'Step by Step Guides'

I have been reading this book called 'The Art of Creative Writing' by Lajos Egri.The ideas behind creating a wonderful piece of writing are clear and concise. Unfortunately, what if you are the type of writer who experiences some of what another author suggests, but not all? Are you not a prolific writer in your own right?

There are many helpful books on writing out there and don't get me wrong, this is a good one, however I am just questioning the validity of step by step manuals. Yes, in the right context these books can be helpful, especially the ones that inform you of new trends and contacts. Isn't writing all about reading? (It hones those research skills that all good writers have).

I sometimes feel as a writer that if I don't have shelves full of step by step manuals teaching me the best way to become a writer, than I am not a good writer. I understand the importance of supporting fellow writers, and having shelves of books that interest me, but bankrupting myself because 'how-to' guides are considered imperative, I do not think is the answer.

Well you may think differently but I agree that again in the right context they are useful, but good writing for me is 'practice'. Practicing the craft I love, helps me develop my writing; with mistakes comes building character and experience.

Lajos Egri's book is one of the good guides, one of many that adorn the shelves of book stores. While I am spending my money on books that are suppose to show me how to become a good writer(according to the views expressed by such authors), I am not spending time on writing and developing my own work.

So fellow writers, lets just practice our craft, send off submissions, and along the way avoid bankruptcy!

'Trust The Good Writer In You'

Writing analytically compared to writing creatively, has deemed a much harder task than I first thought. I am doing well, but trusting my analytical skills and my developed arguments, is much more perplexing.

Studying Film and Literature is fun and exciting, informative and useful for the evolution of my writing. I am unsure at times, if the little voice inside my head is a hindrance or that it keeps me grounded and determined to do well. Do all you writers out there feel the same or is it just me?

I find it very difficult to trust the good writer in me and progress past the doubt. Again I think this comes back to taking a complement and running with it. Finding my inner opinions and pushing them to the front of my essay writing is a skill I will need to improve on. I usually rely on the experts to back up my opinion; instead I must use them to only emphasise my argument.

What do you all think? Is 'trusting the good writer in you' a skill we are supposed to already possess or is it a learned skill?

Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993) once wrote:
'Plan your work and work your plan'

'Imagination'

I sit by the computer looking at all the books on my shelves, all the authors before me, contemplating my next story. Waiting for a visual cue for the next character who reveals themselves to me. It is fun, just to know that an intriguing plot and setting will come to the forefront of my consciousness.

I hadn't finished University for the year and my mind has been running wild with fields of sunflowers and a picture of the English country side in the '20s. Funny that! Considering I wasn't even born by the English countryside in the '20s. This is what I mean by my imagination running wild.

I find comfort in the fact that every writer has an imagination that takes them off into another realm, leave the present for a second and delve into the past or the future. I find myself disconnecting from the present in order to develop and journey alongside my central character, no one talk to me while I am out walking with my protagonist! I am sure my family think I am completely insane.

The only problem with being in this kind of mode, is the solitude in which a writer must be, to work. My imagination flows easier in the quiet, the peaceful essence of a silent house, gives inspiration to the characters in my mind.

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) once wrote:
I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society.

It is clear that his characters blossomed in the solitude. His imagination prevails in the silence. I guess my imagination does too!

Imagination, spring forth and take me walking through the sunflowers and the English countryside.