DEANNA MASCLE
has written professionally and taught writing for more than two decades. She publishes a newsletter for writers whether they write for fun or profit.
PS : to sponsor poetry
visit Poetry Sponsors
 |
DEANNA MASCLE
Myths About Writing
One common element whenever human beings gather is the need
to talk and share experiences.
Often that need turns into something a little more fun, a little more
dangerous -- gossip. Gossip is often fun but it can also be
dangerous because it spreads quickly (because it is fun) and often
distorts or even completely avoids the truth. Gossip creates myths
in many fields and professions, and the field of writing is
especially prone.
The top myths about writing are:
Myth 1: Writing is easy for some people. Let me tell you that
is just about the biggest myth going. I have been a professional
writer for going on three decades now. I also know many other
professional writers of various ages, experience, and income.
I don't know a writer that will tell you that writing is easy.
Writing is brutal, hard work and there are times when I think it
would be easier to simply open a vein as Red Smith said.
However experience and practice can make many writing tasks
easier. There are some writing tasks that I can almost
accomplish on autopilot because I have written that specific
format and/or topic a lot.
Myth 2: Writing requires talent. I won't lie. Talent can certainly
help and talent is what separates the great writers from the
good writers. But the truth is that talent is not enough to make
a writer great or even good and talent is not a necessary
requirement to be a good writer.
Writing is a skill that can be learned, developed and honed.
If you practice your craft, if you read the writing of others to
learn more about your craft, and if you seek and accept
guidance and suggestions about our writing then you will
improve and grow as a writer. Dedication harnessed with
talent can create amazing results but if I had to pick just
one then I would go with dedication. You can always increase
your skill level through dedication.
Myth 3: Writing isn't an useful skill. I have made my living
as a writer for my entire professional life but even if you do
not intend to make your living with words you will need this
crucial skill.
There simply isn't a profession that does not involve writing.
Perhaps the form will vary, but written communication is the
cornerstone in every professional field. Your writing ability
will often impact landing a job as well as advancing in your
career. Today written communication is even more crucial in
professional and personal relationships.
Myth 4: You can't make a living as a writer. I can remember
when I told my father that I wanted to be an English major
in college. He was very worried that I wouldn't be able to
support myself.
The truth is that I have never had trouble finding a job and
today I own my own business because of this flexible and
important skill. Not only can you make a living as a writer
but writing is an essential tool for many other careers and
professions.
Myth 5: Writer's block is alive and torturing writers as you
read this. I'm not dismissing the difficulties inherent in
dealing with writers block but whenever I talk with writers
purportedly suffering from it they fall within two general
groups.
The first group actually creates their own block by insisting
on the perfect place, mood, or alignment of planets in order
to write. This is beyond ridiculous. One of the many benefits
I gained from years of newsroom experience is the ability to
write in almost any condition or mood. Deadlines will teach
anyone how to give writers block short shrift.
For the second group I have more sympathy as their problem
really is internal in nature. sually the problem is that the
particular story (whether fiction or nonfiction) they want to
tell is not yet finished cooking in their brain. In this case,
while the writing may be stalled I don't agree that it is blocked.
The writer must listen to that inner voice and respond
appropriately. Sometimes the idea needs more time to
percolate and sometimes more research and/or planning
is necessary. Once the proper adjustments are made the
writing will begin to flow again.
Don't let your writing fall victim to these myths about writing.
©2006 DEANNA MASCLE |
 |
|
|
|
