I’m rereading The War of Art, specifically the last section which deals with the fact that yes, writing has a woo woo factor. I read a review of this book which said that basically up until this point it was a good book; I’m guessing that writer has not yet been slammed up against the woo woo wall.
You can call it the muse, angels, the shadow, the collective unconscious, any term that works for you, but the bottom line is, writing has a side that tells us it is not ours. It is there for us to use, but it doesn’t belong to us, it isn’t there to make us rich or satisfy our egos, and we forget that at our peril. Forget it, and prepare to be slammed up against the woo woo wall.
I’m also working on a story I love madly and spent yesterday working out the math on the pacing and structure. Just because I believe in woo woo doesn’t mean I don’t believe in structure. The three act structure makes all the pieces fall into place. More writing ahead today.
I love that book. We have it in paperback and on audio. It’s one we return to again and again. Good luck with that story.
Jordan, it really is a keeper. And thanks, the story is progressing nicely. Now if I can just get the not-well-yet kids down for naps…
I’d never heard of it…got to love that title.
So it’s my turn to give away our book over at my blog. Want to win another copy? Something to read while you wait for the kids to recover.
Kate, it’s a terrific book. Also good: Becoming a Writer (Dorthea Brande), Zen in the Art of Writing (Ray Bradbury), The Artist’s Way (Julia Cameron). All deal with artistic issues more than craft or business.
And run to Kate’s blog now to win your copy of Out of This World Lover, people!
I read it the last time you recommended it. Very good book.
Hope the kidlets are feeling better, so you can get some rest. 🙂
P.S. I would have been around sooner, but the internet is on the fritz (again), I’m beginning to take think it’s personal.
Ann, I hope your ISP isn’t plotting against you. *g*