It’s Friday night, March 15th, and we’re beginning our descent into Baltimore, 200 or so souls powering through the atmosphere, the clouds a never-ending carpet, the sky at dusk a gentle thing.
Indeed, time is needed not just for the actual writing part of this work, and for revision, and for seeking publication, but for the thinking that precedes and surrounds these -- the interior and exterior experiences and the marination of those experiences into something rich to then communicate.
"It’s the audience you have, not the audience you wish for, that you should be serving." Yes, yes, yes. Thank you, Shawn. This is exactly what I needed to read today!
This whole post. Thank you. But especially the Bluey meme at the end. Bluey really is the best. I can't tell you how much it's changed my parenting for the better. Sad, I've gotten more encouragement from, felt seen by, and been gently corrected by that show than any Christian (or secular) parenting book. Also, it's good storytelling. It's one of a handful of kids shows I can watch without my brain melting. So yeah, thanks. :)
I feel the same way about Bluey. His parents are the absolute best. My kids are getting a bit annoyed with how often I say, "I'll tell you that for free!" :)
Last night, before bed, I wrote in my journal, "I give up." But giving "it up" is a much, much better idea. So many changes in our family and life write now, it's hard to keep my head in the long story I've been working to revise. Feels impossible. Thanks for pointing the way home.
I hear you, Meadow. I think a lot of time there is plenty we SHOULD be giving up. Or maybe "could" is a better word. And doing that allows us to continue the important work.
I hear you too about keeping your head in the story. I wish I were someone who could just hop in and out but life distracts and then it’s like unpacking the whole suitcase to begin again. I’m hoping to remedy this… eventually
I was *JUST* writing in my journal the other day about tending to my own garden. It was an overflow of some time spent in John 15 and 1 Corinthians 12, but ultimately I was reminded that everyone's work and life can bear similar fruit that takes different shape.
Some things grow well in the soil of my garden (and life) and others simply don't -- sweet potatoes that don't grow to full size and yet my strawberries have inexplicably taken on a life of their own in another bed.
When I've got eyes on what others are able to do or not to do with their literal and figurative gardens I miss the unique challenges and joys of caring for mine. Of being grateful for the fruit that does inevitably come.
I wrote a blog post back in the day about "tending your own garden," and I know JDL has talked about it/written about it too -- so you are correct on both! :) Good post, Shawn.
Not everyone will like my writing and that's a good thing. I strive to find my niche, those trying to make sense of some of the same things as I am. Thank you for this well-written post. I found it very encouraging.
Can I push back on the ranking of audience? It seems like we have to balance our own enjoyment with those of others, much like how we create hospitality by tapping into both our own tastes and what would appeal to our guests. It feels like they have equal weight and we are always considering both simultaneously. Maybe that’s what you’re saying already.
Sure! Push back! And every writer has to operate in a way that works for them. But I actually think it's impossible, in the moment of creativity, to be thinking of two separate audiences. I think as we go about our revising we can begin to consider them, but for me, trying to keep track of what the audience wants, in that moment of writing, has led to a lot of junky practice and poor writing.
Would you say that even in your above response, though, that you were thinking of yourself (the point you wanted to make) and me as the reader (a clear, thoughtful explanation that would help me to see your side?) I don’t think an audience’s personal tastes should ever carry much weight, but I’m wondering if our consideration of the audience is just more subtle. Once a piece of writing leaves the pages of a diary (or any medium that isn’t private), otherness or audience shares a front seat.
So so good, Shawn. Thank you the ways you lead us through.
Thanks, Christiana.
My thoughts exactly! I was about to post the same first three words. (:
This is so helpful and encouraging -- thanks!
Thanks for reading, Jeannie. And for writing!
I'm intrigued by these thoughts on patience.
Indeed, time is needed not just for the actual writing part of this work, and for revision, and for seeking publication, but for the thinking that precedes and surrounds these -- the interior and exterior experiences and the marination of those experiences into something rich to then communicate.
Yes!
"It’s the audience you have, not the audience you wish for, that you should be serving." Yes, yes, yes. Thank you, Shawn. This is exactly what I needed to read today!
Thanks for reading, Cara!
This whole post. Thank you. But especially the Bluey meme at the end. Bluey really is the best. I can't tell you how much it's changed my parenting for the better. Sad, I've gotten more encouragement from, felt seen by, and been gently corrected by that show than any Christian (or secular) parenting book. Also, it's good storytelling. It's one of a handful of kids shows I can watch without my brain melting. So yeah, thanks. :)
I feel the same way about Bluey. His parents are the absolute best. My kids are getting a bit annoyed with how often I say, "I'll tell you that for free!" :)
Last night, before bed, I wrote in my journal, "I give up." But giving "it up" is a much, much better idea. So many changes in our family and life write now, it's hard to keep my head in the long story I've been working to revise. Feels impossible. Thanks for pointing the way home.
I hear you, Meadow. I think a lot of time there is plenty we SHOULD be giving up. Or maybe "could" is a better word. And doing that allows us to continue the important work.
I hear you too about keeping your head in the story. I wish I were someone who could just hop in and out but life distracts and then it’s like unpacking the whole suitcase to begin again. I’m hoping to remedy this… eventually
Lovely Shawn.
Thanks, Sam.
Very beautiful. Yes, to write, for the love.
Yep! Was just thinking a lot of this today too!
I was *JUST* writing in my journal the other day about tending to my own garden. It was an overflow of some time spent in John 15 and 1 Corinthians 12, but ultimately I was reminded that everyone's work and life can bear similar fruit that takes different shape.
Some things grow well in the soil of my garden (and life) and others simply don't -- sweet potatoes that don't grow to full size and yet my strawberries have inexplicably taken on a life of their own in another bed.
When I've got eyes on what others are able to do or not to do with their literal and figurative gardens I miss the unique challenges and joys of caring for mine. Of being grateful for the fruit that does inevitably come.
Shawn I’ve really loved your recent posts about your writing process. Thank you for letting us in!
Thanks for coming along on the journey, Tatiana.
I wrote a blog post back in the day about "tending your own garden," and I know JDL has talked about it/written about it too -- so you are correct on both! :) Good post, Shawn.
Thank you for this thoughtful response! I love how you always direct others back to the basics- which are the things we can control.
Not everyone will like my writing and that's a good thing. I strive to find my niche, those trying to make sense of some of the same things as I am. Thank you for this well-written post. I found it very encouraging.
Can I push back on the ranking of audience? It seems like we have to balance our own enjoyment with those of others, much like how we create hospitality by tapping into both our own tastes and what would appeal to our guests. It feels like they have equal weight and we are always considering both simultaneously. Maybe that’s what you’re saying already.
Sure! Push back! And every writer has to operate in a way that works for them. But I actually think it's impossible, in the moment of creativity, to be thinking of two separate audiences. I think as we go about our revising we can begin to consider them, but for me, trying to keep track of what the audience wants, in that moment of writing, has led to a lot of junky practice and poor writing.
Would you say that even in your above response, though, that you were thinking of yourself (the point you wanted to make) and me as the reader (a clear, thoughtful explanation that would help me to see your side?) I don’t think an audience’s personal tastes should ever carry much weight, but I’m wondering if our consideration of the audience is just more subtle. Once a piece of writing leaves the pages of a diary (or any medium that isn’t private), otherness or audience shares a front seat.
I *think*
My reply to your comment? I think writing a comment or note *to* someone is very different than writing a novel.
You’re right. But I think the whole point in writing a novel is for someone else to experience a story that’s only ever been in our own heads.
I don't disagree with that.
Your first point really resonates. Thank you for sharing your perspective. Also, I’ve loved that Lamott quote for a long time now. :)
It's such a good one.