The Writing Life

Chapter 2 of Writer's Workshop is titled "The Writing Life." Perfect because it is a catchy title for this blog post.

In this chapter, Koch points out several elements a writer needs to consider when producing "art." It is everything from memories to what we see in our day to day lives. The point that I really like that Koch made was that reading and writing work hand in hand. He quotes Stephen King--"...If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that. Reading is the creative center of a writer's life" (39). Further, Eudora Welty said, "Indeed, learning to write may be part of learning to read" (40). These quotes can be interpreted in a number of ways, but I think the main point both King and Welty are trying to make is that when you're a reader developing the senses of characters, plots, conflicts, etc., of stories, you are kind of trained to reproduce these things with your own imaginative abilities.

The only problem with reading and writing is...drumroll please...FINDING TIME. How many of us make excuses for finding the time to keep up with reading AND writing?? I have to admit, I've only got two pages written for my short story. Even though, supposidily, "writer's block doesn't really exist," I feel like I am stuck! I've taken over a week off of writing--thinking, dreaming, and envisioning where I can take my story, but it is so tough! Initially I thought I was going to go one route, but now I feel like it is totally stupid and I can't ramble on and on about it. I'm trying to find my imaginary skills deep inside me. I know they are there! I've got to put aside the TV time, the naps, AND FACEBOOK! and really try to focus. Just like chapter 2 mentions, my future readers "aren't going to give a damn whether it took me thirty minutes or one year" (45), all that matters is the story is well thought out!