The Hemlock Notations

~ The writings of Faust S. Amazing

The Hemlock Notations

Monthly Archives: May 2018

Nature vs. Nurture

22 Tuesday May 2018

Posted by Faust S. Amazing in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Let’s talk about writing.

Let’s talk about writing via math.

I’ve substitute taught to support myself. There have been more than several times that I’ve been shoved into a math classroom. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard a student say: “I’m no good at math.” This statement usually a prelude to them giving up completely on the assignment I’ve just handed them. As if them not automatically knowing how to add fractions means they’ll never be able to do it.

Not surprisingly, I’ve heard people say: “I’m no good at writing.” Again, as a preamble to not writing. There are also people out there, perhaps some of you that visit this blog, that have tried their hand at writing, saw that it wasn’t good and stopped writing. To this I have to say…

What the hell are you doing? Don’t stop writing.

None of us come out of the womb as a Beethoven or a Shakespeare. Why would we want to be them anyway? Beethoven was deaf and died a pauper, and Shakespeare is only well known because his is the only writing we have available from the time period.

Obviously, I’m being sarcastic.

My point is this: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? PRACTICE.

Writing, like everything in the world, is a skill. It takes time and effort to get good at it. Yes, there are people out there that are naturally talented when it comes to writing, or anything, but even they are required to practice and edit. Frankly, I’m glad I wasn’t naturally talented at writing. I like seeing my writing improve with the effort I put into it. There are many ways to practice. While I was in an MFA program one of the professors actually said, “You could lock yourself in a room and write for three years and be better at writing at the end of the three years.” I liked the MFA program because it exposed me to dozens of points of view and writing styles that helped me refine my writing, but it isn’t the only way to get those perspectives. The internet is a great resource, with many writing groups, both digital and face to face, to be found.

Here’s the takeaway: Just because you write one bad story doesn’t mean you should stop writing. The next story you write will be a little bit better, and the next a little better, and the one after that better still. Until, one day, you’re a good writer.

Until next time: Be yourself, be well. Write yourself, write well.

Advertisement

Pages

  • FREE STORY: Nano-Corps
  • NaNoWriMo-2016-First Draft
  • Stories Published as Samuel Eden

Recent Posts

  • The 10,000th Hour
  • A Year in Review
  • Hello World!  Part III 
  • Hello World! Part II
  • Hello World! Part I

Archives

  • April 2022
  • January 2022
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • March 2021
  • October 2020
  • May 2020
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • January 2019
  • July 2018
  • May 2018
  • January 2018
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • August 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • May 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • April 2012
  • December 2011

Blogroll

  • AJ Sabino Illustrations
  • Band of the Hawk
  • Fantasy World Writer
  • My Sweet Delirium
  • Teen Ink

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • The Hemlock Notations
    • Join 53 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • The Hemlock Notations
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar