tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post8496348971114371179..comments2024-02-12T02:28:12.317-05:00Comments on The Writers' Group: The Rules of WritingLynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11107479565926998943noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-36049767993075409362007-11-16T18:33:00.000-05:002007-11-16T18:33:00.000-05:00Daniel, you're right in that these rules are neces...Daniel, you're right in that these rules are necessary guidelines to to introduce one to the rigors of a writer's life. Very insightful of you. But no one ever says once a writer hits her/his stride, s/he should develop patterns that work best for the individual. Yes, master and then move beyond.<BR/><BR/>I would argue, however, that the presenting is made by those inside the craft. I know of none that are written by non-writers. All I know of are put out by people whose work I repsect very much, but whose methods I don't share.<BR/><BR/>AmyLynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107479565926998943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-10476557249829872202007-11-16T17:13:00.000-05:002007-11-16T17:13:00.000-05:00Maybe it's not about "rules" versus "freedom"; May...Maybe it's not about "rules" versus "freedom"; Maybe there are different "rules" for writers at different levels. The "write everyday" rule, for example, is <BR/>really saying, "Be serious"; when one is unsure of one's work practices and is just starting out, it's probably very good advice. Saying to a young writer, "You need a habit of art", or "Only a life devoted to the craft will produce something worthwhile" may be even more meaningless than saying "You've got to write 500 words every morning". The "short stories should take place in a day" rule is, of course, about unity, and if a beginning short story writer has no idea how to create/maintain unity in a tale, perhaps the 24 hour thing is a good way to get it. <BR/><BR/>Perhaps the problem is that these rules are presented to writers as maxims, perhaps because the presenting is often done by people outside the craft, who also lack an understanding of mysteries of "unity" and "being serious" - and so the "rules" are presented as rules, rather than something to master and then move beyond.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-45593411960758344522007-11-16T14:52:00.000-05:002007-11-16T14:52:00.000-05:00Kira, gosh, your post really resonates with me. I...Kira, gosh, your post really resonates with me. I, too, felt like a dolt each time I wrote anything, never imagining I'd ever write anything "literary" or "serious." One day, I gave myself permission to write a story using the most beautiful language I was capable of, the caveat being that I would never show anyone. It wasn't half bad. It gave me just enough confidence to try to write to something more "serious."<BR/><BR/>The lesson I learned was to never let anyone define who I was or what I should be.<BR/><BR/>Amy<BR/><BR/>PS- My major was Political Science. Ha!Lynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107479565926998943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-32191077409779960052007-11-16T10:38:00.000-05:002007-11-16T10:38:00.000-05:00Guess you struck a chord with this one. Sure did w...Guess you struck a chord with this one. Sure did with me. <BR/><BR/>I just read John Gardner's Art of Fiction and felt like a utter dolt by the end. I've been to "university" but not for writing, as he insists is the only possible way. (BS in biology) I haven't read the few authors he repeatedly cites (dead white guys for the most part), so much of his lessons were lost on me (though I just found Homer et al. online for free). Not to knock him, though. It was a good and useful book.<BR/><BR/>So I'll never be a "serious" writer. Or a writer of "literature." I'm not even published yet. But I love doing it and something keeps me going. I'm in a dreaded revision phase of a story but find every useless word I cut, every passive verb I activate gives me great joy. So I guess I'll keep at it for now at least.<BR/><BR/>Thank you, all, for your words of wisdom and inspiration!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-67424729874422208562007-11-14T06:31:00.000-05:002007-11-14T06:31:00.000-05:00REality, I read with envy about your trip to Vietn...REality, I read with envy about your trip to Vietnam. Now my husband's homeland. Life is not baout rules, is it?<BR/><BR/>Ello, you're too much of a free spirit to get nervous about others' rules. You're doing quite well, thank you very much, making your own way. Keep it up.<BR/><BR/>AmyLynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107479565926998943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-13630548980889751462007-11-13T23:47:00.000-05:002007-11-13T23:47:00.000-05:00Oi! I got real nervous as I read the first part of...Oi! I got real nervous as I read the first part of your paragraph and then relieved! Great post as usual! I'm a big believer in doing what works for yourself. Life is different for everyone, why shouldn't writing be too?Ello - Ellen Ohhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18311917335471167591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-89449912595357699212007-11-13T20:17:00.000-05:002007-11-13T20:17:00.000-05:00Just wanted to say a quick hello.In Bangkok right ...Just wanted to say a quick hello.<BR/>In Bangkok right now on way back from Vietnam. And have missed all my friends. <BR/><BR/>Just quickly " There are no rules....only guidelines."<BR/><BR/>And I agree with everything above.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-551534385833764762007-11-13T18:59:00.000-05:002007-11-13T18:59:00.000-05:00Thank you, Melissa. There's a certain book every ...Thank you, Melissa. There's a certain book every woman I know has read and loved. Me? Not so much. In fact, I'm the only one I know who doesn't adore it. It is all subjective and we must each make our way.<BR/><BR/>AmyLynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107479565926998943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-74637160447890488802007-11-13T18:49:00.000-05:002007-11-13T18:49:00.000-05:00EXCELLENT post, Amy. Writing is a subjective busin...EXCELLENT post, Amy. Writing is a subjective business all around - rules are made to be broken! I like referring to them as you did - guidelines and not necessarily "rules."Melissa Amateishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16086267508858187716noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-49193434530241188422007-11-13T15:44:00.000-05:002007-11-13T15:44:00.000-05:00Nora, I also believe voice is THE most important p...Nora, I also believe voice is THE most important part of any piece of writing. Absolutely with you.<BR/><BR/>Lisa,you don't need to hear it from anyone else but you. Trust in you. I've no doubt you're on the right path.<BR/><BR/>Gail you prove it again and again. You're a rock star!<BR/><BR/>AmyLynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107479565926998943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-69809104195246785512007-11-13T15:25:00.000-05:002007-11-13T15:25:00.000-05:00Did I say that? because if I did I certainly did N...Did I say that? because if I did I certainly did NOT mean that. What I meant was I don't break the rules (much) in my life. On the page? You kidding? That's where I risk everything...Gailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05526275635891602588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-53918096319078365042007-11-13T15:14:00.000-05:002007-11-13T15:14:00.000-05:00This is may well be the very best writing advice I...This is may well be the very best writing advice I've ever gotten. As always, you've put it out there at exactly the moment I needed to hear it most. Thank you.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00665632105920753931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-43475067698909271232007-11-13T14:40:00.000-05:002007-11-13T14:40:00.000-05:00I like this very much. I think it's good to learn...I like this very much. I think it's good to learn all the rules and then break them as you will. Above all, it's your own voice.Norahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14495506687475693018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-40901976016641457092007-11-13T13:44:00.000-05:002007-11-13T13:44:00.000-05:00Judy, your journey to publication with All the Num...Judy, your journey to publication with All the Numbers certainly proved your truths correct, didn't they? Feeling a bit more confident now, you should!<BR/><BR/>Kristen, a long and exhaustive process indeed. As I'm sure you've already discovered, own your own rules and your work will be better for it.<BR/><BR/>Therese, your rebel may care attitude worked for you! Souvenir has been sold to 11 countries? We all await its publication next in just a couple of months, with the accolades to follow.<BR/><BR/>Gail, what do you mean you don't break the rules on the page? Pouring molten lava onto paper defies the law of physics.<BR/><BR/>Hannah, yes, I'd say the parallel track works better for me. I can't wait to hear you discuss your writing routine at your first reading. I'll be the one in the front row with her hand (annoyingly) up, the first to burst into applause.<BR/><BR/>Lisa, you make a good pot of tea, that's for sure. I'm thirsting for it, you know that. Can't wait.<BR/><BR/>Larramie, spot on, as always.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for commenting everyone! For those of you who haven't yet, we'd love to hear what your routine is -- and isn't. It's powerful to break so many rules.<BR/><BR/>AmyLynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107479565926998943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-1576697266987530712007-11-13T13:24:00.000-05:002007-11-13T13:24:00.000-05:00Simply put, you must trust yourself.Simply put, you must trust yourself.Larramiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14788910637361812265noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-77331150372367007052007-11-13T09:59:00.000-05:002007-11-13T09:59:00.000-05:00MY favorite, of many favorite parts of this post, ...MY favorite, of many favorite parts of this post, Amy, is this:<BR/><BR/>"I know if I were to write every day, the words would soon become stale, perfunctory. They would appear on the page only because they had to, not because I felt them."<BR/><BR/>This resonates with me; it doesn't take long for my writing tea to steep, but I must leave it alone for some time, and when I check on it later, it's ready. Thanks for the reminder, as you know I'm pushing right now.Lisa Marnellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12235497373498278277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-927117640181460922007-11-13T09:29:00.000-05:002007-11-13T09:29:00.000-05:00This would be a great thing to mention at, say, an...This would be a great thing to mention at, say, an author event when someone asks a question about routine and such. Your rule on handling the rules is clearly dead-on, given the universal response! Reminds me of that John Mayer lyric about the "so-called right track," too.<BR/><BR/>HannahLynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107479565926998943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-76406573402796476442007-11-13T09:09:00.000-05:002007-11-13T09:09:00.000-05:00Love this Amy!! I'm a rule-breaker from waaay back...Love this Amy!! I'm a rule-breaker from waaay back and a risk-taker (on the page)in my life not so much. But in writing I say go with your gut! Thanks for enlightening us once again!Gailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05526275635891602588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-76682039941597623932007-11-13T08:57:00.000-05:002007-11-13T08:57:00.000-05:00Down with rules! Up with free expression!When I b...Down with rules! Up with free expression!<BR/><BR/>When I began writing fiction, I didn't know there <I>were</I> "rules," grammar excepted.<BR/><BR/>Like you just said, Amy, I've never been much of a by-the-rules player either. Must be there is something to that...Theresehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01915740239016736614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-26659667692102869192007-11-13T08:47:00.000-05:002007-11-13T08:47:00.000-05:00It's interesting, some of those rules I've never h...It's interesting, some of those rules I've never heard of, so as I read them, I found myself wondering why they became rules and who would follow them. On the other hand, the rules that were drummed into me long ago, the ones about writing every day or writing what you know--those are hard to shake.<BR/><BR/>In the end, we make our own way and our own rules, but coming to that realization can be a long and exhausting process.<BR/><BR/>Thanks again, Amy.kristen spinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12099514779097752438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-5519232744208764032007-11-13T08:42:00.000-05:002007-11-13T08:42:00.000-05:00Amy, thanks for this. I've never been a big one f...Amy, thanks for this. I've never been a big one for rules anyway (well, except for those apostrophe rules. Those I do go nuts about!) but "the rules" made me feel so inadequate at one time. How dare I conisder myself a writer? I mean, I wrote only in the summer (I had that pesky teaching job). And I didn't even know what a query letter was (not sure I do now, as a matter of fact). <BR/><BR/>But here's what I did know: Writing was what I did, sort of like breathing. Books made my pulse race and my soul slow down. And then I realized who else broke the rules. Faulkner. Hemingway. Morrison. Springsteen.Judy Merrill Larsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06675069484490433295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-67610482979709892892007-11-13T08:35:00.000-05:002007-11-13T08:35:00.000-05:00Thank you, Kristen. For years, I felt as though I...Thank you, Kristen. For years, I felt as though I was doing everything wrong because I didn't adhere to these rules. Then I realized I never really played by other people's rules anyway, so why start now?<BR/><BR/>AmyLynne Griffin and Amy MacKinnonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107479565926998943noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37180398.post-74937394509114941352007-11-13T08:17:00.000-05:002007-11-13T08:17:00.000-05:00Ah, yes, thank you for this.Ah, yes, thank you for this.kristen spinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12099514779097752438noreply@blogger.com