In my first post I told you about how I figured out that I liked to write. I told you that the voices in my head were characters who wanted to tell me their stories. I may have made it sound like they were sweet, wonderful helpers who told me exactly what to write. That they did all the work and I just wrote it all down. I think I gave you the wrong impression. A really wrong impression.
I wanted to clarify because I encouraged you to write your stories down. I don’t want you to think it’s that easy. It isn’t. These voices? They get you interested, they start talking and telling you their life story and then they refuse to cooperate. They clam up and decide to play solitaire while you stare at a blank computer screen in a state of mass frustration.
Or they refuse to do what you want them to do. You plan out the story and as you are slaving away on your computer a character informs you this isn’t the way the story is going to go. You are doing it wrong. They want to do what they want, say what they want and be what they want. And another thing, until you write them that way they have nothing to say. Really? Who is in charge here exactly? Guess what? They are.
As frustrating as this is, it is when some of the best writing is done. If you allow the voices to have their freedom they will want to give you a fabulous story. See where they take you. Don’t try to make them to conform to what you thought you wanted. This is where creativity is at its best.
I am not trying to scare you off writing now. Just be sure you know it’s a job like any other with frustrations and parts you won’t like. But on the flip side it is pretty awesome to create something on paper (or computer screen) that lived exclusively in your head and you can now share with the world.
I am taking two writing courses at www.hollylisle.com that teach a lot about how to do this and plenty of other great stuff.* I am really learning a lot and I highly recommend taking a course if you are thinking about writing at all. Learn something new. Have some fun. Give the voices some room to be amazing.
Elena
*This is not an affiliate link. I just love her teaching, honesty and style. Feel free to find a course that works for you!
Nancy Lee Badger says
A fantastic look into the world of writing. Thanks!
Elena Dillon says
You are so sweet Nancy Lee! I hope you are doing well. Miss you!