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Writers like to complain. We’re too busy to write, uninspired, blocked. We really like to bemoan the fact we must keep a day job in order to fund our addiction to words, ink and page. We wait tables, preside over court rooms, change diapers, fix computers and sell avocado slicers all while dreaming of convalescing in Cornwall with nothing to do but write. Our souls are wandering Victorians, idle in life, loaded in bank account and over-flowing with the time it takes to both write and read works of poetry and prose. And because this fantasy avoids reality, we cross our arms, poke out our bottom lips and refuse to write until “situation perfect” is achieved.
The truth is that perfect situation will never come. The most important lessons a writer can learn are these: start where you are and no experience is wasted. To the writer, all of life is research. Our writing steeps in the flavors of experience when we are willing to open ourselves up – become vulnerable – to each and every moment life hands us. It is a frightening proposition; nobody likes to be vulnerable. Nobody enjoys grunt work, third shift or digging ditches in the rain. In Texas. In August.
Life is experience and experience is what readers look for when they pick up a new novel or download a short story collection. The reader asks, “Will this story give me something to take with me, to keep in my database for future enjoyment and reference?” Perhaps more than that, the reader is looking for someone who understands his circumstances, her particular situation. How can we as writers hope to understand a plight or offer an escape if we ourselves have not lived beyond our writing room walls?
Experience lends believability to even the most fantastic legend. Let yourself absorb the emotions, the five sense of every moment you live through. Allow life to be your encyclopedia, your Google. Don’t shy away from new or scary. Say “yes” until the doors stop opening and you’ll not only uncover experiences which will help you create stronger characters and deeper story lines; you will also discover someone stronger, braver and more beautiful than you could possibly imagine: yourself.
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I apologize in advance for not being around the IWSG this week. I will read as many as I can as soon as I can. Today is moving day and we're hauling all our stuff (and ourselves) 200 miles away. So, if you don't see me for a few days (or a week) that's why: I'm rearranging life! Have an awesome week! ~ Jen
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