Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Who says?

Rules.  They're everywhere, have you noticed?  Do it this way.  Don't do it that way!  Insert Tab A into Slot B to create a neat little box. 

Suggestions seem to naturally follow rules.  Helpful comments from complete strangers, or even worse, from close friends, telling you, "This is what you need to do."

Who says?  That's my invariable response when I've had it up to the proverbial "here" with the rules and helpful suggestions.  Have you ever noticed, by the way, that those "helpful" suggestions quite often turn out to be ridiculously obvious methods that, hey, little old you thought of years ago? OR they're so absurdly not-helpful that you feel yourself on the verge of turning into the Tasmanian Devil and drilling a hole in the floor?

Meet my stubborn side - happy to know you.  If you're a close friend, you're quite aware of this side of my nature.  Okay, I will admit that there are certain moments where I'm a big fan of having everything fit into a nice, neat little box formed by Tab A and Slot B.  Those moments tend to be more of a personal nature for me, and fall into the category of feeling that I've educated myself thoroughly on a given subject.  That's when I adore neat little boxes because it gives me the sense that I have accomplished what I set out to do with my latest exciting venture.

I also admit to being a big planner in other areas, such as writing down on the calendar when I'll be meeting someone for lunch, or a business meeting.  A girlfriend has been known to good-naturedly point out that, "If I let you, you'll schedule dinner plans for us a good six months down the road, week by week!"  (Just so you know, she doesn't let me, but she's right, I would probably try.) Well, that's a different area of life we're discussing, and yes, I'm very enthusiastic about that particular type of thing. It's because I'm your closet-bound, overly responsible, dependable-as-the-rising-sun type of person. I suppose it could be argued that planning and rules are two separate categories. I wouldn't disagree. Beyond these described sets of circumstances, and particularly when it comes to my writing, I'm not a big fan of rules.

As a writer, I'm probably right out there on some subversive fringe when it comes to following writerly rules.  I do not....brace yourself, and picture me whispering the following....write from an outline.  I know, it's very scandalous.  If "they" knew, "they" would probably find a way to revoke my invisible membership and bar me from being able to claim writerly status.  Most certainly, they'd take my secret decoder ring.

Yes, that is the among the first set of rules for creative writing that we are taught in school, to write from an outline, and those rules grow longer in college writing courses.  Outlines, footnotes, bibliographies...rules, rules, rules.  I bowed down to those rules in school, but my writer's soul would shudder in distaste, dreaming of the day that I could be shed of those restrictions and burst free in a riotous splash of color, style and verve.  My heady swan dive off the high platform formed a beautiful, classic arc in mid-air and I plummeted straight into the deep pool of....technical writing.  There perished any chance of winning a writerly Olympic medal for color, style and verve.  I think that at the very least, I could have been a contender for that Gold medal.

You guessed it...tech writing is the Mecca of rules.  RIGID, unswerving, unbending...rules.    So, I soothed myself to a degree by flouting what rules I could.  The first and foremost of those is that I still stick to not using an outline.  It bugs the fool out of me and I see no good reason for an outline. You may feel differently and embrace outlines with great affection. If so, have at it, my friend!  My brain knows that I have a beginning, middle and logical ending to any written document.  Rather than outlines that waste my time, I prefer to take notes.  I guess this could be construed as a form of outline, as I do refer to those notes as I write. 

For me, the pure, heady pleasure of writing is that when I sit down to write anything, be it a formal technical document, a blog for myself, an article for a client, a journal entry, or a manuscript for a book idea, I only know the beginning and ending.  What I don't know, in exacting detail, until I write it is what happens to get from the beginning to the ending - that's why I write!  I'm on the same ride, the same fascinating journey, as my readers. 

Therefore, when I hear the helpful comments of, "You should do it this way."  Or, "You need to think about adopting this method."  Or, "I think that this works best and you should do it this way from now on." ....my instant reaction, at least mentally, is, "Who says?"  I'm being honest here!  I am not being so bold or churlish as to say that every snippet of advice offered to me is summarily rejected or ignored.  I certainly do not think I know everything about anything, and I am the first to admit that I learn new techniques about writing on a regular basis.  I'm being overly facetious, peppering here and there with tongue in cheek comments, I admit that freely.  I rarely give voice to this side of my writing nature, and tonight I just felt like doing it. There's a time and a place for the lighthearted approach to life....and blogging.

Here's my main point...what I DO know a lot about is myself.  I know my own writing style.  I know how my mind works in the creative process that is unique to me.  None of my clients need to know, nor would they care most likely, that I don't use an outline when I write their documents, manuals, etc.  All they care about is that the end product meets their criteria.  When advice is offered, I do what most people do - I listen, and if I find the content worthwhile, I'll incorporate it into my life.  If I find it to not be worth adopting, I discard it.  The sky doesn't fall if I don't embrace every suggestion that is helpfully offered to me about how I decide to structure my business day.

When it comes to creative writing, such as this blog or a manuscript, I embrace the open-ended style even more.  I usually have an inspiration that gives me my starting point, but I rarely know how the finished blog or manuscript will end.  In fact, when I started to write this very post, I had a completely different idea of where the content would go, and it was nothing like this finished version.  The beauty there is that I will be able to pull that original thought back out for a future blog.  I rarely sweat small details such as an article turning out differently from my original expectation.  Indeed, I'm usually delighted when that happens, because the unexpected result generally turns out to be superior to my original concept.

So, those pesky rules....who says that we have to listen to them?  With technical writing, yes, I do follow rules.  Certain writing methods do demand that you follow rules.  When it comes to creative writing, however, I say find what works best for you.  Embrace your unique style and create a routine, or lack thereof, that works best for you.  That would be the advice I would offer, if asked.  Then, those who listen to my advice have their own opportunity to smile kindly at me, while mentally rolling their eyes and sighing out their own, "Who says?"   And now that I'm thinking about it, I still think my swan dive off the high platform was a thing of beauty, because it was uniquely mine.

21 comments:

  1. Excellent post! I heartily agree with you, especially in the disdain for outlines.

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  2. Outline? What's an outline? Most people think I can't even construct a sentence! I love your article and your philosophy. When someone comes along and tells me what I should do, or what I need to do, I say, "Don't should on me!" Of course, I'd never tell you that you should say this...

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  3. Thanks Dave! I really do recognize that they're a useful tool, and I also know lots of writers swear by them. Call me a rebel - they make me feel constrained and constricted. And really, who can perform an exceptional swan dive off the high platform if they're constrained & constricted?!

    ~ Dawn

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  4. LOL...Miss Bob, I think we are sisters in a writerly-beneath-the-skin kind of way! Thank you for stopping by to read and tap out a comment that made me smile! I enjoy your writing style & philosophy in return, so I predict a mutual admiration thing settling in. ;-)

    ~ Dawn

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  5. This is your best post yet! I hate outlines and feel that they completely take away from my creative flow. I found myself in a technical writing position for about a year and felt suffocated by all the stringent rules. I'm happy to report that I am an official member of the 'no outline or stringent rules' group. ;o)

    Marie
    http://sallyleehomeaccents.com

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  6. Woo Hoo for the public outcry against the dreaded, suffocating writing outline!!! I had no idea that I'm in such good company with this, seriously. I meet way too many people who feel that the writing outline is a thing of beauty, so you always wonder a bit about the other side of the fence, especially when you think you're standing over there all alone!

    I am also happy to know that my humor "reads" in the manner intended - you never know about that either, until you get feedback! Marty (he of AB partner fame) has often told me that my humor and the way my mind works with humorous thoughts gives him those fun little moments out of time. I do believe I'll embrace allowing my humor more of a free rein in blogging format from this point forward!

    Thanks, Marie! Btw, feel free to join me on the high platform for your own unique swan dive into the pool of no outlines & restrictions! ;-)

    ~ Dawn

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  7. Oh, I don't like rules, especially with writing!!! And I'm with you, I rarely know what the outcome of a post is going to be like. Why do humans resent rules? I believe we all possess a free mind, and it yearns to be free. It isn't that we are so resistant and hateful to people who make rules, we just want to be free. God made us that way. Or I could be entirely wrong... wouldn't be the first time. Your 2nd best post I've read! You know the 1st one.

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  8. Marty, I love your comment! Heck, yeah, we yearn to be free - that was beautiful, my friend. And yes, I do believe I know the one that's your favorite...;-) Somehow, I just knew you'd be "one of us" - one of the subversive types!

    ~ Dawn

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  9. Dawnie,
    I was so excited to read this blog last night and went to comment 2x and it disappeared; media com problems i think. anyway, i left feeling so ecstatic! For one thing I left feeling such a freedom for myself in blogging/writing and had felt so much the same way as yourself since I began this new journey of writing, very inexperienced as i am, but wanting to find "my voice" in writing.
    I've always wanted to go back to school for years to take some courses in writing just to build on a foundation and get some learning skills under by belt, and still would like to do that. So, this writing has not turned me off in doing that. However, everything you said made so much sense to me. You will notice that the majority of the time when making comments on f.b. etc. that I type in lower case. I know this isn't the correct thing to do, BUT I DIDN'T CARE! One of those "i don't want anyone to tell me what to do things." Gosh darn, that was a good read. Thanks so much. I continue to stay in awe of you and your postings. janie

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  10. Morning, Sorry I didn't get to this yesterday, the day turned out to be busier then I imagined it would be.

    I do believe we must have been separated at birth! =D I've actually taken the counter point just because everyone thinks they know what I'm going to say. I had a college class in Government & the teacher was one that loved to use absolutes so I would always say yes but what about xyz. It would create a lot of discussion in the class & at the end of the term she came up to me & said "You know you have the highest grade in the class, don't you?" "But, I just wanted to know if you really believed all the things you said" I looked at her & said "No, I don't believe any of them, I just don't like absolutes because most things in life aren't black & white. So I took the opposite point to promote discussion." Her response "Wow!!!, well thank you it sure made the class more fun."

    So taking the less traveled route is always more fun for me. I will say that we all need to pay attention to the things that show up in our lives repeatedly, even advice from friends. Listen with an open mind, you never know what you might learn.

    My turn to leave a long message! =D

    Hugs,

    Bill

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  11. Today has been such an interesting day for me as a writer - tons of client meetings, some new & exciting possibilities on the horizon. I came home to be greeted by the news from Marty (my Authentic Blogger partner) that we're getting great plugs on various blogging forums from some of our members - wonderful news to hear! Then I checked The Authentic Blogger blog and this one and have more great comments from so many writers whose work I admire. What a happy day it has been!

    Jane, I am so pleased this post was timely for you. Sure, you can benefit greatly by taking some creative writing courses when you get the chance to do so. I think you'll enjoy it and find that it helps you to learn various styles and approaches. I also think that the process of "just writing it out" as you're now doing is equally valuable. You're getting your thoughts written down and you're enjoying the process. That, in and of itself, means you're already succeeding. The mechanics of writing and the IT part of things will fall into place in their own time. I just love that this blog post spoke to you and kept you encouraged!

    Bill, yep, we may very well be distantly related - you never know! I was guilty of the very same thought process in school with many professors, simply because I thought that absolutes were restrictive to the point of producing strongly narrow minded thinking. Look at the other side of the fence, try that different style of shoes on, drink a different beverage....and any other analogy that applies - just stand tall enough to claim your own uniquely beautiful style. Or, in my case, a uniquely beautiful swan dive off the high platform! ;-)

    I also love the advice of paying attention to things that show up in our lives repeatedly - that's strong wisdom for certain.

    I love the comments & discussion & hope to see more on this topic!

    ~ Dawn

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  12. Hi Dawn,
    I'm a new follower and I have to say that I agree with alot of what you have shared about writing. But I'm not much for sticking to strict dogmas and absolutes in any area of life! One of the tenets I live by is "This is what I believe today based on my experience so far, this could all change tomorrow".

    Aine
    http://theevolvingspirit.blogspot.com

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  13. Aine, thanks so much for looking my blog up and taking the extra step to leave a comment here. I like your approach to life - that's definitely living with the flow of life's energy in a beautiful manner!

    I'm looking forward to following your blog. I was a licensed massage therapist for 7 years, and although I no longer practice, I still retain a fierce love of healing energy modalities - hence part of the reason for naming this blog "Healing Morning". I am delighted to meet another blogger of similar mindset!

    ~ Dawn

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  14. Dawn,
    Loved this post! I've never really taken any courses on creative writing, but I have read a few books. Most of them have different chapters that focus on different "rules" & tell me things I need to do....I guess now I know why I haven't finished any of those books lol. "Creative Writing Rules" = Oxymoron! One cannot be creative if they have to follow a bunch of rules.

    Just curious what type of writing work do you do. I love creative writing & have dreams of getting things published someday, but who knows what will happen. Sometimes I wish I majored in something having to do with writing, but can't change that. Just have my passion for writing to keep me going.

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  15. Anahid,

    It seems to be a common theme with we creative types - we don't like rules!

    I am a freelance technical writer, which means that I write for literally any industry, product, business or individual, addressing any writing concept that they need. That can range from proposals for gov't work, writing safety policy and procedural manuals, How To's of all types, training manuals, promotional copy for brochures, press releases, pamphlets, etc. The list is endless and that's what I like about it - I'm always learning new things and writing for different applications.

    All of that being said, the past 18 months of the economic downslide hit my niche market drastically. Almost overnight, contracts froze or were just cancelled and I went for months at a stretch with nothing moving forward, no money coming in the door. It took a lot of courage to stick with it & not give up on doing what I love best.

    I, too, have plans for getting published - I think that's the goal/dream of most writers. I'm confident that I'll achieve that goal, in due time. If you love the writing process, keep writing! You'll grow in skills and experience and eventually doors will open to you that will lead to that next step in your evolution. That's what has happened for me over the years. The biggest challenge is staying positive when the lulls hit, because they will hit.

    I enjoy your writing style, Anahid, and I believe you can achieve your dreams. It takes dedication and effort, but I know you can do it!

    ~ Dawn

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  16. Oh that's neat! It has been pretty rough for everyone, but I'm glad you didn't give up. I almost gave up writing when I received a rejection letter for my grad school application for creative writing, but I decided to get into blogging to keep writing.

    Thanks so much for your encouraging words, I really appreciate it. And who knows maybe someday we'll have our published books side by side at Barnes & Noble hehe ;)

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  17. Anahid, I began blogging for a similar reason. I wanted to keep my mind active for one thing, and I wanted a new challenge to conquer (that's one of my favorite things). A girlfriend who had been blogging for a while met me for lunch at a local Panera w/ her laptop and showed me how to set up a blog page, gave me a few pointers and that's where it all started! I had no idea, at the time, that blogging would lead me to meeting so many wonderful people and exciting experiences.

    I am SO glad you didn't give up writing as well - there will always be rejections and lulls, but if you truly have that writing gene and a love of the art, you'll come back to it.

    I am with you, chica, about seeing ourselves in published format in Barnes & Noble - I firmly believe we'll both get there! I, personally, intend to get someone to take my picture, standing next to my first published book, sitting on those shelves!

    ~ Dawn

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  18. I despise rules, and in writing, I think that rules completely hinder the creative process. My little secret confession - even in school, ever since I can remember, even when an outline was required, I wouldn't.
    I would write the paper, essay, story - or whatever the requirement was, and then would compose an outline after to follow what I had already written. Funny yes, but as easy as it is to write from my thoughts & heart, when forced to write an outline - my mind simply rebelled and would remain blank.
    It's nice to know there are so many rebels among us, and know - I would never ... ever ... take away your decoder ring!

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  19. Quiet Waters, oh my word....that is EXACTLY what I did in high school too! I wrote the assignment first, then went back and wrote the danged outline to appease the teacher's demand for those nasty rules. Small world, great minds think alike, etc.! Maybe all we writerly types just lack the genetic coding for writing outlines? It's a valid thought, because I never could get the hang of creating the annoying things either.

    Thank you, my friend, for recognizing the delightful absurdity that is so much a part of my personality...nice to know my secret decoder ring is safe and secure! ;-) I bet yours is tucked away in some handy spot as well.

    ~ Dawn

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  20. I try to never end a sentence with a proposition! LOL

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  21. LOL...loved the pithy comment, Chip!

    ~ Dawn

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