Why do writers write?
October 10, 2007
Rosy Thornton pointed me towards a fascinating article in The Times today – go take a look here. It’s about why writers write. It’s a long article but this comment from Robert Harris struck me in particular:
“The longer I go on the more aware I am that most writing is done in the subconscious, and the trick is to learn how to harness that.”
A long-standing member of the RNA whose books I admire recently said almost exactly the same thing to me. This idea of tapping into your subconscious really resonates with me. Sometimes, I wonder if it’s worth setting aside all the technique, the ‘beats to the scene’ (whatever they are), the character charts etc and just drawing deep on your imagination.
The trouble is my sub-conscious often comes to the fore when I least expect it – driving is one of the most inconvenient places. Or standing at the till in Tesco….
PS probably dangerous to say any of this when I’m about to hand in a book!
Posted by Phillipa @ 4:35 am | Leave a Comment
Ray-Anne Says:
Thank you for that link- I usually buy The Times but was too busy this weekend. Very interesting. And yes, you are probably correct about intuitive deep writing. Although for me, the writing and the structural editing are two seperate processes. Beats are good. Beats are your friend – although it would fry my brain to use them for every scene – 50 or 60 at least!
Write it. Then try and work out how best to express it.
Does that make sense? LOL Ray :o)
Phillipa Says:
Hi Ray-Anne (waves). I blush to say this but what is a ‘beat’? I just about know what a scene is – or I can guess but what is a beat? Everyone does things differently so if works for you, go for it!
Rosy Thornton Says:
I’ve never understood the ‘beat’ thing, either! Do explain!
Rosy
Ray-Anne Says:
Ladies you have got me thinking about this and I have decided to answer your question on my blog – hope it helps! LOL Ray