I would say writers write for different reasons. Some for pleasure or to share one's thoughts, to express an opinion or document an important event. To tell a story. While writing can be for pleasure and earn one a measure of self -satisfaction, it can also be darn hard work. Sometimes, the real challenge can be in just getting started.
William Sryron is quoted as saying,
I certainly don't (enjoy writing). I get a fine warm feeling when I'm doing well, but that pleasure is pretty much negated by the pain of getting started each day. Let's face it, writing is hell.
Bill Roorbach in his book , Writing Life Stories poses the question, Why is it so hard to sit down and
write ?
His answer, great expectations for one thing. Roorbach says to compound the problem, partners and friends and parents are caught up in the old myth of talent: You have it or you don't and there's no sense in struggling along if your first efforts aren't Shakespeare or (more to the point, since we're talking about memoir here ) Annie Dillard, John Hersey or Frank McCourt).
Roorbach continues, So often what's missing is compassion: compassion for the poor soul show turns to writing after a long day of less satisfying work;compassion for the creative one, who can't resist till the story is made, even while those around him play;compassion for the learner,too, the person who at any age sits down to write thinking she already has what it takes, only to discover, as all good writers continually do, that there is still a lot to learn; compassion, in the end , for you gentle writer, you yourself.
To help you get started, here are a few tips:
* Find a clean, well lighted place
* Reading and writing
a. writers write
b. writers read
* First Lines - make each opening compelling, and catch the reader
*Writing schedule - find and defend time to do the writing
Writers, like runners running a race can't get to the finish line unless they first start at the gate.
William Sryron is quoted as saying,
I certainly don't (enjoy writing). I get a fine warm feeling when I'm doing well, but that pleasure is pretty much negated by the pain of getting started each day. Let's face it, writing is hell.
Bill Roorbach in his book , Writing Life Stories poses the question, Why is it so hard to sit down and
write ?
His answer, great expectations for one thing. Roorbach says to compound the problem, partners and friends and parents are caught up in the old myth of talent: You have it or you don't and there's no sense in struggling along if your first efforts aren't Shakespeare or (more to the point, since we're talking about memoir here ) Annie Dillard, John Hersey or Frank McCourt).
Roorbach continues, So often what's missing is compassion: compassion for the poor soul show turns to writing after a long day of less satisfying work;compassion for the creative one, who can't resist till the story is made, even while those around him play;compassion for the learner,too, the person who at any age sits down to write thinking she already has what it takes, only to discover, as all good writers continually do, that there is still a lot to learn; compassion, in the end , for you gentle writer, you yourself.
To help you get started, here are a few tips:
* Find a clean, well lighted place
* Reading and writing
a. writers write
b. writers read
* First Lines - make each opening compelling, and catch the reader
*Writing schedule - find and defend time to do the writing
Writers, like runners running a race can't get to the finish line unless they first start at the gate.
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