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April 08, 2008
Dumb Questions
We've all been told a million times there is no such thing as a dumb question.
But -- there is. And I answer it several times each day. It happens when I clean out my junk mail file. No, I do not want to talk with you because you are bored tonight. No, I am not interested in enhancing certain body parts -- some of which I don't even possess. No, I don't want to buy cheap prescription drugs over the internet.
I highlight all the junk and hit delete. Then my computer -- which is generally very astute and attuned to my needs -- asks the stupid question: "Are you sure you want to delete junk mail? This action is permanent."
Sigh. If I wasn't sure, would I have highlighted all that nonsense and selected delete?
It strikes me that there is another kind of dumb question, the kind I typically ask myself when I'm beginning a new project. It can sound something like, "Do you actually think you can pull this off?" or "Do you really think this is a good idea?" or the worst, "Do you know how bad this writing is?"
This type of question is dumb but because it is a waste of creative energy. I may not end up publishing everything I write -- I have a drawer full of manuscripts to prove that -- but I've learned it's important for me to give a story a chance. That means sticking with it for a draft or two. At some point, I may decide I need to set that project aside, either because of editorial feedback or my own gut feelings. But if I don't give those baby ideas a chance to try to stand on their own two feet, I do all of my work a disservice.
It probably helps that I firmly believe no writing is ever wasted -- not even the poison pen letters I painstakingly craft but don't send.
There's some reason you're being led to write a particular story. Give it a chance to develop. Have fun with it. Be playful. Experiment.
And try not to get too cranky when your computer asks you, yet again, if you're sure you want to delete that email from that generous Nigerian prince.
Posted by kirby at April 8, 2008 09:18 AM
Comments
Great post. Great advice.
I met you at the UVSC Children's Lit Forum. I loved hearing you speak and learned a great deal. -especially the idea that no writing is ever wasted. I took that to heart. It has helped me in my own writing.
I posted a pic of us on my blog:
http://melindamorley.com/blog/?p=227
Posted by: Melinda at April 9, 2008 08:26 AM