Human beings have been writing for a very long time. Ancient cave drawings show man's attempt to communicate with each other. It was their way of giving their "readers" an insight into their every day adventures.
We go to great lengths to get the word out. We think we have something worth writing about and we are confident that others will feel the same. So we write. About everything. Even when it might not be the best time to put pen to paper.
So when, exactly, is it wrong to write?
WHEN YOU ARE ANGRY. ..
Just because you think the world had done you wrong, doesn't necessarily mean you should write about it. Anger which fuels the motivation to create a life changing event is one thing...anger which fuels a rant about the injustice of the driver next to you cutting you off is simply a pity party.
WHEN YOU ARE ENDING A RELATIONSHIP...
Going through the pain of a relationship ending is bad enough without dragging it out on paper. Few of us can remain emotionally separated enough to be able to write about a broken relationship when we are in the middle of one. Words are committed to paper and thrown out into the world at a time when there is the highest chance for future regret.
WHEN YOU HAVE NOTHING WORTH SAYING...
By this, I mean those people who are so eager to get the word out...any word...that they simply slap some sentences together, tie it up in a pretty bow and carelessly throw it out on whatever public forum they come across. It makes me wonder if those "authors" think so little of THEMSELVES or do they think so little of US?
Good writing is like a fine wine. It takes time. Ideas have to grow and ripen before they can be harvested. Manuscripts have to be carefully processed and allowed to age until only the best work is produced. This can take years and only the best writers will have the patience to wait for the right moment before inviting the world to take a taste.
Only then is the time right to write!
Very true. Good points. I have certainly used writing as therapy, but only for myself - never to share with anyone else. That's what journals are for :)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more! Thanks, Susanna, for stopping by!
DeleteVery good points! This is an excellent post! Though, I have to say, these days, authors often don't have years or even months to let a manuscript age. For good or ill, it has to happen much faster than that because of deadlines and shrinking time between books. Not that I don't think you're right--it's just that sometimes time is a luxury.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are saying, Sarah. I guess I was thinking more along the lines of people who don't care enough to make sure their work is the best possible effort. This requires rewrites, revisions, critiques, and alot of polishing...whether done over months or days...if that part isn't done then it usually is a poorly finished product that is offered to the public. Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!
DeleteGood points. I think twitter and facebook and the like have led far too many people to "write" when they really have nothing to say.
ReplyDeleteThose of us who are pre-published likely have the luxury of time much more than those who are facing deadlines, as Sarah mentioned.
Can you tell there is some irritation on my part behind some of the "published" work that is online these days? There are certainly many authors that use online publishing to further their careers...like Kristen Lamb (http://www.warriorwriters.wordpress.com)...who have superior talent and we can learn much from them. It's the "other" people I had in mind when I wrote today's post. Lol Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteEven better is good writing WITH fine wine - LOL
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Too many writers are in too much of a hurry, although I certainly relate. It's hard to have patience sometimes.
Thanks, Julie! As patient a person as I am, I have many moments when I'm frustrated with different things in my corner of the writing world. It's usually with myself and my lack of writing "polish"...lol...but I must say I'm learning fast and with such a lovely group of writers in the community, I can safely say I'm learning from the BEST!! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteI believe I have read a few of those things that were slapped together. I should have been slapped for reading them. Those "authors" need to be reading your blogs.
ReplyDeleteJanet, you are too kind. But it certainly is nice to know some people like what I write...it's definitely not thrown together...lol
ReplyDeleteInteresting points Donna.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diane!
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