I haven’t written on my group blog for a while, but now I feel I can re-start my weekly posts.
Today’s post is “Why Are You Writing This Novel?”
I find it an important topic. The reason why a novel is written can determine how it resonates with its readers.
In the post, I more or less argue for passion in writing, but I do acknowledge that reason has its role.
The editorial hat is the hat of reason. But then, even an editor can’t work with dead words.
I like how Gibran describes reason and passion. I really think it applies just as well to writing fiction, as to life:
“…reason, ruling alone, is a force confining; and passion, unattended, is a flame that burns to its own destruction.
Therefore let your soul exalt your reason to the height of passion, that it may sing;
And let it direct your passion with reason, that your passion may live through its own daily resurrection, and like the phoenix rise above its own ashes.”
Very interesting post. I've talked some in my own blog about the importance of structure in the writing process. A house without a strong foundation is a pile of brick and board, and a person without bones is – well, maybe a jellyfish 😉
I like to say the better our structures, the more emotion/plot/characters/argument our writing can support. Gibran says it much more poetically, but I think we're talking about the same dynamic.
I enjoyed seeing your group blog, too.