Are you writing to:
Prove a point?
Express anger?
Because you are feeling insecure?
Wondering what your emotional state as to do with editing? Let's look at an example.
A writer is unaware that deep down he is writing to prove his intelligence. If he was aware of his unconscious motivation when editing he would be able to see he has tried to overcompensate with high language, abundant references which could be off putting to the reader. Not that it is wrong to write that way! But you should be aware of your choices when putting words on the page. And be willing to cut them if they don't work!
Are you writing for revenge? Have you tried to control the reader so everyone feels the same way about a certain character? It may have helped you vent a few hurts, but if the scene lacks spontaneity or is too acidic you may need a rewrite.
Noah Lukeman points out that, 'a writers mind is a palette, and unfortunately your mind stores a lot of baggage. It is your job to clear the slate, to create a sacred space in your mind just for the writing, free from all your neuroses as a person...You must clear your mind of pride, defensiveness, the urge to control, to write with an agenda, or to hold anything back.'
So when reviewing your work have a little think about how you were feeling when you were writing the piece. Did it help or hinder your writing?
This is fascinating. I knew that a writer's history found its way into his/her writing but had never stopped to consider their emotions. How naive of me. Thank you. I will have to reread some passages (favourites and others) and give this some more thought.
ReplyDeleteAs a blogger, my emotions power my writing. It probably wouldn't be as visceral if I cleared my head. But I can see how they would get in the way if I was trying to do something else.
ReplyDeleteThis is great advice. I know I don't want my emotional unchecked baggage to hinder my writing. If anything it's good to know it's there to better set it aside and/or to use it when necessary.
ReplyDeleteLittleCely's Blog
This is something to think about... though wouldn't it be great if the "baggage" could always be channeled in such a way that it enhances the writing?
ReplyDeleteSurely emotion has to drive the writing to a certain extent?
ReplyDeleteInteresting post - I think it's good to recognise what bias you bring to a piece as a writer, but I might not always remove that bias. I suppose it would depend on whether my bias and my intent for the piece were the same thing :)
ReplyDeleteSophie
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Funny! "our mind stores a lot of baggage. It is your job to clear the slate, to create a sacred space in your mind just for the writing, free from all your neuroses as a person."
ReplyDeleteNeuroses?! Who me?!
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