Unashamed Writing

Authentic writing from the gut - the studio of a self-taught writer

You have nothing to write about, unless …

writing fiction for dummiesI’m reading Writing Fiction for Dummies by Randy Ingermanson and Peter Economy. One of the first things they tackle in the book is the “urban legend” that “you have nothing to write about.”

I’m not surprised they talk about that on the second page of the first chapter. After all, it’s one of the most important questions new and seasoned writers struggle with: “Do I have a story to tell?” Here’s what Randy and Peter have to say about it.

“If you’ve ever known fear, joy, rejection, love, rage, pleasure, pain, feast, or famine, then you have plenty to write about. If you’ve survived a miserable childhood or a wretched middle school or a toxic relationship – if you’ve been to hell and back – then you have enough material to write for your whole career. If your life has been one long happy stream of nice nirvana from beginning to end, then you’ll need to work a little harder, but you should still be able to scrape a story out of that.”

– Randy Ingermanson and Peter Economy

I agree. I’d also add that people still need to hear stories. They want to know about others’ struggles and their ultimate triumphs. It’s inspiring. I love good stories. I’m glad someone out there believed they had a good story to tell and put in all the hard work that goes with getting their books out in my hands.

I am even more thankful for their efforts now that I understand what they went through. I feel I’m on my way to hell now. Hopefully, I’ll make it back with a great book to my name. If not, at least I’ll have a new experience to write about. Then I’ll try the “great book to my name” thing again. I’ll get it done eventually.

we all have a story to tell

P.S. This is a quote I read today:

Humans need fantasy to be human. To be the place where the falling angel meets the rising ape.
– Terry Pratchett, Hogfather 

Nice, right? Another reason why we need to write down our stories.

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