THE WRITER’S JOURNEY is quite a monstrous book in size as well as the information it contains. I must admit it took me some time to get through it. Although I don’t regret reading it I must say in many ways it was way beyond my comprehension. So much information that I had a hard time deciphering it all. The examples were extensive which had its advantages as well as its disadvantages.
I would have to say what I took away from this book is the sense that characters are quite complex, thus are humans. I now have a different perspective on the structure of a novel, and even more so the importance of it. This book also put to words the feelings an amazing movie or book can provoke. Why, how, and the importance of it.
At one of my writing meetings, we watched the concepts of this book being taught by the authors on DVD. Though I was only able to watch the first half, I must say it was easier to comprehend then the book. I would highly recommend the DVD’s verses the book.
A favorite book on writing that I just finished is Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird." Here's a quote from the book on a writer's need to give: "You are going to have to give and give and give, or there's no reason for you to be writing. You have to give from the deepest part of yourself, and you are going to have to go on giving, and the giving is going to have to be its own reward. (1994, p. 202)
ReplyDeleteI find that discovering what is deep inside me is a continuous challenge. Have you found shortcuts to digging through the messiness within?
A Novel Site,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I think writing is kind of like faith. It’s a never ending process. If you possess the will to succeed in what you love to do, and open your heart and mind to all life had to offer in the way of writing, you’ll continue to grow as a writer. I don’t believe there’s a shortcut. At least for me, it comes from above and each time I receive it it’s a true miracle.
Blessings,
Kym