One of my favorite books on writing is Take Joy by Jane Yolen.
We writers are a dramatic bunch. We talk about the blood, sweat and tears that go into finding the perfect words. We wake up every day facing a blank page. We struggle with writers block. We try to find balance between writing and our real lives.
Take Joy was recommended by a friend who is in the Hamline MFA in Writing for Children Program. She had to read if to school and she told those of us in her writing group about it. I may never be able to afford to get an MFA from Hamline but I can always buy books.
This book reminds writers that it isn't all about bleeding onto the paper and struggling with writers block and endless rejections. We really write because it brings us joy. Or that is why I write. I really couldn't imagine a life where I didn't write.
This book is full of great advice for writers. Advice like write everyday. My favorite piece of advice from this book is about elevating a story from real life. About letting the story have its own life instead of the life we want it to have.
Why do you write? How do you keep the joy in your writing?
13 comments:
Thanks for the book recommendation. I'm going to add that to my Amazon Wish List :)
I write because I love the words. I love looking at the thoughts on the page and thinking that they're mine, and that other people might like them, too. That in itself is enough to bring me joy.
Rosie
East for Green Eyes
Actually, looks like that books out of print. :(
I have this book and I re-read it often. It's full of inspiring nuggets.
Sometimes, a book can do wonders in reminding us why we write. For me it was Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones.
For me I write because I've discovered it is easier that way. For everything, but basically for the people around me. :)
Great recommendation! It's so true -- I write because it makes me bounce with happiness (and grit my teeth with frustration, but that's another thing :-).
Reading Rosie's comment above and feeling sad, what? This book is out of print? I wanted to go right out and buy a copy. It sounds wonderful.
I guess I write because I can't imagine NOT writing. Capturing the right words and making them your own? Yeah, that's joy.
Great point about joy and writing. When I'm completely strung out on what I'm working on, I'll open up a new document and just write the most crazy thing I can come up with. The goal then is for me to sniggle.
I'll have to see if they have this book at the library.
Sounds like a great book.
I write because I have to...have no choice...for better and for worse :)
Firstly love Jane Golen's Briar Rose. It's great to see Joy instead of Jealousy which is No 1 for this letter.
Just writing is a joy - writing in any form, except a letter to go with your tax submission!
Denise<3
L'Aussies Travel A-Z Challenge - J is for Japan
I also had J is for Joy on my blog today. Joy is my sister. I keep joy in my writing by trying new things, writing what is important to me, and sharing it!
Thanks for stopping by my blog yesterday !
gigglelaughcry.blogspot.com
When I get stressed with writing my MS, I go back to poetry. Yes, I know it's a tad pitiful, but poetry makes me joyful.
Just so you know, I mailed Entice on Monday through media mail. So hopefully it will show up at your place this week or next.
Post a Comment