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whytryceratops 's review for:
If You Want to Write: A Book about Art, Independence and Spirit
by Brenda Ueland
I have mixed feelings about this book. It isn't earth-shattering, but the first few chapters are a great pep-talk. It reminds you to find your voice, and work hard to develop it. It gave me a few exercises to try in my writing. And it made my love for Vincent van Gogh grow exponentially ("The more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people.").
Then there were the parts that rubbed me the wrong way. I strongly disagree with her that you should never plan your writing. She writes "For when you begin to plan such a huge edifice of words, your heart fails you […] it is too complex and frightful." When I first started writing, I never knew you could plan fiction. I tried to grow my writing "organically", but all I found was disappointment, heartache, and several unfinished manuscripts. Ironically, structure has given me freedom. I think people should try both methods, and figure out what works for them.
I also disagree that all criticism is bad. Constructive criticism helps me develop as a writer, and forces me to take an objective view of my work. If I don't let my ego get in the way of something that might make my writing better, then my imagination will never be frightened away. It'll burn brighter and clearer as I refine my voice.
All quotes from William Blake fell on deaf ears. I find him pretentious and self-serving, but I guess he'd feel the same of me.
Also, science is beautiful, and ignites my imagination more than spirituality. I guess my truth in this will just have to disagree with Brenda Ueland's truth.
Then there were the parts that rubbed me the wrong way. I strongly disagree with her that you should never plan your writing. She writes "For when you begin to plan such a huge edifice of words, your heart fails you […] it is too complex and frightful." When I first started writing, I never knew you could plan fiction. I tried to grow my writing "organically", but all I found was disappointment, heartache, and several unfinished manuscripts. Ironically, structure has given me freedom. I think people should try both methods, and figure out what works for them.
I also disagree that all criticism is bad. Constructive criticism helps me develop as a writer, and forces me to take an objective view of my work. If I don't let my ego get in the way of something that might make my writing better, then my imagination will never be frightened away. It'll burn brighter and clearer as I refine my voice.
All quotes from William Blake fell on deaf ears. I find him pretentious and self-serving, but I guess he'd feel the same of me.
Also, science is beautiful, and ignites my imagination more than spirituality. I guess my truth in this will just have to disagree with Brenda Ueland's truth.