Mirrors Within Mirrors

Why is the personality of a writer important? What can we hope to add to the experience of reading a book by knowing private details of the life of the individual who crafted it? By explaining the genesis of why they chose to elaborate one unique narrative into the complexity of a novel, can we expect to pick up moral cues that will assist in enriching a reading experience? Is the author truly the best person to amplify their own themes & sub-text anyway?

It might prove serviceable to assume that the serious writer is in possession of a depth of intent to communicate & also has cultivated the powers of observation & expression in order to make this ambition manifest. While conversation is liable to spontaneous whimsy & the foibles of a defensive ego, the written word is carefully etched, then refined to ensure that the desired intent is achieved. The writer’s message can be contained & monitored when assembled through the tools available to the craft of writing & hours — days; years dedicated to the perfecting of this vehicle for self- expression are mandatory.

The written word is fortified by a permanence which oratory cannot promise. The writer is permitted time to reflect, then revise; a speaker is vulnerable to the pitfalls of generating their point in the claustrophobic present. Print demands an obsessive preoccupation with translating the mechanics of an activated imagination, which is then passed down through the waiting intellect. Symbol is converted into words which must permit themselves to be inserted into a rational narrative, so as to not garishly draw attention to the echoes the symbol is intended to convey. Whether the writer is aware of the full potentiality of their symbols is of little matter, for they are only one half of the equation which formulates the passage of this communication.

Ultimately, it is the reader who is illuminated by any depth of expression & a convincing argument could be formulated to demonstrate that the author is not the more qualified in the intimate relationship between author & reader, to receive the full potential of impact. The personality which arranges for the imagination of an ambitious writer to craft a satisfactory piece of work is vulnerable to influences which the neutrality of a curious reader is not.

Original intent is activated in stages, in compounded layers. The personality of the creator of this landscape, conceived in any number of forms, is superfluous to the success of this exchange. Of singular importance is what has been captured within print.

“ She wants to hide away & yet she wants to control pieces of the universe. I suppose that is what is characteristic of writers. They want to be hermits & they want to imagine being directors of some vast stage of humanity.”
                                                               ~ Cynthia Ozick 

                                         
{All artwork by Hannah Hoch}

An Intricate Balance

    The Yang Energy = a compulsion always pulling towards action, in division, separation, difference

The Yin Energy = a compulsion always pulling toward being, merging, union, oneness

The work of a writer is a balance between polarized forces. On one extreme, we have the task of creation. We are required to pull from imagination the unique; material which distinguishes our vision yet also moves the narrative forward, towards the conclusion or the final layer of what it is we strive to express.

On the other end is a demonstration of will. We have the task of weaving all of the isolated units together, into coherent form. In order for our words to knit acceptably, into a focus recognized as literature, we must harmonize & connect all of the many particulars so that the writing is bound together in cohesion & coherence.

This merger of disparaging units can be accomplished through action which compels the drive of our story—through the flow of place, from one geographical setting to the next & if we are successful in this, we might also harmonize concepts of theme & the images which might serve as a symbolic interpretation of the narrative. Neither force can operate without the other, to either compel or unify. It is this delicate dance between the two polarized objectives which defines any success as an effective storyteller.

The art of literature is what all serious writers strive towards. It is that fusion of the poetic, the symbolic & captured in erudite economy of specific language. This fusion of technique raises the work so that it might be experienced on several different levels of interpretation. Yet the question remains: how is this achieved?

Perhaps it will be helpful to consider what those deemed successful at the craft of writing have to say on the subject? Their generosity in deconstructing their own personal mechanics might offer a unique glimpse into some of the secrets involved in mastering the art of storytelling.

Artwork by

Awakening

'Awe is what moves us forward.'                                       - Joseph Campbell

As writers, we struggle through many challenges particular to mastering our craft. The rites of passage are lonely, often dull & utterly necessary. We have excluded ourselves from countless social occasions; we resist all forms of distraction in order to negotiate with the vast scope of an activated imagination. To obtain a lasting view of what the deeper parts of subjective wisdom & experience wish to express to a readership, this is the rite of passage.

Eventually—the reward for effort begins to emerge. Something from deep inside experience & will; something which has greater resonance than the affects of everyday life manifests as proof of this evolution. We are overcome by the awesome nature of our own distinct creative process.

Once we have typed the final period of a closing sentence, then sat back to begin to understand what has just been accomplished, a feeling of transcendent satisfaction emerges. This wave of intuition & insight lifts us from the earlier position of nose-pressed-against-a-whirling grindstone of effort & we are permitted to realize that we have indeed, created something comprehensive, something wholly unto itself.

There is dignity in this expanded awareness; something supreme has been realized & this exhilaration is justly experienced. Imagination has not only responded to repeated requests for insight but has done this in a most mysterious way, with so little conscious effort. There is a cohesiveness to the work we have brought-forth & this unity would not have been likely if we had been operating from the exclusive territory of a conscious will to power.

                                         

Some confounding mechanism in the mind has surprised & provided; the culmination of aspiration, experience & effort has brought forth the fruit we yearned to harvest.

{Artwork by Hélène Druvert}

The Art of Distraction

As only writers understand, concentration can turn capricious. The focus which must be maintained to generate lucid prose is easily interrupted & can buckle under the pressure exhorted by an unsympathetic will to accomplish-at-any-cost. For a stretch, the mind sustains taut & fluid, words & their accompanying images synergize into elegant, usable sentences. Then like some fast-moving rain cloud, distraction shoots in to block the focus of that earlier intent—we are left hanging.

Each writer possesses favourite methods utilized to prevent this eventual distraction from functional passages of quality work. In the times when we fall short or have been pumped dry, engaging in some activity outside of the actual writing often assists in the desire to renew concentration & to continue refreshed & inspired along the path of our story.

Options for diversion abound: the home always needs something by way of maintenance & business demands which accompany the independent writer are varied. Personally, I chose to engage in a vigorous interlude of some video game. The frenetic pace & rapid eye movement—all that obsessive clicking does something to the squeezed mind, though I am not exactly certain what. After a vigorous session of some high-stakes electronic mayhem, I feel as though something has been released; I feel as though I have done something else.

This seems to be the central point in creating that refreshing distraction.

On days when I am not up to the blitzkrieg of flashing graphics & rapid-firing adrenalin, I turn to the organics. Fussing with house plants or in season, a light session of weeding in my small garden helps to shift the scene. In these quiet moments, I imagine that I understand the ineffable mystery of Zen; I do, albeit mindfully & the migration of attention from the inner-mechanics of a spinning imagination helps to introduce a gentler awareness.

I notice my hands; I look at the topography of the soil. I admire the stages of development a plant passes through. Life becomes more knowable in these moments of calm & I am able to retract an earlier wave of anxiety to settle into what can be discerned of a larger perspective.

These intervals remind me of the process of progress. They assure me that each system of functions has it’s own rhythm, it's own unique pace. Sometimes this works beautifully & I drift back to the writing desk in a serene, enhanced mood. The small break I was forced to take from unsuccessful effort has rejuvenated.

[Images by Robert Mars}

The Matrix of Time

As writers, our schedules are likely to be as different as the swirling lines on the end of our fingers. What small actions will total the sum of a manuscript? Discipline is critical but how to milk those isolated hours of maximum productivity?

I am big on creating schedules where I block out each day, then itemize what I intend to accomplish during each of those time periods. These often turn out to be fake. Being easily led astray, I will follow a different thread & spoil careful calculation. The time writing being so precious & the demands of self-publishing so divergent, the hours required for exploratory research spins into days.

                                      There is always so much to learn.

When I eventually descend into the pages of a work-in-progress, hours pull & stretch like fresh taffy. I ignore so much of the physical world in these sessions, then console myself with the fact that there is no other way. Self-justification becomes the shield, behind which I type & delete & fret.

                                    
The craft of writing has special needs & I remain committed, as fully as life's circumstances will permit, to satisfying those unique demands.

{Images by Olivia Jefferies}

Anniversary Post - Nine Conclusions

It is time to take some inventory in the form of consolidation. The content of this blog has raised many possibilities but what does experience do when informed by the regiment of a conscious strategy, aimed at clarifying the transitional and mysterious? Theories abound regarding the refinement of techniques developed to enhance creativity, so in the spirit of adding to this body of reference, a list of observations has been distilled. Possibly, the following methods may be of some small use to those who strive to refine regular access to an imagination which is expected to produce clear and lucid writing. May we continue to seek and expand conscious awareness.

Segregate the Creative Experiment:

   New insight brings fresh approach and these bright, new, optimistic vantage points can offer the potential for growth. It is tempting to ride these up draughts of inspiration and discard the work-in-progress with some renewed approach. It is tempting to re-work old material in the direction of fresh inspiration but this can prove problematic if the development of the manuscript does not realize.
   Creative energy, like flowing water seeps and permeates and a resolve to discard what we might suspect as falling below expectation can be carried away on the impulsive nature of this energizing force. Experiment carefully and not in the spirit of shame or tyranny. The ruthlessness of a poised will is apt to desire a clear cut space to continue but often, re-visiting material we have deemed unsatisfactory might yield to later inspection.
   Keep new direction and ideas apart, at least initially from what has already been recorded. A writer’s ego is fickle.

Connect Particulars:

   Within the heady currents of activated writing, there is a powerful desire to ride the momentum of emerging experience. It is exhilarating to write from the engaged imagination but caution must be considered when roaring past details we are shown within this process, delaying the incorporation of these particulars to a later stage in editing. It is assured the original vantage point of a work-in-progress will shift and it is equally likely that with that shift, essential details will become lost.
   Carefully take the time to consider how these unique aspects of a story are expected to connect. Creative introspection, within the rush of creation will always yield a richer insight for it is within these nuanced details that the fine craftsmanship will be earned.
   Balancing the temptation to become obsessed with minutiae should be considered; this is a focus too close to the mundane yet skidding over questions of relevance and integrated application should be connected within the act of initial creation.

Remain Patient:

Work carefully; record mindfully. Structure the writing schedule to allow for even and balanced sessions. Pace is essential and relief lies in dosage.
   Do not force the river.

Divide Tasks:

   Unrealistic ambition can crush a writer’s resolve. The conscious mind has great challenges placed upon the lens of it’s capabilities and relying solely on the intuition to guide this transference will likely result in outcomes being less than what they might be if we were to assist with a clear and coherent structure.
   Retracting the conscious part of the writer’s mind, up towards the executive functioning compartment will enable the engaged writer to progress selectively and if possible, comprehensively. Above all else: a working writer strives for measured evenness in the day-to-day work and shifting focus to different requirements pertinent to the creation of a lucid manuscript will be beneficial to this harmony. Growth in technique and endurance will follow.

Adhere to a Timeline:

Arguably, one of the more obstinate challenges of regular writing is simply arranging the time to sit down to get into the matter at hand. This is precious opportunity and being such should be carefully guarded to allow for the many stations of writing a book.
   Design compassionately the schedule you believe possible and then defend this plan by adhering to it’s indications. In this way, anxiety which arises from encroaching demands not connected to the act of the creative work can be minimized; overall coherence is productive.

Sustain Lyrical Sequence:

   The phasmagoria of a working imagination is unique and dependant on the conscious will recording the lyricism of emerging image and symbol. This is the creative gold and as the writer hits upon the more expansive and mystical moments in this labour unique of creation, this expansion should be fulfilled as it occurs. The alchemy will not be repeated in the same rapture of lucid engagement.

Update Your Worldview:

   The working writer struggles for constant flow; it is damn hard work to write well. Take moments within scheduled writing sessions to refresh the taxed mind. The clarity afforded by a gentle process will ensure strong endurance and allow for the inter-locking mechanisms of creative writing to refresh.
   Avoid excessive re-reading. Do something else, briefly-yet-mindfully that is not part of the intimate exchange. The respect we lend towards our own emerging creative vision will pay dividends of renewed enthusiasm and sustained vitality.

Balance Amplification:

   Pertinent to re-writing and in particular editing, the writer who moderates the mandatory extension of initial work will emerge with revitalized clarity and consistent resolve. The challenges of re-entering landscapes recorded earlier in the writing process can be a easy source of frustration. This is not always a straightforward re-engagement and if forced, may result in shallow or unsatisfactory elaboration.
    Once again: be gentle, be patient in the demanding of further detail from a busy imagination. Entitlement will likely result in egress.

Release Emotion

   Oh! How we do feel as we write. So many moods, so much proxy emotion passes through that whirling mind. It can be exhilarating; it can be arresting. Looping.
The estimation of current ability will surely migrate through a dazzling range of potentialities and great effort must be exercised if we wish to sustain lucidity and the keenness of focus required for clear and comprehensive emotionalism.
   Finding methods to release the conjured emotions and imported feelings will help the conscious will and activated imagination to sustain their delicate balance.
   So many writers riding the waves of imaginary action - how are we not to be overcome by the source of these potent influences? By taking action to release currents of feeling, we shall be caring for our own mental health and also for the purity of intention we wish to establish within the perimeters of fictional characters. It will be through conscious maintenance of these potent, inter-changing emotions that shall ensure respectful communion with the sacred muse who illuminates the intoxication ambitions of an uncultivated mind.

  {All images from 'Aurora Consurgens'}

Sanctuary

We approach a writing place expecting to meet the demands of creative ambition.

Inside this world where we sit to work, a writer prepares for transformation—that magical view where the vanishing point of everyday consciousness merges into the fields of imagination. We rebuke distraction yet fiddle & pace. Will something inspire the mind above the ordinary? Is there a view to be gazed upon which will release the torrent of inspired words yearned to capture?

We stare at our fingernails; we check email.

The hours passed inside this womb of potential, combines to serve as a gestation period for the greatest work. A writer should be permitted to include an appendix in their finished product so the reader can more fully understand the time invested in what we endeavour to produce for either entertainment or enlightenment.

In the summer months, we sit worried & pale. When it is cold outside, our faces flush & glow with the frustration of not being able to communicate what simply must be expressed.  Out there, in that outside world which is not yet privilege to the mechanics of ardent imagination, people endeavour things with the hope of producing tremendous reaction

How many times do we lament the vacuum?

Would it not be wonderful to have a beautiful companion, unencumbered by any schedule but the diligent writer’s? Someone who would patiently & carefully read what we labour to create, then lavish us with wise & supportive feedback? Every writer should be blessed with such support but inside the workplace, alas—it is just us, the developing manuscript and whatever else we might require to get a story moving. And so toils the process, incubated within a solitary luxury of the writing sanctuary.

                       {Images by Juul Kraijer}