Over the course of the past week, I have brushed up on my Writer's Digest, The Writer, and other "writing magazines" and I just have to say....what the hell!
What happened to the days of creativity trumping analysis and statistics? It isn't just in writing, but in advertising and business, too. Watching Mad Men (it's on AMC, check it out!!) we are reminded that once upon a time, if you had a great advertisement, it didn't matter what color the background was, or if it matter that the actor used their left hand instead of their right to pick up the product. Business now examines every little detail of a decision and often talks themselves out of amazing opportunities because they don't add up on paper.
I have been reading these publications focused on writing and the formulaic bullshit that they are spitting out is borderline ridiculous. Following five simple steps to success doesn't make you a good writer, neither does making writing a science.
Writing should be done with your gut, your feeling, your heart, not a formula. Hemmingway didn't write according to a set procedure and follow the advice of strangers. He went with what he felt. And he drank a lot, but that's besides the point.
Let's stop thinking like computers and start thinking how we used to. If something is good, run with with it! If it's not, stop worrying about people's feelings and say what you think of it. That is how great work rises to the surface.
Check back tomorrow for a new book review and a whole NEW LOOK for this blog....plus a new poll question and more!
Cheers
What happened to the days of creativity trumping analysis and statistics? It isn't just in writing, but in advertising and business, too. Watching Mad Men (it's on AMC, check it out!!) we are reminded that once upon a time, if you had a great advertisement, it didn't matter what color the background was, or if it matter that the actor used their left hand instead of their right to pick up the product. Business now examines every little detail of a decision and often talks themselves out of amazing opportunities because they don't add up on paper.
I have been reading these publications focused on writing and the formulaic bullshit that they are spitting out is borderline ridiculous. Following five simple steps to success doesn't make you a good writer, neither does making writing a science.
Writing should be done with your gut, your feeling, your heart, not a formula. Hemmingway didn't write according to a set procedure and follow the advice of strangers. He went with what he felt. And he drank a lot, but that's besides the point.
Let's stop thinking like computers and start thinking how we used to. If something is good, run with with it! If it's not, stop worrying about people's feelings and say what you think of it. That is how great work rises to the surface.
Check back tomorrow for a new book review and a whole NEW LOOK for this blog....plus a new poll question and more!
Cheers
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