Linda Seger writes in her book “Make a good writer great” that one thing that differs between a great writer and one that is just good, is that a great writer knows when to write and knows how to kick start the creative flow.
A great writer knows how and when to write.
I read this book a few years back and have since then used some of her writing exercises. I still lack some of the discipline needed, but there have been improvements and I have taken small, small steps towards greatness, I hope.
Yesterday I flipped through pages of the book, recalling things I read.
I have a way to start my creative flow, although I am yet too eager and dive into writing on the script too soon. But my main problem is that I don’t own my time. When to write is strictly limited. There is no solution for that in the book.
Unfortunately Linda Seger presumes that we are all able to support ourselves on our writing as “good” writers. Maybe she should. Maybe I should quit my job.
But I have a family.
I talked to a scriptwriter who told me that when he worked he closed the door and didn’t let anybody in and only came out to eat. And he did that about a month at a time. He on the other hand didn’t have small children. Would he really do that if he had a little one calling for daddy on the other side of the door?
I love my family.
Does this mean that I can never become great? Or does it mean that it only will take me longer to get there? Come on, there are lots of parents out there. Are we all lost cases?
6 comments:
Oh, my golly ~ I'm just in from lunch, found that you had added me as a friend, and peeked into your blog. No time (!!!) now for further reading - there are those constraints you spoke of. But I'll be back, believe me!
Linda
You are so welcome.
Desiree, I understand these sentiments all too well. I am attempting to put together a stage play, so I understand. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Good luck with your play.
I try to accept that it takes longer time to write, but sometimes my finger itches a little too much when there is no time for such things.
But the kids give me so much fun.
Hi, Desiree,
It's been raining like crazy this monring and (since I work outdoors, varnishing boats) I had a bit of extra time to read and ponder your entry.
I work full time, with my own business, and care for my elderly mother. Those time constraints surely are there for me, too.
One way around it, I've found, is to use the time when I can't actually write to think! I keep a notebook with me, always. Every now and then a phrase, a word or two, an idea just pops up, and if I write it down, it's there to jumpstart the process later.
It's a little thing - but a girl does what she can!
Yes, what would we do without our notebooks?
Thinking is a major part of the job so maybe there is hope if we at least have time for that, what do you say?
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