Writing about Writing

One of the neat elements of National Blog Posting Month is that you are able to join groups of like-minded bloggers. I have joined a group of teachers, one of feminists, one for writing prompt suggestions, and I just joined one for people who write about writing.

And then I realized, I don't write about writing very much at all, which is odd for a writing teacher. I suppose that I talk about writing all day long, and when it comes to blogging, I'd rather post photographs of dogs in clothing.

One of the reasons I joined NaBloPoMo is to give myself a reason to write everyday. I don't want to just post photos of dogs or links to photos of dogs (although you may find that I cheat occasionally). I want to use this as an opportunity to actually write something other than marginal notes on my students' essays.

And that is I what I want to think about today. Why is writing--something I think of as vitally important in my life--such a chore? Why do I have to give myself an assignment to fulfill in order to get anything done? Last year I tried to do the novel writing month, as I said in yesterday's post. When I quit, I told myself I'd finish writing my story on a "saner" schedule. Have I even looked at my story in the past year? No. I needed the "due date" to make me write.

My students swear that assigning reading and writing makes it odious and unpleasant. Well, I think assignments also make reading and writing possible. Some of us won't do it any other way.

My assignment for this weekend? See if I can find A Field Guide to Abby, and revise and add to it by at least a page.

Comments

Susan Carlin said…
Lately I've been thinking more about writing, too. Writing vs. painting, even. With a painting, people glance at it and take the whole story in at once and you have a more limited chance to "say" anything with your efforts. With writing, people ingest it word by word, experiencing it as a stream of thoughts which they follow, see their own images prompted by your words, and you can say a great deal more. As I get older, I'm emboldened to want to have more effect on my other fellow and sister beings, and be affected by them. So I want to do more writing, as well as make those pretty paintings. And yes. A deadline/assignment is absolutely crucial. Both for paintings and with writing. I can't wait to read all you write!
Mrs. G. said…
I am anxiously awaiting your thirty days of posts. I find that blogging has FORCED me to keep showing up at the computer and writing. Especially once you have readers like Susan and me. Tap, tap, tap...sigh, we're waiting.

Have a lovely weekend.
Mary Alice said…
When I write, I read more. I am looking for inspiration. Often my inspiration will come from a news article that makes me think about a particular subject in a deeper way.

I really enjoy the craft of choosing particular words to evoke an image. There are so many wonderful words out there. It's like hand picking your favorite chocolates from the box. What are you in the mood for today?
ferenge mama said…
good for you for signing up for NaBloPoMo again!

it'll be my first shot at it - here's wishing us both success.

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