throw another bear in the canoe - we are dust and shadows, under the naked light

we are dust and shadows, under the naked light

Jul. 13th, 2007 at 10:03 PM

Since this just came up in three different places in the space of the last five days--My Best Writing Advice (TM):

There are no Rules. There are only techniques that work, or don't work.

Sometimes they don't work because they are the wrong technique. Try something else; save that technique for another time.

Sometimes they don't work because you don't have the chops to pull them off yet. Try anyway.

You don't learn things you don't attempt. So go ahead and try: writing is not a performance art: if you break it, you can always go back and start over.

Mood: artistic

Comments

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tejolote wrote:

Jul. 14th, 2007 03:29 am (UTC)

I recommend Art & Fear as an adjunct to that advice.

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suricattus wrote:

Jul. 14th, 2007 03:30 am (UTC)

Bear is wise. Or perhaps 'merely' experienced.

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writing is not a performance art: if you break it, you can always go back and start over.

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which leads into my best writing (as opposed to publishing) advice: when it stops working, go back to the place it last worked and start again from there. Simple yet annoyingly effective.

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matociquala wrote:

Jul. 14th, 2007 03:32 am (UTC)

That's good advice.

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deliasherman wrote:

Jul. 14th, 2007 01:04 pm (UTC)

It's all good advice. As a matter of fact, I have tucked it into my back brain, from whence it will inevitably emerge during Clarion week after next. I will cite my source, of course.

Have you thought of teaching, oh wise one?

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matociquala wrote:

Jul. 14th, 2007 01:10 pm (UTC)

Me or Laura Anne?

I don't have a degree: nobody would hire me. But I am an instructor at VP this year, and I'm hoping I don't ruin anybody's life.future career. eeee!

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anachred wrote:

Jul. 14th, 2007 02:45 pm (UTC)

Surely with such moderating words as that to keep in mind we won't have to worry about it too much.

I'm always big on balanced advice. ^_^

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matociquala wrote:

Jul. 14th, 2007 04:10 pm (UTC)

;-)

I will try not to break anybody.

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suricattus wrote:

Jul. 15th, 2007 09:14 am (UTC)

I do teach, periodically. I like it, but not as much as writing. They keep wanting me to do paperwork...

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kazdreamer wrote:

Jul. 14th, 2007 01:02 pm (UTC)

*nods* You really *are* a wise Bear. It's the 'simple' advice that often works the best. I'm learning all the time - thanks for passing on your experience.

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