Today my online essay won't be about my heritage, but about my personal goal of publishing my short stories, which are in the creative non-fiction genre--not intended as memoirs. But they are, in a way. All my stories, I call them vignettes, are drawn from my history. and the lives of my pioneer ancestors. When I'm writing about my life, drawing from my own memories, I'm confident. When I'm trying to write a portrayal of Mother, for example, I am not so sure I'm capturing Nova's state of mind, as I'd like. Her married life was full of heartaches and struggle which I try to juxtapose, not only to her happy childhood, but also to her beauty, great personality, quick intelligent wit, and unfailing optimism. I've discovered that to write the heart of someone, even myself', is most challenging. Maybe I set my self up to fail since I would like to write like Silas House, or Frank X Walker or Crystal Wilkinson. At a House reading, I asked him a question and his response was worth a whole writing workshop.
What about the legendary Gurney Norman! I have a first edition of Divine Rights Trip, saw his Wilgus Stories on film, starring Ned Beatty, I've read his entries in Appalachian Heritage, and have heard him read his work several times. I've even talked to Gurney at Appalachian events, but with such little confidence, I'm quite sure he won't recall me. But, then again, maybe he would.
At a reading of his play, The Hurting Part, Silas House told us that his dream, and subsequent decision, to be a writer led to a difficult journey. He is committed, though, never gave up on writing his life in a dignified, interesting manner.
I've seen two Silas House plays and one Frank X Walker play.
Isn't Harriet Arnow a master? Dare we aspire to such heights?
Perfectionism is a debilitating emotion and I'm learning that I just need to be my best, discover my own voice, write from my own experiences.
I wonder if any of my 5 siblings disagree with my blog comments. I hope they will add commentary if they do. We all have unique memories and often discuss our differing perspectives. Karen Rae says that I don't lie, but I embellish. Maybe that's what a storyteller does.
One of my writing inspirations, who is always critically constructive, is my dear friend, Jawahara Saidulla, a published author who has published a novel and numerous short stories. She recently submitted her second novel to the agents and says the publishing process is painful too, but she keeps submitting work. Check out her novel Burden of Foreknowledge at Amazon. If any are left, it's such a beautifully bound book too. I keep mine on display. Google her and you may find her short stories too.
Brenda Ueland, said, "So you see, imagination needs moodlein--long, inefficient, happy idling, dawdling and puttering." I believe my blogging serves this purpose. In her book, If you Want to Write Ueland describes her counsel to writers like Ernest Hemingway. She admonished those who want to be writers, that "Writers write! They don't want to write!
Here's a blurb about Ueland on Amazon:
"In her 93 remarkable years, veteran freelance writer, memoirist, and writing teacher Brenda Ueland published some six million words. She once said there were two simple rules that she followed absolutely: to tell the truth, and not do anything she didn't want to do. Such integrity both distinguishes and defines If You Want to Write, her bestselling classic that first appeared in the late 1930s and has inspired thousands to find their own creative center. As Carl Sandburg once remarked, Ueland's primer is "the best book ever written on how to write."
So, I'm writing because Brenda Ueland says I am unique and I must tell my stories.
I appreciate this opportunity,
Peace,
Judy
Truer words were never said. Also, since we change from moment to moment it's hard enough to write about ourselves. To write about someone else, even your mother for instance, is that much harder. All we can do is to take our best guess, and to develop our empathy skills. How would I feel/react/think in this situation.
ReplyDeleteAlso, as far as perfectionism goes. Writing is one area in which perfect may not be the best thing. Good writing, like good art is not perfect. It is raw and bumpy and filled with little nooks and crannies and irregularities. That's what makes writing interesting, compelling and relatable. Otherwise you have technical manuals, perfect but soul-less.
Human emotions and thoughts and actions are messy and imperfect. Writing that seeks to represent that should be similar.
That does not mean writing should be sloppy or grammar and spelling should be discarded. It does mean that what drape around the skeleton of the basic rules of writing should be soft and hard and crinkled and smooth and imperfect. It should be real. It should be human. It should be you.
Ok, enough for now...*steps off her soapbox, stumbles and falls*