I think this is spot on. I am in the middle of writing a book and after watching some truly, well-meaning, and somewhat helpful writing advice videos, I now constantly scrutinize every little detail I used to love and not have as a problem before. I have rewritten my first chapter so many times now to do everything "right" that I don't even recognize the true plot line anymore. And let me tell you, it's hard to find it again once you have left the path you made your own in the first place. Once again, you writing has enlightened and educated me. Thanks, Matt. Can't wait to see your next article. Pure and untouched by the well-meaning "Advice Givers". :)
Hey, Matt, I completely agree. There's an optimal informational distance you need to keep when writing and that distance varies in a very individual way.
I remember telling a friend, who practically lived with me for a while, that I wrote a lot for someone who doesn’t read. They quickly responded, “What are you talking about? You read all day long!” We forget that books are not the only reading we do. We read articles all day when we’re perusing, researching or distracted. We also consume/read a lot of news in written form online.
I believe this makes a lot of sense. And think of how much you've read up till now! At some point we have to practice what we've learned. If your intuition is telling you something, you should listen.
Yes, Matt, 100% on the money. Your instincts are good. I think anyone who wrestles with an artistic objective knows when they're playing hooky. (Do people even know what playing hooky means anymore??) Sure there's a time for reading the words and ideas of others, trying new methods, escaping in the outdoors or seeing a movie but . . . just keep listening to that voice, the one that can connect you with your inner vision. It can be a misty, ephemeral thing at times but it'll return and reform as you beckon and reimagine the world you're creating.
Although! (After 7 mins reflection time lol) I do feel inspired to write when I come across really good pieces of writing... but maybe I’m deluding myself🤷🏾♀️😆
I think this is spot on. I am in the middle of writing a book and after watching some truly, well-meaning, and somewhat helpful writing advice videos, I now constantly scrutinize every little detail I used to love and not have as a problem before. I have rewritten my first chapter so many times now to do everything "right" that I don't even recognize the true plot line anymore. And let me tell you, it's hard to find it again once you have left the path you made your own in the first place. Once again, you writing has enlightened and educated me. Thanks, Matt. Can't wait to see your next article. Pure and untouched by the well-meaning "Advice Givers". :)
Hey, Matt, I completely agree. There's an optimal informational distance you need to keep when writing and that distance varies in a very individual way.
I remember telling a friend, who practically lived with me for a while, that I wrote a lot for someone who doesn’t read. They quickly responded, “What are you talking about? You read all day long!” We forget that books are not the only reading we do. We read articles all day when we’re perusing, researching or distracted. We also consume/read a lot of news in written form online.
I believe this makes a lot of sense. And think of how much you've read up till now! At some point we have to practice what we've learned. If your intuition is telling you something, you should listen.
Yes, Matt, 100% on the money. Your instincts are good. I think anyone who wrestles with an artistic objective knows when they're playing hooky. (Do people even know what playing hooky means anymore??) Sure there's a time for reading the words and ideas of others, trying new methods, escaping in the outdoors or seeing a movie but . . . just keep listening to that voice, the one that can connect you with your inner vision. It can be a misty, ephemeral thing at times but it'll return and reform as you beckon and reimagine the world you're creating.
Agreed. We have “input” all around us, and sometimes what we really need is a quiet pause to really listen to the voice that’s already inside us.
Although! (After 7 mins reflection time lol) I do feel inspired to write when I come across really good pieces of writing... but maybe I’m deluding myself🤷🏾♀️😆
Agree.
I respect your dedication