creativity as a concept, as well as a responsibility. I have been reading Jordan Peterson ("12 More Rules For Life") lately. Like your comment about Lewis Hyde, Peterson goes the long way around to get to his point, and many times you almost think he has lost it, just before he brings it home with the band playing.
Thanks
I think people/writers who are pulling from a background of breadth tend to do that circuitous thing...but it can be so worthwhile sitting back to absorb, see where they go, with disparate elements. Likewise the connecting of different forms of art, so visual with text. Being an artist and being a parent, nurturing and so much more, have commonalities. I'm glad that this site is working for you! I'm at work on a few things, including the first monthly newsletter, to post on the weekend. Thank you for communicating!