We are professional writers and hope you intend to sell a book or article.
We assume you have chosen to write for an audience. You
have decided to expose yourself, at least your thoughts, to the world.
Choosing to be a published or produced writer is no small matter. Writing is intellectual and emotional exhibitionism.
Regardless the
form of a work, it reveals thoughts and values of its creator. Even with
lies, exaggerations, and omissions, a writer cannot hide his or her thought
process. The moment the first word is recorded, the author becomes both
powerful and vulnerable. When people read, they try to guess who an author
is. What clues will you provide?
Readers create characters and settings in their minds, using the words of the writer as a guide. Some writers offer more details than others do, but words always leave something to the imagination. When words become a play or film, the audience creates more than they see. Writing is always a collaboration with readers, something a good writer never forgets.
You are in your works.
Something to Say
Artistic expression begins the moment you decide you
have something to say to other people. You believe you have a new insight
or a better way to express an idea. This is an instance of artistic ego.
There is nothing wrong with ego. Trust us, after a few rejections ego
is what keeps a professional writer or artist functioning.
What you have to say and your intended audience both dictate how you
write. Always keep these two questions in mind:
- What am I saying?
- To whom am I saying it?
We dedicate an entire session to these questions.
Private Moments
Even television series with teams of writers assign
stories to one or two writers; the teams convert the stories into scripts.
Writing tends to be a solitary activity. The writer sits
at a desk, or almost anywhere he or she can use a clipboard and notebook,
and writes. For many writers a
“flow” develops and they are lost in thought. They write
pages without pausing, each word leading naturally to the next. During
these periods an artist is like a marathon runner ignoring other runners
and everything else but the course ahead.
We know writers who have offices to avoid distractions. Others turn
off phone ringers, cell phones, and other annoyances. A writer might
listen to music, or even have a television on for background noise, but
he or she is focused on writing.
After the initial draft is written, writing becomes a team effort. There
are agents, publishers, editors, directors, publicists — all wanting
(and some demanding) influence over the final form.
Because you create alone, working to convey your opinions and your style,
it is essential you trust those who will alter your work. Ideally, they
help improve the work.
Personalities
As in any field, there are introverts and extroverts
in writing. Some writers enjoy the thrill of opening night, the first
book signing, or letters from fans. Others want to create, and then be
left alone to create again. The romantic image of the isolated writer, sitting
alone at a desk, writing by candlelight, does not reflect how most of us
work. (Some of us would like such quiet time, though!)
Private People
Some writers prefer privacy and anonymity, believing
they are exposed enough without media attentions. Studies have found
most, but not all, published writers are introverts. Psychologists theorize
writing allows introverts to communicate their views comfortably.
A handful of writers never reveal their names, either for concern of
privacy — or safety. Writers have been at the front of many social,
philosophical, and political movements. Words can motivate groups to
action, yet few writers aspire to leadership. Writers daring to challenge
political or social powers often believe they most hide their identities
to survive.
Thankfully, the people we know who have opted to use pseudonyms are
simply shy or attempting some creative marketing.
Media Hounds
Other writers crave attention in all forms, not only
through literary success. These writers develop and cultivate public
personas. Eventually, it becomes difficult to judge their works without
considering their popular images. However, these writers can be and sometimes
are as gifted as their publicity implies.
Exhibitionists All
It does not matter if a writer prefers quiet solitude
or the glare of the camera lights. He or she is still an exhibitionist
of the most radical nature.
Romance writers confront lust, loss, anger, and love on a regular basis.
How they portray these emotions and the related actions reveals something
about the authors. Each romance writer has a unique view of relationships.
Each genre exposes aspects of the authors in a different manner. Westerns
tend to reveal views on justice. Science fiction has a tradition of promoting
social values. Epics favor the importance of families and loyalty.
A master told his art students to stand nude before a mirror and sketch
what they saw.“I cannot reveal myself,” one protested.
“You are right,” the master agreed, “and you paintings
stink because of it.”
To be a writer, to be an artist, is to accept who you are and understand
that you have chosen to reveal yourself to others. Not all writings are
created to share, that is understandable, but some are. If you do not
want others to know your thoughts, you should not be a writer.
Writing as Art and Craft
As mentioned earlier, writing is a collaborative art between the author and the reader.