Discovering the Secret

As a writer writing about writing (writer…writing…no, that’s right), I am constantly looking to others for their helpful suggestions on how to improve my own work. No man is an island and no blogger is without his inspiration.

I recently came into possession of three books which gives different perspectives on how to write, what to write, when to write, etc. Writing Down The Bones: Freeing The Writer Within, by Natalie Goldberg, Bird By Bird: Some Instructions On Writing And Life, by Anne Lamott, and On Writing, by Stephen King. I chose these three because of each writer’s different background and each one’s differing philosophy on life. I wanted to see what was out there for writers and learn if there was any consensus of what ingredients can make a good writer. As I go through each book, I’ll try and discuss some of the different ideas each writer gives, what works and what doesn’t. First up, On Writing, which is a fascinating view of a writer who may be prolific, but is not necessarily considered literary.

Now, can a writer learn how to write simply from reading one or three books? Not exclusively, no, though I do think that a particular book can be helpful and inspirational (if I didn’t, having this Web site is a bit of a waste). Writers have an innate need to have an outlet for their voice. They skim their brains for ideas and throw them down to see what happens to come up. Many, including myself, began without focus, without knowing how to be disciplined, how to calm the thoughts long enough to put them down in some semblance of an enjoyable yarn.

I’m hoping each book will provide a few helpful hints on how to channel the power of the word. Each week I will try to provide you with one or two new points of view, perhaps even something you haven’t considered. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll discover The Secret to great writing.

You must not come lightly to the blank page.

-Stephen King, On Writing