TROUBLE WITH THE EDITOR
TROUBLE WITH THE EDITOR
It is important to separate the creator and the editor or internal censor when you practice writing, so that the creator has free space to breathe, explore, and express. If the editor is absolutely annoying and you have trouble differentiating it from your creative voice, sit down whenever you need to and write what the editor is saying; give it full voice----"you are a jerk, who ever said you could write, I hate your work, you suck, I'm embarrassed, you have nothing valuable to say, and besides you can't spell...." Sound familiar?
ELKTON, MINNESOTA: WHATEVER'S IN
FRONT OF YOUHow to generate writing ideas, things to write about? Whatever's in front of you is a good beginning. Then move out into all streets. You can go anyplace Tell me everything you know. Don't worry if what you know you can't prove or haven't studied. I know the fields around Elkton because I say I do and because I want to walk out into them forever. Don't worry that forever might be one week you're there as resident poet or salesman for a tractor company or a traveler on the way west. Own anything you want in your writing and then let it go.
TAP THE WATER
TABLEDon't worry about your talent or capability: that will grow as you practice. Katagiri Roshi said, "Capability is like water below the surface of earth. No one owns it, but you can tap it. You tap it with your effort and it will come through you. So just practice writing, and when you learn to trust your voice, direct it. If you want to write a novel, write a novel. In the process of writing them, you learn how. You can have the confidence that you will gradually acquire the technique and craft you need.
WE ARE NOT THE POEM
It is important to remember we are not the poem. People will react however they want; and if you write poetry, get used to no reaction at all. But that's okay. The power is always in the act of writing. Come back to that again and again and again. Don't get caught in the admiration for your poems. It';s fun. But then the public makes you read their favorites over and over until you get sick of those poems. Write good poems and let go of them. publish them, read them, go on writing.
Previous Home Next Chapter