Yes! Uncovering the “why?” of the piece is so critical. Not only does it open possibilities in form, tone, and structure, but it leads us as writers to then consider the reader. The piece has a why, a particular intention, that then meets the reader and has a particular impact. The clearer we are on the intent, the more deliberate and nuanced we can be in creating that desired impact—and connecting deeply with the reader in the process.
I don't know my why yet, or at least I cannot express it clearly (I have never been good at organising my thoughts succinctly). But I think it is partly because I feel that if I keep all these words/ideas/thoughts inside me, they inevitably turn into inner voices that only serve to bring me down. So putting them on paper helps to cleanse myself of some of the million stories that I seems to have absorbed as I walk through life. Oh, and I do love Lydia Davis.
Thanks for a great piece. I would say that I also write because there is something I can’t understand and am troubled by, but that that something itself emerges in and through the writing rather than from the everyday world.
Yes! Uncovering the “why?” of the piece is so critical. Not only does it open possibilities in form, tone, and structure, but it leads us as writers to then consider the reader. The piece has a why, a particular intention, that then meets the reader and has a particular impact. The clearer we are on the intent, the more deliberate and nuanced we can be in creating that desired impact—and connecting deeply with the reader in the process.
I don't know my why yet, or at least I cannot express it clearly (I have never been good at organising my thoughts succinctly). But I think it is partly because I feel that if I keep all these words/ideas/thoughts inside me, they inevitably turn into inner voices that only serve to bring me down. So putting them on paper helps to cleanse myself of some of the million stories that I seems to have absorbed as I walk through life. Oh, and I do love Lydia Davis.
Someone just described this to me similiarly: if she doesn't write she feels she is carrying all this extra pyschic weight that only writing releases.
Thanks for a great piece. I would say that I also write because there is something I can’t understand and am troubled by, but that that something itself emerges in and through the writing rather than from the everyday world.
This is a great point - that the writing itself can also be the source of confusion and understanding.
I think they forgot to tell you -- you're not supposed to post something this good your first time out!
Totally agree! Loved everything about this piece. Have been pondering on it ever since.
Just wanted to thank you for a great piece and for alerting me to the existence of this lecture which I've since found and watched on YouTube (twice).