Every time I get a little break at work, I usually spend some of the time researching writers and analysts about writing philosophies, critique, proper prose and "what it takes..." I don't generally take much of this advice, but rather find it entertaining and I can see where I fit into this world and it puts me at ease.
Many critics say writing can be learned. It can. I truly believe anyone (most people) can become at least a decent writer if they wish. Anyone can write a book granted they either have a wild enough imagination or know a substantial amount about a given subject. Editing is the process that helps with this.
What isn't as easily learned or executed is the lifestyle around writing. Especially the lifestyle of a journalist. I've learned a few things about what it takes- personality wise- to make it. Now, I'm not quite a professional yet so I don't know exactly "what it takes", maybe that'll be a guidance book when I'm old and wrinkly and too lazy to travel or look to something new. But for me, there's a few qualities I find in myself that I try to take note of and accentuate in order to become better at the writing lifestyle.
1: I don't care how much I think my writing sucks, I will still write.
-There are so many outlets for writing. If I'm not feeling too creative, or I'm feeling overly emotional, I'll hit the journal. But I don't fore go writing, even if thoughts aren't coming clearly. This is probably the hardest task to maintain. It's so easy to think about something you'd like to write, but it's a bit more difficult to always remember to put the pen to the paper. When I have some idea, and I want to discuss it with friends back home, I use the blog. The blog has slowly become one of my favorite styles of writing. It's like a professional journal that isn't being published, but people actually read it (hopefully) so I feel more inclined to present a piece that people will want to read (Sorry non-writing friends, this one may bore the hell out of you). Being published is a different story altogether. I can't wait for a creative urge, I have to force it out of me. Sometimes it comes, sometimes it doesn't. But with more practice the good times come more frequently. It's only recently becoming more frequent that I'm somewhat satisfied with something I write on deadline to be published.
2: Writers, especially journalists, must know in equal parts how to socialize and when to be alone.
Though it's imperative to get out there, have new experiences and meet exciting people, there comes a point when too much can drain the creative energy. Writing takes internalizing situations, finding the real source of your opinion and a proper prose to write with. What the situation funny? Ironic? Sad? Is how I'm feeling now effecting this? Should I write versions that deliver different feelings?
None of these can happen when you're constantly surrounded by others. Writing takes a stable person with tendencies of going crazy. To draw from HST, find a way to stay on the edge without going over.
3: A writer must be deeply connected to themselves in order to be connected to the world around them.
For journalists, you've got to have a solid footing. If you don't, you can not perceive the world around you properly. For writers, going crazy, as long as you're connected, could spark some great imaginative pieces. Take, for instance, David Foster Wallace (RIP). He was more self-conscious than anyone about his craziness and went down as a brilliant writer. That said, there's a fine line. *Know when to be social, so it doesn't happen to you* But, both of these do coincide with the need to spend time alone. How do YOU see the world, apart from how your friends, family and colleagues see it? And how have you found in yourself that this is how you want to see? For writers who wish to be journalists simultaneously, it's important to differentiate between these two.
4: Take a leap of faith in life
To have that voice, writers need to be interesting. Sitting in front of a computer all day tends to extract all the will and energy of a writer. So don't be lazy. Don't only go out at night and meet people, but accept wild plans made by others or make them yourself. Try every week to witness something you've never laid your eyes upon before. Conversations are great for future dialogues, new scenery is great for description, experience grows wisdom. The world is an empty notebook waiting to be filled.
5: Writers need vigilance
Find a way that suits you to make it happen.
!!!!!!!!!I LOVE WRITING!!!!!!!!!
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