Question:
Evolving as a writer...?
I used to be very good at writing short stories and poetry. Now when I try, I hate everything that comes out. I think the problem is that I haven't evolved as a writer in all of this time. Does anyone have any suggestions for evolving as a writer other than going to college? I was hoping to find some good online resources and/or books. Thanks!
Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
I think you should take a moment and really applaud yourself for wanting to grow creatively. I have seen many writers write the same thing in the same way for years, never testing themselves or taking a chance with what they write. The free verse poets never write a sonnet while the formalist wouldn't try to participate in a slam open mic. The person who writes humor never writes a romance or horror . . .
Well, you get the idea. Stagnation in creativity is not a pretty thing.
Now how to break through these times.
1. Get The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. You can absolutely find this at your local library. Every writer I know who is published eventually mentions this book as a must read. Read it. Do the exercises.
2. Do not buy a lot of books on writing. Better to have a really great few than have a lot of clutter. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg is another book that is always recommended. Other inspirational books on writing which are frequently recommended are On Writing by Stephen King and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott. Read these at the library first. Then, if you love them and must own any or all of them, make the investment.
3. Keep writing, even if you do not like what you are writing. Give yourself permission to not write anything great and assume that this will end eventually. Try some other forms of writing. You say you write short stories and poetry but not what kind. Think about writing something different from anything you've done before. Write a short story that is all dialogue. Write a haiku a day for a month. Write a flash fiction piece a day for a week.
4. Do something with no words. Learn to play a musical instrument. Practice calligraphy. Start sketching and/or painting. I am sure there is something else creatively that you enjoy doing and now is a great time to start doing it. Or return to doing it. Collage. Go for hikes.
I am absolutely certain that if you do the first thing on this list and just one of the others you will beak through this fallow period and be creating amazing work again. Mostly because I know. I've been there. Several times.