Producing the stuff is like filling in a mortgage application while sitting next to a smelly person on a long bumpy coach trip. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve downed tools, frustrated at my inability to produce something entertaining which also met the criteria.
Having some of my work in print is not that big a deal to me. I’ll admit it would be nice to point at a piece of writing and say, “I did that.” Not so good though, when the thing at which I am pointing is an article in a ladies magazine all about different types of carpet patterns.
“You did this Tam? It’s, erm, very informative.”
I’ll eat my vegetables, be nice to my sister, and brush my teeth, but I don’t think I’m going to write this article anytime soon. I’d rather turn this blog into a photo diary that explores the consequences of my digestion.
Don’t worry; I’m not going to do that (although if I did, Ken might still visit.) What I am going to do though, is skip straight to the parts of my course which pertain to writing fiction.
This represents a shift in priorities. It’s a crowded marketplace and I don’t expect to write something that will be published anytime soon. I’ll be happy though, after a long period without significant output, if I can write anything at all. I can always publish it on here.
11 comments:
I've been writing a long time but, if I'd been forced to start with non-fiction articles, it would never have happened.
Write what you feel, dude.
The force is strong with you.
Heed well the words of the Master, young Padawan.
Some of us aren't meant for the world of non-fiction writing. I've been told on more than one occasion that my technical writing is too "interesting."
Write what's in you to write.
I believe that non-fiction writing is more difficult. I admire people who could do both non-fiction and creative writing.
This speaks of talent, expertise and of course of rich imagination.
Keep writing...as long as you continue writing -you're a writer..(grins).
Cheers!
When it comes to writing, I don't do what I don't enjoy. I think most writers love writing. It's supposed to be a challenge, but if it becomes a chore, it's probably not worth it.
Best of luck with the fiction. :)
Ken - Nice to know I'm not alone in my aversion to writing non-fiction.
I could write a wee story where a parent explains to their child what all the attachments on the vacuum are for, answers their questions and makes silly jokes.
I just can't produce something where I'm the parent and I assume my reader is a child. A cold hard non fiction article about vaccuum attachments and their use. Yuck
Someone looking to learn about such things might be able to find my non-fiction article, and they'd learn what they wanted to quickly.
If I don't write it though, they'll find another one and learn the same thing.
I'd rather teach someone who wasn't looking for it though, and they find it weaved into the bones of my fiction.Perhaps somebody who wouldn't care to admit that they were ignorant of such elementary matters becomes enlightend.
(I should add this isn't a mission of mine, to teach the world about vaccuums whether they like it or not, I'm just waffling)
Kelly - I'm heeding, I'm heeding.
Creating interesting writing are we, shame on you!
Jenaisle - I like that quote, "as long as you keep writing you're a writer."
First time you take a break for a cup of tea, you've stopped being a writer and become a steam technician. :)
Fiendish - Nail on the head there, you gotta do what you enjoy.
Although if my hobby was fishing, detangling my lines and collecting maggots may be chore-like to me, but I'd still get them done as necessary evils before I start enjoying the fishing bit proper.
I should mention that it was the actual writing of the article I didn't enjoy. I like to create, and this didn't feel like I was creating anything, it felt like I was copying.
The old joke...
"stealing from one person is called plagerism; stealing from many people is called research"
..rang a little too true in my ears.
Ken - The one with the bristles is for dusting btw.
Is there a particular genre that interests you?
leave it out, i remember O/T 1000 word story, you pwned it!!! fiction ftw!!!, i think of the idea that you cant get your head aound it and think seriously who the fuck could then? (bolt btw) ;-)
also can i add this is one of the first posts ive read from your blog so have no idea what course you are doing, also reading back the post i'm now unsure whether or not you're talking about fiction or non fiction, its late and im confused, still previous posts stand as in my experiance you're as competent writing both...........erm........can you tell no one's awake on blonde ;-)
anyway tank kills all at stts, ship!!! check out wednesday(9th) stake thread on internet poker board, britneys soooooo naughty, lol!!!
Periapex - I like a bunch of stuff. Dark stuff, funny stuff and exciting stuff. I'm not sure if that fits into any specific genre.
Bolt - 'sup.
Bolt is a man from a poker forum. We used to e-frolick in the small hours of the morning while I (tried to) play internet poker for a living.
Right what you feel like mate. I actually don't mind non-fiction if I am honest.
I've been writing a lot of articles on the Betfair site recently and I enjoy researching the fact and figures before putting my own spin on things.
I guess everyone is different though.
You'll have some speciaslist knowledge to apply and a genuine interest in the subject matter though pud.
Keep at it, glad to hear you're enjoying it.
Post a Comment