Writing is the thing!!

It was the writing group today, and I have to say the standard of our writing is becoming more and more impressive.  I think we all feel that we are competent enough at telling a good tale, but writing a good piece is a little more than that. Does it sound pretentious to say that writing is a craft, and one that should be practised, polished and perfected – except there never is perfection in reality! I think any of us could dash off a story if we were set it as a task, as we used to be when we took exams at school, but I think now we take more care – think about the writing and language, as well as the content. We try to be objective, we try to be original, we try to be careful in the way we write and not just dash off any old thing.

One of the things which used to baffle me when I first began to write seriously, was the importance of thinking about the audience. I was silly enough (or arrogant enough) to think, well, it’s my story I deliver, they listen/read and receive my piece of work. Of course, if you want your readers to fully appreciate what you want to deliver you have to consider them – you could have the most brilliant tale to spin, but if the listener/reader doesn’t understand it or  is bored or stops engaging, then you’ve wasted your time (and theirs!) 

I’m happy to report that we are aware (or becoming more aware) of those who are listening to our work, and look forward to and appreciate their remarks and observations. We are honest, constructive, maybe with some suggestions, but always with the intention of being positive and supportive. I know when I am writing – particularly for the group, but also for my own projects, I have tried to make my sentences shorter, have tried to cut out extra verbiage and detail which is unnecessary,  and be aware of ‘voice’ and tone. When I’m writing I have such a vivid image in my head that I try to write it all down with a mass of detail, and long conversations which are actually very boring. Now I try to remember this and cut out the waffle. I think we all try to take on board suggestions and “criticism”, maybe it’s easier for some of us than others, but we are a writing group not a story telling group! Writing is the thing!!