The Buddhist's Way of Writing
I tend to think of writing as a journey. As the path, as "the practice." If you are familiar with Buddhism, then you know these are terms Buddhists use, ways in which to describe what it is they do, what they believe.And with that in mind, here is wisdom from Buddha himself--that fits the writing process perfectly.
Believe nothing merely because you have been told it.
Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher.
But whatever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings --that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide.
I live my life this way. Is it the kind path? The path of good? Of grace? Of compassion? Is the choice I am about to make the one that leads to peace? And when I waver--as believe me I do--examine it and get back on the path as soon as possible.
But this is also, I think, the way to approach writing. I try not to "pontificate" on this blog. I wake up each day and think about who I am and why I write. I connect the lines between my real life and my imaginary one. I look inside and wonder . . . why do I want to write about this character? What is the process? Sometimes, because I've been in this biz a while, I talk about what I've learned, but always, I hope, from the perspective that "this is what works for me." Not "this is the only way." And then I enjoy hearing from other writers and readers about the same.
And if there is anything I have learned, it's that there is nothing you can cling to about this biz. Why does one person get a six-figure advance for a book that makes you go "huh?" and some brilliant jewels get ignored because they are simply not commercial? What the heck does an editor mean when she says, "I didn't feel your voice." But then the next one says, "I love the voice." It's all subjective. No "teacher" can tell you how to do it. It's all about discernment. So you go to blogs, writers' groups, take classes, read, read, read, think, daydream, write a lot, every day even, and after a while . . .
. . . you start to "get" it. You don't copy them, you make it your own. You find the way you are writing is, as Buddha says, conducive to the good. It is getting better. Each day. Each word.
That is my path.
Thoughts?
Labels: Buddhism and writing
posted by Erica Orloff at 8:33 AM
11 Comments:
Yep.
One of the things I stress, to writers with even less experience than me, is that there are no shortcuts.
How-to books, blogs, websites, etc., are useful references sometimes, but it always comes down to paying your dues at the keyboard.
99.9% of us are not literary geniuses. We have to put the time and sweat in to improve, like any other profession.
Could most people walk into a courtroom and prosecute a murder case the day they pass the bar? Nope. So I get a little baffled when someone says they're going to write a novel some day, when they have the time.
Like it's something you can just sit down and do, without much effort. It makes as much sense for someone to say they're going perform abdominal surgery some day, when they have the time.
When you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it--this is knowledge.
--Confucius
Thought I would throw that one in there. ;)
Jude:
I can't tell you how many times I've met people who think they'll just toss out a novel when they retire or when their kids are older or they have time. Like it's easy. Or . . . liek you don't have to MAKE time.
*sigh* I've been making myself absolutely nutso trying to figure out why my pseudonym can just sit down and write, and my "real name" hasn't put together a novel, when I've cleared time in the budget and schedule.
And it finally occurred to me: my pseudonym just sits down and writes. She doesn't think, she just writes, as you say, one word at a time. (Okay, sometimes it feels like one letter at a time, LOL.)
Hi Spy:
It's a journey. I have to say NOTHING about it (from my first sale to today) has unfolded as I expected. Nothing. Some things came so easily. Some so hard. Some unexpected great things happened. Some bitter pills were swallowed. I met more great people than I can count, and a few rotten apples along the way. And I am still learning each day. Still trying to get better. One L-E-T-T-E-R at a time. Kind of like Vanna White. ;-)
E
My struggle with my writing is to be present in the story. I'm either too scared that the words won't convey what's in my head, or that I'll get stuck in my head and never come out.
Some days are easier, others (like today) are more of a challenge. Also it helps if I got to a coffee shop and leave my wireless card at home!
Mary
Mary:
If one thing frustrates me, that's it. Conveying what's in my mind the way I "see" it.
E
P.S. Hope Little Dude is great.
The journey remains interesting, doesn't it? Like you, I've experienced things I never expected--good and bad! LOL..But on the whole, I think every day that I get to sit down and type is a blessing.
We create worlds and the people who live in them. If no one but me ever loved my stories...I still think that might be enough.
Hi Maureen:
I wouldn't trade it. I adore creating . . . and being up there in my brain with my characters . . . world building. It's all just the greatest job in the world.
I moved my zafu to my new writing desk this evening. Now when I get stuck and can't find the freaking words, I will take a break from Butt In Chair to place Butt On Pillow. ;)
Heather:
My altar is in my office. :-)
E
P.S. I love how you put that! Made me smile.
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