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My blogger friend Sean Carlin wrote a post a few days ago about Artistic Originality. He’s a writer with a background in film, and he often laments the industry’s sequels and reboots that sacrifice the original film’s creative power for a guaranteed (but unsatisfying to the viewer) box-office bump.
His post got me thinking about the same phenomenon in books and what makes a story original. We may disagree on the number of plots available to us, ranging from 4 (man vs. man, man vs. society, man vs. nature, man vs. himself) to Polti’s 36 (here’s the list). But we can all agree that the number we have to work with is limited.
Since we’re essentially rehashing the same plots millions of time (sit with that thought for a minute) how is it that we aren’t bored to tears with writing and reading? Aren’t we all, in a way, regurgitating our favorites?
Sean Carlin
Carlin concludes his post with a reflection on his current writing endeavor Escape from Rikers Island, and to me, he defines what makes a piece of art original:
“For better or worse, it is a reflection of my personality, my interests, my sensibilities, my experiences. When I read it back, I …hear myself. It sounds like me.”
In lauding George Lucas’s original Star Wars trilogy, Carlin writes:
“… he diversified his influences, internalized them, developed an authentic voice all his own, and—this part is key—summoned the courage, without any assurances of a receptive audience, to make it heard. If all artists took inspiration from that and aspired to the same, our popular culture would yield a limitless bounty of originality.”
I find these conclusions both wonderful and daunting because they place originality in a realm where we, as artists, have full control—our individual collections of experiences, imaginings, and most important of all, our hearts.
My reflection on Carlin’s post led to the core of what makes a piece of art compelling and memorable to me, which is the artist’s internal investment, the deeper the better. In writing, it’s an author’s emotional soul that feeds a story and evokes a reaction. That personal vulnerability requires courage, but it’s worth it because readers perceive the authenticity of the human experience unfolding in the books they love.
The blogosphere is full of spectacular advice on the “craft” of writing, but not so much on the “art.” Because heArt is like a fingerprint—personal and one of a kind. It isn’t something taught, but a rich quality mined from a soulful place within us. You are sublimely unique, and therein lies your source of originality.
Carlin wrote in his comment to me:
“…tools, techniques, and even theory are cool, but they’re only there to help us create an authentic emotional experience, and we can’t do that unless we write honest stories, drawn from our own experiences, imparted with a piece of our souls … I think that goes to illustrate just how sensitive storytelling is—what a delicate balance between heart and craft we have to strike in order to get it right.”
I love that.
Happy Writing. ❤
Myths of the Mirror 
Carlin has it right when he writes about developing “an authentic voice.” An authentic voice is key to being a successful writer and drawing in readers. As for the mentality of what “makes a story original,” I am going to be bold and say that there isn’t such a thing as an original story. It’s impossible to do in this day and age. That’s not to say that all these writers are just mere plagiarizes, goodness forbid! I don’t doubt that most people, myself included, try to be original. But it’s just not possible. It’s likely to not hear of another story already written or being written and then to write a story that is very similar to that story, seeing as people can have similar ideas. The old adage of “great minds think alike” rings very true when it comes to writing.
Let’s take what you wrote about the “original Star Wars trilogy.” I’m not sure if you are using original in the terms of not referring to the prequels or the sequels, or if you are saying that the original trilogy was original in and of itself. If you mean the latter, that’s hardly the case. It borrowed elements for old space operas. Likewise, Shakespeare was inspired by old Graeco Roman tragedies. Tolkien was inspired by norse mythology. Some writers have even accused each other of ripping of one another’s work.
Now, pouring your heart and your feelings into writing, as well as your perceptions, that’s what helps make a great story, or as you eloquently stated “it’s an author’s emotional soul that feeds a story and evokes a reaction.” This is what’s important. A story with emotion and a different perception can help make topics that have been done before feel fresh and exciting. In fact, it’s all these elements, perception, lifelong experience, train of thought, and emotions, that can help put a unique twist on a story.
Thanks for your thoughts.
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Thanks for adding to the conversation, Jonathan. I think we all agree that stories draw on a writer’s gathered experience, including other stories. But, I think, that unique twist that you mention in your conclusion is the key to the definition of “original” in this context. And in a way, it’s the reader who weighs the originality or perhaps even more important, the level of enjoyment. Thanks again for the comment. This has been a fun discussion! Have a great week.
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[…] via The HeArt and Craft of Writing — Myths of the Mirror […]
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Reblogged this on Musings on Life & Experience and commented:
Heart in our craft.
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Thanks so much for the reblog, Suzanne. Sorry for the late reply. I’ve been taking some time off the old blog. Have a wonderful weekend, my friend. 🙂
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Great blog! I liked it!
I nominated you for the Friendship Blogger Award! You can check it out at: https://robinleeann.com/2018/03/09/friendship-blogger-award/
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Thanks so much, Robin. I’m honored at the nomination. Sorry for the late reply. I’ve been offline for a few days. Have a wonderful weekend!
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You’re welcome! & You deserve it! Have a wonderful weekend too!
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Wonderfully Said✨❤
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Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Sean is a bottomless source of inspiration. 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
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You too 🌹
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Wonderful and fascinating post! I love the part about the author’s internal investment.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Antonia. I like that part too. I think readers can feel whether an author is writing from the heart, and moving readers needs that investment. Thanks so much for the visit. ❤
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All of this–so true! And it’s that diversity of experiences and how a writer instills that into the work that makes the story unique to that writer. There have been so many stories I’ve read where I’m disappointed to reach the end, and then I sit back and wonder how I can get that response out of a reader. A goal we all strive for, I think. Love this post, Diana!
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Thanks, Julie. Sean’s ideas gave me all the inspiration for the post. And isn’t it wonderful to think about originality as something that’s organic? All we have to do is invest fearlessly in our own experiences and imaginations. 🙂 Happy Writing.
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I thoroughly enjoyed this post Diana. I love it when you pass through tips on writing and all your inspirational words and posts. Thank you. Have a great weekend.
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Thanks so much for the visit, Lynne. Sean’s post spoke to me and I loved sharing his insights and knowledge. And of course, I had an opinion too. Ha ha. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful week, my friend. 🙂
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Wonderful post, Diana! Love how both of you think that there’s not only craft behind writing but also heart and art! If it were that simple machines could write books and stories! (I’m sure the computer geeks are already working on that one but kind of hope they’ll fail! 😉)
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The computer geeks are working on it! But so far with pretty dismal results. I think heart is part of all art, Sarah. I imagine that a bit of you goes into each of your creations. It’s what makes someone linger and wonder – the soul of the piece. Thanks so much for the visit and comment. ❤
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I do feel like some tiny part of my soul goes into everything I create!
Let’s cross our fingers that the geeks will never be able to replicate our very souls! 😉 ❤
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Helo I am new to wordpress and still figuring it out.. I would be great if you could check out my latest post. Thankyou
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Happy to! Welcome to blogging. 🙂
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Thankyou 😃
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thanks for sharing!! This was a very good read.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it, and thanks so much for visiting. Have a wonderful day. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Lyn Horner's Corner.
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Thanks so much for sharing, Lyn. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I’ve been thinking about the topic for a while and Sean’s post pulled it all together, along with some fun discussion. Happy Writing!
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I love that too. To me, each book we write is like a snowflake. The premise of the book may follow the dictates of what all plots follow (as you listed in your second paragraph), but as Carlin says so succinctly, each of our snowflakes are different. As the snow falls, it may look all the same, but turns out, each one has its own pattern. Its own personality and voice.
I enjoy your voice immensely, Diana Snowflake. 🙂
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Ha ha ha. You make me laugh, Pam. I found Sean’s post inspiring. I like the idea that all we need to be original is inside us. This thing we do is full of heart and soul and hard work, but so rewarding. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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YES, I reply as I watch the snowflakes fall outside my window. I’m going out now to catch a few and find their originality. 🙂
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Another dancing and spinning in the snow post?
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If we get the diagnosed foot of snow, I’ve promised dancing snow angels… 🙂
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I’ve come to terms that there are only a handful of basic storylines which are repurposed again and again in different settings, but I still roll my eyes with each and every announcement of a reboot of an existing film or television show. I think it is because with books you can imagine details differently, but with film its more obvious the financers weren’t willing to take a risk.
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I feel the same way, Allie, and I think that was Sean’s point, or part of his point anyway. There’s no reason why movies and books (all art) can’t strive for originality. Keep using your great imagination and depth of heart, my friend. 🙂
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This is a thought-provoking post, Diana – what you said about 4 to 36 different plots and Jan mentioning how there are only 7 major chords in music – and yet look at all the wondrous and unique music and books in the world. And yet I’ve also noticed the lack of originality – more so in YA books, since that’s what I’m usually immersed in. It’s similar to fashion – what’s ‘in style’ to write or read. Sometimes I ask myself where all the fresh voices are.
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Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Teri. I notice that “repeat” feeling in fantasy too sometimes. How many quests for magic rings/swords/amulets/stones can the genre endure? Lol. I think it probably happens in all genres. So, since we can only do so much with plot, it’s the originality and freshness of the characters that matters more and the heart we put into making their struggles matter to the reader. I think we do that by digging deep and investing ourselves in the story. In a way, laying our own souls on the line. Thanks for the visit and Happy Writing!
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Nice
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Thanks for the visit! I’m glad you enjoyed the read. 🙂
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The story’s in the details. We search for details we relate to, and for details that surprise us, and if they’re in the same book, we’re in luck.
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An interesting comment, Jay, and I agree. Details create a reality that rings true, and finding the right ones in the right balance is a big part of crafting a story. I like the combination too. 🙂 Have a great day!
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I definitely that an emotional investment helps better writing. You can really feel an authors passion when they are invested in their topic and characters. It makes it feel that much more authentic.
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I think that’s true too – that the author’s passion translates to the reader. If an author doesn’t connect deeply with his or her own story, it’s unreasonable to think the reader will. Thanks for the visit and have a great week!
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I’m enjoying Sean’s blog. I’m hoping he posts a summary of the Oscars as I didn’t have the stomach for another evening of non-stop hate speech (about politics). I’d like to see the nominees through Sean’s lens.
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I didn’t watch them either, Jacqui… only because I’m not into award shows. I’m just as happy with a list of the winners. But I too would like to read Sean’s thoughts. He comes from a background that is mysterious to me for the most part. 🙂 Have a great week!
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I wish I had something interesting to add about last night’s Oscars, Jacqui, but alas I don’t! I think Dunkirk is the only major nominee I’ve even seen! Though I certainly applaud the diversity of voices that were represented in this particular group of nominees — a major (and overdue) step forward — I question the practice of bestowing best-of-class awards on works of art, particularly those that haven’t had any opportunity to affect the culture or stand the test of time. It’s very easy to get swept up in the hype of marketing campaigns and anoint a film or a performance as the best, but it seems to me the final authority on those matters is time itself. Let’s look back in ten or twenty years and discuss what the best films of 2017 were.
Furthermore, the self-congratulatory tenor of these kinds of award shows seems particularly distasteful in the immediate aftermath of the shameful year Hollywood just endured. While it’s certainly great that a lot of very abusive practices have been exposed, many of the perpetrators punished, and possibly real, systemic reform is on the horizon, maybe Hollywood ought to take a year off from it ceremonial strokefest and engage in some hard reflection on its own toxic culture: how that became institutionalized and what should be done about it moving forward. Because turning this ship around isn’t as easy as adopting a hashtag; the entire industry needs to be hardwired anew.
Anyway, I’ve stepped away from the movie biz over the past few years in favor of publishing — which has been a much better fit for me — and, if I’m being candid, I’ve come to loathe the vapidity of Hollywood, both the industry and the city. These days, I mostly just stay confined to my office and try to pretend (like a good writer does) that I’m someplace else entirely.
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and yet, aren’t only the already popular artists who get the chance to win an award?
I’ve always preferred books to movies – they always feel authentic to me, no matter if they are but the regurgitation of what we liked the most.
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What a brilliant piece of inspiration this post was, Diana! Thank you so much for sharing Sean with us. Both of you have given me much to think about and have also reassured me that I am going about this writing thing the right way. Love it so much when you share writing tips etc. because it keeps me focused and encourages me more than you know! Have a fantastic week, Diana! xo
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I always feel the heart in your writing, Tanya. It’s deeply touching and alive and you have amazing courage to put your soul out there each and every time. A natural. ❤ Thanks for the visit and Happy Writing. 😀
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I love that too, Diana. It is the same with music. There are only seven major chords (of course many variations to them, but only seven major) and it is the personality, the passion, the grit the artist puts into their craft that draws us. Wonderful post.
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I was just writing another comment including music in the mix, Jan. The composers/ performers that write and play with a personal investment of heart speak to the audience on a whole other level. It’s almost astonishing. Thanks for reading and have a lovely week. 🙂
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This is says it all… any further comment would be superfluous!
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Ha ha ha. Took the words out of your mouth? I don’t believe it. 😀 Thanks for the visit, Paul. Have a wonderfully creative week full of heArt. 🙂
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HeART Genius!
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😀 ❤
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“the artist’s internal investment, the deeper the better.”
Perfect. Yes, that’s the magic center to living works of art. Great post.
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I think so, Mike. I have a feeling that it applies to all kinds of art – music, dance, painting, sculpture… I believe I can tell the difference between perfectly executed, and perfectly executed with heart. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the post! Happy Writing.
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A fascinating post. As you know, I don’t do fiction, but I always admire those who can
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Thanks for stopping by to read, Derrick. I love musing about this stuff and learning from others. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a wonderful week. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
D.Wallace Peach with a post with thoughts from screenwriter and author Sean Carlin on the demise of originality in plots for films, television or drama.. As Diana points out there are only a limited plot lines and they are being rehashed millions of times… head over and have your say…
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Thanks so much for reading and sharing, Sally. I found Sean’s post inspiring and it was fun to reflect on. 🙂
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Sean Carlin certainly speaks a lot of sense, and I love your response to what he says – and agree whole heARTedly.
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😀 Isn’t it cool, Linda? It’s liberating to know that what we need as artists is already inside us. All we need is to develop the tools and the courage to share it. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Happy Writing!
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I often say, when people ask me why I always seem upbeat and happy, that we have a spring of happiness inside us that we need to nurture at all costs. Your post reminded me of this thought, Diana. When we write, we should tap into our inner spring of uniqueness to make our writing original. I am finding participating in flash fiction prompts really helps with this.
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What a lovely way to think of it, Robbie. 🙂 The inner spring of uniqueness. Flash fiction is a great way to tap into it, as well as a wonderful way to experiment and explore. Thanks for the visit and Happy Writing!
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This is such an uplifting post, Diana and Calin. When people reflect themselves in their writing, even age old plots become fresh and distinctive. And that gives me hope. Of course form and discipline play a part, but the voice is what matters and engages the reader.
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Oh good, Molly. I’m glad you found it uplifting. It was meant to be. 🙂 Also a call to dig deep and engage on a meaningful level through our work and our characters – to elicit a human response, whatever that looks like. 🙂 Form and technique are the important tools to bring that to life. Thanks for stopping by, my friend!
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I love the last quote from Calin and agree with both of you that the writing that most stirs me is writing from the depths of heart and soul. It evokes feeling and connection. Thanks for sharing Diana.
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I’m so glad you could relate, Brad. I know that’s true for me as a reader, whatever genre I’m reading. I feel as though I can tell whether a writer was fully engaged, heart and soul, in the process or just typing. Have a great week!
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Yes, that’s true for me too!
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Excellent post Diana. My take is a writer’s voice is an authentic investment of the self in a work combined with a disciplined use
of the form.
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That was the thought, Robert. Storytelling is an interesting and, as Sean says, delicate balance. I think that applies to most art and is one way that great works are differentiated from the norm. Thanks so much for visiting and commenting. Have a wonderfully creative week. 🙂
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Thank you. This week I slog forward. 🙂
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Even the slog can be fodder for the soul, my friend. Hugs ❤
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Yes. I have slog soup for breakfast every Monday. 🙂
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Lol. 🙂
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“Summon the courage”, and “write honest stories”. Those are only two of the incredible quotes that struck me like lightening. This is more than a terrific post, it’s an important post. Thank you, Diana!
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Thanks to Sean for its inspiration, Jennie. Those are his words, but they resonated with me too, and I had to share. Courage and emotional honesty are two necessary ingredients that elevate a story into something more than clever writing. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Have a wonderful week, my friend. 🙂
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They are ‘sticky’ words, words that become a sticky note in your mind. When I took my walk today, I talked aloud (hopefully the neighbors did not see me) saying the words in the book I’m writing. Those two quotes made a big difference. Have a wonderful week, my friend! 😀
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How exciting, Jennie. You haven’t talked much about a book, but you’ve hinted. 🙂
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Yup! A boy, his dog, and an old steam train. It’s coming along. 🙂
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It sounds wonderful. 🙂
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Thanks, Diana. I kinda think so, too. 😉
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I love the thought that the originality we pick up from a beloved piece of writing is actually an echo straight from the heart of the writer/artist themselves…
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What a lovely way to put it, Kim. Yes, I think there’s an investment of something universally relatable as well as utterly unique in our human stories, which each of us has the tools to tap into, as writers, readers, or artists in general. Without touching that, we are simply telling stories that have been told a million times before. Thanks so much for reading and for the wonderful comment. ❤
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Your words are painting a picture in my mind…I’m left thinking that each one of those artists and their creations are like the rays of the sun…travelling through space and time, to touch us all!
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Such a lovely thought. Me too.
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Excellent points about the artist’s emotional soul feeding a story, the courage it takes to achieve that, and the delicate balance between heart and craft. Thank you once more for giving us something to think about.
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Your writing is full of soul, emotion, and personality, Basilike. I think poets understand the importance of evoking feelings with their words and imagery. It’s the difference between poetry and rhymes, perhaps. Thanks for the visit, my friend, and have a wonderful week. ❤
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You too, Diana! And thank you for the kind words. I think you are right about the difference between poetry and rhymes – one doesn’t make the other.
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Ooh, I love that too! And everything you said before that resonates with me. There may be only four plots, but originality takes it beyond that -it’s all about sharing what is inside of you.
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Totally, Jennifer. I often feel like the characters show up on my doorstep and barge in rather than come from inside my soul. But… there is still an element of collaboration! I have to internalize their stories and “feel it.” If I don’t, then they are flat caricatures instead of fully rounded people. Thanks so much for the visit, and Happy Writing. 🙂
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Excellent post and insight from both you. To me the heart of a story isn’t so much about plot but the characters who populate it and the emotional vision the author has for them. It’s great that our muses give us different visions of that art!
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I’m a character-based book reader too, Mae, and that’s where all the variety comes into play – our unique fingerprints. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. Happy Writing!
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Bless your heart, Diana! So unbelievably kind of you to both internalize the piece and then share it with your readership. “Thank you” seems a woefully inadequate response, but… thank you!
And thanks to all in the comments here on Myths of the Mirror who read the original post and shared their own insights on the matter! I appreciate the time you spent reading, pondering, and commenting; I’ve read and considered each of your responses here, even if I haven’t replied directly to it. I personally take tremendous inspiration from the creativity each of you practice, and the courage you show in sharing your voices with the world.
I think it all comes down to this: We (rightly) intellectualize the craft part of writing, the studying and conscious application of technique, but the art part, the emotion we mine to create fully realized worlds and characters, operates (as it should) from a subconscious, even metaphysical place. That’s the instinctual aspect of writing, the place from which our fictions are ensouled. “And instinct is informed by everything that you’ve experienced,” says filmmaker John Carpenter. “Everything that you’ve felt from being young, learning about the equipment, learning about movies — it all goes into this big pot, and that’s where it comes out. You don’t intellectualize it — that’s what I love about it… you just know it. You f**k-up a lot, and you make mistakes, but it all comes out of this instinct. That’s what you’ve got to keep close to you.”
I truly love the extrapolations on the original post you’ve expressed here, Diana, and I can’t sufficiently articulate the heart I take from the intellectual “feedback loop” our little WordPress community provides. In a world of shouting voices, I am pleasantly reminded of how many people are genuinely interested in listening, discussing, and achieving enlightenment together.
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Sean. As you can see, many writers and poets and readers who frequent here can relate to the discussion. My pleasure to share your some of your thoughts and a link to the larger post. Great fun. And yes, this community is remarkable. ❤
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It’s sometimes hard for me to remember, with the corporate stranglehold on our popular culture right now, that there are millions of thoughtful artists out there expressing themselves with heartfelt sincerity and genuine emotion. They don’t win Oscars or occupy lofty positions on the bestseller list, but they are contributing to our pop-cultural diversity with talent and enthusiasm nonetheless. We’re in good company, I would say!
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Absolutely. It’s wonderful. 🙂
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Thanks for a great post straight from the heart, Diana and Sean! ❤
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Thanks for stopping by, Bette. Sean always has interesting discussions on his blog (sometimes over my head, lol). I’m glad you enjoyed this musing. 🙂
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My college writing professor long ago told me to find an author whose writing speaks to you. Then, figure out why it speaks to you. The last step is to then incorporate those same ideals into your own writing. I’m working on that theory. It’s close to what you’ve shared here. LOVE it! ❤ (Funny the things that pop into your head)! 😀
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My college professor focused on elements of craft, Colleen, and left out the heArt. Maybe I wasn’t experienced enough, jaded enough, and hurt enough at that time in my life to relate to that depth anyway. I think we need to emotionally invest in our stories if we want to elicit that in our readers. It’s fun to think about, isn’t it? Have a wonderful week, my friend. 🙂
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Thanks, and yes I agree. I learn something from you constantly. It’s the “heart” that makes the story. You are an excellent teacher. ❤
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Thanks, Colleen. You are making me blush something awful. 😀
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You are an amazing teacher. Keep blushing. It’s well deserved. ❤
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Thanks for sharing this, Diana. Writing from the heart is key to producing a story that will evoke the reader’s emotions. Happy Sunday! 🙂
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I think so too, Jill. Otherwise, to me, a story feels like a remake of something I’ve read before and it doesn’t hold my interest. Get me emotionally involved… I’m a fan! Thanks for the visit, and Happy Writing!
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Enjoyed! An appealing POV!
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Thanks, Billy Ray. I love musing about writing and getting insights from others who are immersed in the craft. I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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Great post, Diana, and a big thank you to Sean. I’ve always believed that all writing is personal. With each tale we tell, we are bequeathing a part of our selves, our senses, our dreams and anxieties. The diversity is endlessly fascinating.
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Yes! And I think we can tell as readers when that investment of heart is absent. I love your last line, Steven. That pretty much sums up why we’ll never get tired of reading. 🙂
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Absolutely.
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So much truth to what you both have said. We can read or watch the same plot element over and over, but it’s the characters and their personal stories that most draw us in. That’s where we come in as writers. Hopefully between our imaginations and our own personal experiences, we’ll do the job justice.
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I think so, Carrie, and Sean said it so eloquently, I had to share the thoughts his post evoked. The more I learn about writing, the more I recognize it as an art form, and understand what makes great art in general. Thanks for the visit. And happy writing!
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I enjoyed and benefited from the experience and deep understanding of writing by you and Sean. I can’t ignore the influence of imagination in writing, an essential part of going forward and not being trapped in one’s life experience for material. Some of the finest books I have read are pure illusion, thank you so much Diane, I learn each time I visit you. You are remarkable, thank you for sharing Sean’s words and those of so many fine writers. ❤
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I’m in total agreement, Holly. Imagination is a gigantic part of writing unless one writes memoirs. As a fantasy writer, I spend most of my time wallowing in illusions and make-believe. But I want the stories to be saturated with heart, the characters to evoke an emotional response in readers. And the way to do that is to pour my heart into their stories. I feel that in your poetry without exception. ❤
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That’s so true Diane, there are the greats and that is why they are “the greats”, they are able to reach in to the darkest of places and take us there with them. Wonderful post!
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Fascinating post!!! Of course, if you decide to write about anything too original, that doesn’t fall into preset genres, than not an agent in the world will touch the book. Think how many fascinating, unique manuscripts are sitting in desk drawers around the world, with fascinating new plots and twists that will never see the light of day!
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Oh my, you are so right! Agents seem to look for “what’s selling” even when they say they want something original. That’s a generalization, of course, and self-publishing has changed everything significantly, but can you imagine the “lost” books through the centuries? It blows my mind. Great comment! Thanks 😀
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“Because heArt is like a fingerprint—personal and one of a kind.”…You took my heart away with this statement Diana! There can be no Art without a Heart. An authentic writer is the one who keeps that in mind. In fact he doesn’t have to if he is writing a original piece, his signature would peep through his work and finger prints that he leaves on his words are inimitable.
Thanks for sharing a wonderful post Diana and I too love Carlin’s comment…emotions do matter!!
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I imagine that most poets will understand this intrinsically, Balroop. To me, poetry is by nature emotional. I know, for me, writing of any kind that speaks to me is writing that full of heart. Thanks for much for the visit! Happy poeting. ❤
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True Diana!! Writing that speaks to me is blissful! You are so multifaceted!!
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[…] via The HeArt and Craft of Writing […]
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Reblogged this on PenneyVanderbilt.
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Thanks for sharing, Penney!
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This is great, Diana. I never thought about this before, but he’s right, isn’t he? 2 stories can be very alike, but I can love one and not the other. And the way people buy books now – multiple titles by one author all together, once they decide they like them – shows that it’s all about the heArt, I think…
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Thanks, Tara. Sean’s posts are always evocative, and I’m so glad you enjoyed this musing. I agree that we, as readers, can tell the difference between a beautifully crafted story with and without heart, only the former moves us. 🙂
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Wonderful reflections on the art of writing! The soul of it can be lost amongst all the advice and as we try to stick to a formula but the sparkle, magic is found within ourselves .. both you and Carlin write so poetically about this. It’s important to be reminded about the heart within our work – thank you! ❤️
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Thanks for reading, Annika. It is interesting to reflect on the “heart” of our work. And it’s something that can’t be taught as much as felt. Happy Writing, my friend. And just a side note, that was a wonderful review of your book! Congrats. 🙂
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Many thanks, Diana … I closed comments as so many have kindly said so much about my book before but so wanted to share this one. You wrote a wonderful review but mentioned you might use that in a post at a later date so I won’t post that yet.
Talking about the heart and art of writing I was at a talk today with an author,her agent and Granta publisher and it was amazing to see how empathetic they all were … the author wrote totally from her heart, guided through rewrites to the final piece but retaining her voice and originality of content and technique.
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I am going to do a post! I want to read Sally’s latest and then do a post of three books of short stories… as soon as I’m done with a beta read of another book! Never enough time. 🙂
I’m so glad that the talk you attended reinforced the point of this blog. Yes, craft is vital, but I think heart is too. It’s certainly present in all your writing. ❤
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Good post!
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Thanks, Anneli. It’s fun to ponder this stuff every once in awhile. 🙂 Happy Writing!
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Always interesting to hear the process other authors go through, as well as hearing their philosophies on writing.
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Thanks, Anneli. I enjoy learning about other writers, too. I have one of your book in my kindle, and I expect that I will find lots of heArt in there. Have a wonderful Sunday, and Happy Writing!
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Thanks, Diana. You too.
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