Logo
share and enjoy

Writing, the Universe, and Everything

A blog about literary and genre writing and the spaces between, as well as myth, culture, destiny, and other Serious Stuff.

November 18, 2009

Writing Wrongs





In the last few years, I’ve run across discussions in classrooms, bars, and online forums on various controversial writing topics: Whether an author can, or should, write from the point of view of a gender or ethnicity not his own. Whether certain stories belong to certain people or groups of people, and are off-limits to all others. Whether a writer has the right to impose a structure of his or her choosing on the work, or if the work alone knows its true form. Whether a writer can or should write about places and times and people outside his or her own experience and knowledge. Whether a writer owes it to him- or herself to try to write “quality” fiction, or can “settle” or “sell out” by writing genre or popular stories.

 

I have no problem with debating thorny issues. Love it. What’s begun to disturb me, though, is the underlying tone I sense in many of these discussions – a need to establish an authoritative consensus, as if we can determine, once and for all, The Rules that we all have to abide by. And more than that, I’m disturbed by encounters with writers who are subtly apologetic about what they write even as they defend it, or who are half-consciously looking for someone to tell them if it’s okay to write mysteries or romance, to outline or not outline, to question the status quo or to “merely” entertain.

 

I have one thing to say to all writers everywhere, from the professional to the most beginning wannabe: You can write about anything you want to write about. Really. Truly. Without apology. And you can approach it in any way that you see fit.

 

That may seem obvious. But I’m constantly surprised and dismayed by how many places I find messages telling writers that they can’t do that. As if the Writing Police are lurking around every corner, waiting to arrest you if you Do It Wrong.

 

What’s up with that?

 

Here are just a few examples that I’ve encountered recently:

 

- A well-known writing teacher (not the only one, by the way, just the latest) who praised a writer extravagantly for saying that his poem “turned out to be about” whatever it turned out to be about, and said that she cringes whenever a student states ahead of time what their work is, or will be, about.

 

I understand, I think, what she’s getting at. I’ve experienced those moments where you start out to write one thing, and it turns into something else – something truer and more powerful than what you started out to write. No teacher wants to see a beginning (or not-so-beginning) writer shut out those moments by being too focused on his initial impulse. But is it any better to convince a writer that the topic that’s been nagging at her, that she really needs and wants to write about, isn’t her “real” topic just because she knows it’s there?

 

- An MFA thesis defense in which the writer was discussing her journey to find the appropriate form and structure for her book, while her thesis committee was telling her it was better to “burst out of all structures,” and insisting that she shouldn’t have concentrated on structure at all. (Ironically, a section of the manuscript that her committee praised for being “unstructured and free-flowing” was one which the writer had carefully structured to achieve exactly that effect.)

 

- Heather Sellers, in the otherwise fabulous book Page After Page (one of my favorite books on living the writing life), who says “We all get to write about whatever the heck we want to write about,” and yet in the very next paragraph goes on to say:

 

I am always telling my students to write about their actual real topics, the things only they can tell us about...I tell Wendy to write about her family’s convenience store in St. Regis Falls, New York. I want Dana to stop writing about London (where she hasn’t actually ever been) and to write about her apple orchard, and her wild and terrible year as a nanny in Switzerland.

 

Note to Dana, whoever you are: Write about London. Write about it as much as you want. No one can stop you.

 

The sad thing is, far too many writers do let these messages stop them. I’ve known writers to question and abandon pieces and approaches that felt right to them, just because someone they see as a writing authority told them, essentially, that they’re not allowed to do what they’re doing. And writers are so, so vulnerable to all this. It’s really hard to get published, and many hopeful writers seem terrified to do something “wrong” – something that will offend the ogres guarding the gates to publication and ruin their chances forever.

 

Don’t misunderstand – I believe in studying craft and learning about what’s been done before (successfully and unsuccessfully). I believe in understanding what you gain or lose by adhering to or ignoring conventions, traditions, and market trends. There is such a thing as bad writing – and writing well takes work and practice. It’s important to have trusted readers and teachers to critique our writing and help us improve. What I have a problem with is giving other people – however well-intentioned – the power to allow or disallow our topics and processes.

 

So fly, little writers. Be free. Sneak away to your writing rooms with your computers or your fountain pens or your lead pencils. You’re alone there; it’s just the two of you. Have (ohmigod, really?) fun. Write a poem about London, a story about traveling to Mars, a bastardization of somebody’s mythology. Thumb your nose at Those Who Know. Write from the point of view of an evil dictator or a Hottentot or a pet rock.

 

Just write.

 

 


Lauren Sweet is an Associate Editor of WritersDojo.org and a freelance writer and editor in Portland, Oregon.

Log in to comment freely      Comments: 9     Get an avatar

November 23

louis vuitton outlet the worth which the louis vuitton bags gives may be a little component of totally equallylouis vuitton luggage amazing quality. Possibly arrives louis vuitton shoes factory outlet from a single in the mesh place store in the product or service backlog, louis vuitton wallets or could possibly occur from this full product sales design obsolete style and design Coach Factory Outlet Online.

December 7

The NBA Pacific division transition state

Advantage: you said he old, he says he has experience. If the lakers know how to win a championship, or at least, not so fast are kicked out of the playoffs, then they should also know how to return to the past nba jerseys , cheap nba shoes , nba basketball jerseys,cheap nba jerseys. It was a little bit of a volcano, need to be in a fire under its they lit, the lakers in the western conference in Dallas will be how to respond, this will be the lakers return the thread of the story.Wholesale nba Jerseys,Wholesale NFL Jerseys , NBA Jerseys , NFL Throwback Jerseys,cheap NBA Jerseys. Any member of the team, including kobe Bryant, pau gasol and Lamar odom and Andrew bynum are supposed to blame.cheap nike air max , nike air max 90 , nike air max ltd , cheap nike air max shoes
Challenge: phil Jackson system of the lakers is a veteran of the leading team, and now they are going through to the new coach mike brown, the process of change. There is no doubt that now was the lakers' setting, this need two months time to adapt, need more regular season games to increase the toughness of the team. cheap NFL Jerseys , New York Jets NFL Jerseys , New England Patriots NFL Jerseys , New York Giants NFL Jerseys,wholesale NFL Jerseys If health problems like that again forced Bryant missed training last words, so the lakers will face the challenge of double.cheap jordan shoes,nike air max 24/7 , cheap air max 90 , nike air max 2011
Prospects: although playoff record not beautiful, but the lakers is still a can win to win 50 games team, will be one of the western influence factors, until then these proved wrong so far. Playoff sweep Dallas is a curse, and now the lakers have plenty of time to prove that is the wrong time bad moments.Cheap Air Max 2012 , Nike Air Max 24/7 , Cheap Air Max 90,Cheap Air Max shoes
The lakers are one of the few alliance to come up many sets of one of the squad team, to a certain extent in the place of last season that may be not very practical.Cheap nfl jerseys,
nfl jerseys,wholesale nfl jerseys Mike brown, no phil Jackson to Derek fisher of that kind of trust. On the other hand, the team also no one appears to replace the ability of Derek fisher.cheap nfl jerseys,
football jerseys,
nfl football jerseys,
cheap nfl football jerseys,
nfl jerseys cheap,
wholesale nfl jerseys
Advantage: even without success, but their fame in judah. The sun still have the old Nash, is still one of the attack strength in the league one of the team. But they are no longer as high score fierce fire, the SUNS last season ranked seventh shooting, from three came in fourth.cheap nfl jerseys,cheap nba jerseys,
NFL football jersey,wholesale nfl jerseys.
Challenge: coach Irwin-gold-John terry will be positioning for defense team fundamental key, the sun is the most respected into his from regret. Anyone can because this sudden change and wholesale authentic jerseys,
cheap authentic jerseys,
wholesale cheap authentic nfl jerseys,
cheap authentic nfl jerseyssurprised, gold terry first discovered the wrong direction. In addition, rebound of the recent changes more than has been soft rib.
Prospects: let the sun's games a Nash television audience favour of object, so they target will become the topic with entertaining. If successful, this will be another much-told story. The sun can still get 40 games victory, but will still be the second season impact on the way to the playoffs in the fall. They make the playoffs at most into the possibility of only five.
If the sun trading Nash, I think it won't. Because any deal without any doubt will give young players, the draft or cap space huge pressure. This a moment, this will mean more losses. But with such a popular and respected player to break up, the sun to the future with greater costs to make up.cheap nike air max shoes,
cheap nike air max 90,nike air max 2012,
cheap nike air max
Advantage: warriors have backcourt tower-Ellis and Stephen garage has is a pair of scoring machine, but equally important, start players better itself, but to improve on teamwork. Now the draft for the warriors Thompson clay provides the defense high, and it is also create trading the chance to choose. Within a few years it will have a positive influence. Even if these won't immediately forward for the team's victory, but at least make many years to bear defeat fans in feeling better.
Challenge: like everyone in the said last year, constantly a year ago a year ago : defense and rebounding all need dramatic increase, before that, the mighty won't be any honor consideration object, no chance to into the playoffs, let alone in the playoffs.Herve Leger,
Herve Leger on sale,
authentic Herve Leger,
wholesale Herve Leger,
cheap Herve Leger
Prospects: enthusiasm is understandable. Warriors are making progress, they changed the team's culture, whether scenes they do great efforts. But in the playoffs and the new coach mark Jackson guarantee are two different things, golden state, need to change in the new season of the huge win more 12 victories to is expected to make the playoffs.
Replace new coach is always in the transitional period. How much more now of the manager never has any team in any game, even as a teaching assistant all have no, even the university have game in charge. Say to the challenge, mark Jackson experienced one of the most unusual offseason, no summer league, no training camp, he needed to fly into the air before considering their own direction.

December 7

UGG Kensington has set off a worldwide epidemic fashion snow boots. As an important mainstay of fashionable UGG lineup, numerous UGG fans are willing to stay for UGG Kenly. Every UGG fans who can spend time on UGG Knightsbridge can find assorted styles of over the calf shafts UGG Fox Fur boots in a variety of sizes and colors. The trend in 2010 has let the numerous UGG fans taste the unique style of fashion UGG Delaine. In fact, they are like this at any time.


UGG Classic Short : UGG boots conveys a kind of simple but classic beauty to its fans. Sleek and streamlined appearance makes this boot suitable for women at all ages from around the world. In addition to adult women, kids also can pamper their feet through slightly slip their feet into this UGG Classic Cardy, Australia classic short has a wide range of colors for consumers to choose from, from bright orange to brown, to the ever classic black. UGG Classic Tall boots' various collocation effect is another reason why numerous fashionistas are so obsessed to it. Wearing UGG Classic Mini boots, you just need matching them with a pair of tight jean or a pleated skirt and any skinny pant. These simple clothing can assist you to be the focal spot of the street.


UGG Bailey Button : This is indeed a unique version in so many fashionable UGG collections. The reason why UGG Bailey Button Triplet boots make so many people obsessed in that its unique fashionable appearance can show people's open and sexy side of personality. As its name suggests, the bailey-like appearance conveys a retro sense, thus, it is indispensable to fashion girls. It also represents a multi-functional UGG Plumdale boots style because it can collocate with everything in a practical and aesthetical way.


The UGG Retro Cargo is a freshly updated version of the beloved Cargo. It has a super-edgy, urban hardness to the design, but still offers the softness and comfort on the inside that is the signature feel of an UGG. You can get that combat style without compromising warmth and comfort. It will make you want to bring out your inner, gritty artist, and stomp in UGG Tularosa style, conjuring up your favorite Girl-Drummer in a Raucous Garage Band alternate universe you!


These days, the demand for UGG UK boots is immense as they are the two practical as nicely as fashionable. UGG Amberlee has an substantial range of UGG Roslynn boots which are suitable for each season and environment. The UGG Montclair from UGG are available for guys, girls and even youngsters. So each member in your household can get a pair of their option.

December 27

I have no problem with debating thorny issues. And you can approach it in any way that you see fit. Write about it as much as you want. Sneak away to your writing rooms with your computers or your fountain pens or your lead pencils. Thumb your nose at Those Who Know. Write from the point of view of an evil dictator or a Hottentot or a pet rock. Whether a writer can or should write about places and times and people outside his or her own experience and knowledge. klonopin asd
Adipex Without Prescription asd
Buy klonopin asd
Xanax Without Prescription asd
clonazepam Online asd
levitra asd

2

December 28

I have no problem with debating thorny issues. And you can approach it in any way that you see fit. Write about it as much as you want. Sneak away to your writing rooms with your computers or your fountain pens or your lead pencils. Thumb your nose at Those Who Know. Write from the point of view of an evil dictator or a Hottentot or a pet rock. Whether a writer can or should write about places and times and people outside his or her own experience and knowledge. Buy klonopin Online asd
Adipex Without Prescription asd
Buy klonopin Online asd
Xanax Without Prescription asd
Buy clonazepam asd
levitra asd

2

December 28

I have no problem with debating thorny issues. And you can approach it in any way that you see fit. Write about it as much as you want. Sneak away to your writing rooms with your computers or your fountain pens or your lead pencils. Thumb your nose at Those Who Know. Write from the point of view of an evil dictator or a Hottentot or a pet rock. Whether a writer can or should write about places and times and people outside his or her own experience and knowledge. Buy ativan Online asd
ambien Online asd
levitra asd

January 4

The driver of the Monster Headphones, similar to narrow the plane of the speakers, it will be embedded in the plane of the voice coil the frivolous diaphragm, like printed circuit board, can make the average distribution of the driving force.Beats by dre Justin Bieber Focus on the diaphragm of the magnets in one or both (the push-pull type), diaphragm in the formation of the magnetic field vibration.

The diaphragm of the Beats Sale Online and magnets no electrostatic headset diaphragm that light, but there are also big vibration area and similar sound quality, it as moving coil headphones for high efficiency, and it is not easy to drive.

January 4

Since we can't make cheap converse shoes everything is most perfect,but more erfforts we should make cheap all star in order to let undesirable thing become more perfect than before.For all the things,do our best to new converse 2011 develop our inner potential.As for the designers of ugg women boots,even though they can’t make everyone cheap converse one star all like this kind of product,they always try hard to improve and create it to atract more and more Converse jack purcell people.For example,an old and broken shoes can be thought is useless by most of us and it is thrown out.However,if you develop your cheap converse slipper ablities and use some ways to make up it.If the brown erea is coverd by some beautiful and suitable patterns,maybe it can be used better and the effect is more better converse pro star than before.
In our lifetime,patches are unavoidable,so is human life,which will appear in the form of injury,disability or disease.Since you can’t change the converse gold exsitenceof wound,you should not expect people’s sympathy by exposing the wound,which reveals nothing meaningful.All you can do and have to do is tosuture the wound by patches and try your beat to bloom a most beautiful flower on the classic boots store wound,and that is the significance of life.So is the nike air max sneakers shoes.
Only better,not best.

January 8

And you can approach it in any way that you see fit. Write about it as much as you want. Sneak away to your writing rooms with your computers or your fountain pens or your lead pencils. Thumb your nose at Those Who Know. Write from the point of view of an evil dictator or a Hottentot or a pet rock. Whether a writer can or should write about places and times and people outside his or her own experience and knowledge. klonopin asd
Adipex Without Prescription asd
Buy klonopin Online asd
Xanax Without Prescription asd
Buy clonazepam online asd
levitra asd

2

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
  • Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.


CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.