Writing on Writing
The psycology of writing + intrinsic motivation
Writing is an incredibly vulnerable medium in which to work. Most writers I meet are people who care deeply for their work; however, this does not mean writing is something that comes easily to us. Writers’ block is a condition faced by many writers, at some point in their practice. In the past, it has made me want to tear up everything I’ve ever written and commit to a life herding goats in the mountains. Even after so many years of writing, my inner critic is a gremlin who intermittently grumbles away in the corner of my brain. However, this year I have been better able to drown out its cries.
Listening to this episode on the psychology of writing helped put into perspective what I, and many writers, are experiencing when faced with obstacles like writers’ block, or struggling with feedback. Dennis Palumbo argues that it is not the block, but the meaning that we attach to the block, which is the real struggle. The craft of writing often comes from a personal place, and the journey of building a career from it is far from simple. Due to the fact that writing is often inextricably bound up in how we value ourselves, when it isn’t up to scratch, it can throw into question who we are, the decisions we’ve made and ultimately make us melt into existential panic (...just me?). I know that I have too often compared myself to other writers, assuming they have never felt the same. But that is just not the case – which is why talking to other writers about practice is now a big part of my process. Speculative comparison is futile, and can only rob us of the joy of writing.
In contrast, if we approach a piece of writing like a craftsperson with many tools at their disposal – acknowledging that something isn’t working, and instead taking another approach, rather than beating ourselves up and throwing in the towel. I wholeheartedly disagree with the quote “you are only as good as the last thing you wrote” – the journey of a writer is not a linear one, it ebbs and flows. Life gets in the way, meaning that we can spend a significant time away from it, and like with any craft, one needs to dust off the toolbox.
Whenever I embark on a new long-form piece of writing, I wrestle with my internal inner critic. But the messy first draft is something I believe to be sacred to the process - allowing ourselves to stubble will help us navigate what direction we want to take, and what we are ultimately trying to express in the work. Right now, I’m pushing through this stage. But last week, I was running a class for a group of young children; they collaboratively came up with a story in a matter of minutes, and I was so impressed with what they produced. I’m always struck by children’s unhindered imagination and lack of the inner censor – something which so easily falls away in adulthood. Sure, the story didn’t make a whole lot of sense, but there was a unique charm and humour to it. Taking this curious, playful approach to writing can sometimes be the antidote we need.
Last month, I had a few achievements in my work. I’m proud to say that my screenplay for the short film, Back of the Net, won the Best Screenplay Award at Healdsburg Festival (judged by a little-known songwriter, Tom Waits). Although this win may appear like I’ve got this writing thing down… I can assure you, my achievements by no means eliminate my self-doubts. Having said this, it is nice to be recognised for the work I put in, and obviously, winning the award felt good. However, that’s not what makes me want to write. Instead, it’s the distinct feeling of intrinsic motivation to sit down and express perspectives on the world through characters and stories which drives me (even if it’s not going to make me the next Pinter). This is what I believe gives artists longevity to their practice. Working in an industry full of complex obstacles and rejections, it can be easy to lose track of why you want to do this in the first place, and instead seek purely the external rewards – but realigning myself with my motivation to write and make art is what has made me more at peace with the blocks and rejections.
Upcoming Events
Excited to say that my film, Back of the Net, is screening at not one, but four festivals in November. These include:
TweetFest, North London. BIFA-Qualifying Festival. 9th November, 7.45pm (Modern Life Screening). You can get 50% off your ticket using the CODE: TF2450. Tickets.
World of Film International Festival, Glasgow. 10th November, 5pm (Female Perspectives Competition). Tickets.
Norwich Film Festival, BIFA and BAFTA-Qualifying Festival (Nominated for BEST EAST ANGLIAN SHORT). 17th November, 6 pm. Tickets.
This is England, Rouen France: 20th & 23rd November, 4pm. Oui Oui, we’re making our French Première in the beautiful city of Rouen this month.
Just Write It! Returns on 25th November and 16th December, both at Deptford Lounge. In the vein of talking to other writers about process and sharing work –join us for our final two sessions of the year. Book now.
Off The Chest Online Launch: 1st December. The online launch of our anthology has been pushed back to the start of next month. Join us to watch poets from our anthology Spaces of Significance perform and talk about their work, and get on the open mic. More via our Instagram.
Recommendations
Podcast: Feel Better, Live More. In particular, this episode on the science of personality I was hooked.
Films: Shiva Baby and Bottoms – both captivating pieces of modern cinema, exploring the female coming-of-age experience. Both from writer and director Emma Seligman.
