Half a Step Back

Someone once shared the insight that writers see the world from half a step back. Actually it was very good writer and teacher, at the best course I have attended to date (but I might go into that another time).

That I could see the world that way, and that others did as well was such an enlightening moment. It not only gave me purpose, but it helped me feel better about not fitting. I quite often get the feeling that I’m not quite in the mix with everyone else; that I am experiencing life but not quite the same as those around me. It also meant that maybe I was a writer and thought like other writers, or saw the world like a writer.

When I start to get a bit overwhelmed, or feeling “out of it” I can use that idea again. It has become my mantra “half a step back” and it usually puts me back in perspective and a smile on my face. I may even use it for my memoir, if I ever write it. Or something about green. I have this thing about writing green...

Anyway.

Writing can be personal, insular and solitary. I think it is important for us to spend time with like minded people. Whether that is other writers, or even readers; people who enjoy the written word. It helps put you in perspective it can be a great way to improve your writing or just assist with motivation.

There are different ways to do this, writing groups, reading groups, classes and courses. Even the internet now offers so much, online courses, online forums and of course some writers out there have a blog of their own where they share information, ideas, their writing life and their writing.

Once you get over the initial fear of sharing your writing with others it can be very useful. I have also found in many of the course I have attended that no two people in the class with me had the same style or genre. Or if they did have the same genre, they came at it from a very different angle. The exercises in classes like this really show how differently people think and write. It is also a chance to bounce and critique your own work.

I find feedback very useful, not everyone appreciates it but I need to know that what I am writing works for readers. I may enjoy the story but I am more involved than anyone else and there are times that you know the characters or the place so well that you don’t see what is missing. It might be in your head but not clearly on the page and readers can help with that.

Think about how you view the world. What do you do with what you see?

Happy Scribbling