Writing is not just about the writing

When I tell people my major I get one of 2 reactions.

1. Oh, so you’re going to teach?

OR

2. Oh, that sounds so easy.

Thank you, Randall Silvis, for pointing out that writing is not easy. Just because it doesn’t require the same skill sets for writing as it does for studying science or playing music doesn’t mean that writing isn’t difficult. If it was easy we wouldn’t have a dwindling literary market and everyone would be an author.  Creative, intriguing plot lines and characters are challenging enough—forget about the spirit breaking requirement of revising! Writing is not just about writing—it’s about inspiration, connection, commitment, and having something to say.

I really connected with this piece because Silvis was giving good advice, but incorporating humor and a light tone. Steps 1, 3, and 4 were my favorite. Step 1—Bestrange? Check. Who wants to read about a boring, perfect normal family? (what is “normal” anyway?) People want the drama, the gossip, and the emotion. My favorite novels are the ones that make me cry. If a book can make me show physical emotion—tears or laughter, it’s a good book. Step 3 about living life made me laugh. While Silvis obviously didn’t literally mean standing in traffic, I appreciated his advice about going out and getting experience to write about things. I’m always inspired when I go on trips. I bring writing material with me because for some reason, that’s when the magic happens. Sometimes it’s not even about the place I am or the people I’m with, it’s just outside my comfort zone and I feel inspired. Step 4 is a recent favorite of mine. I’ll hear or notice something and just know that I need to write it down. I have no idea what I’ll use these quotes for, if anything, but it’s nice to know I have an idea base when I’m in the mood to write.

Step 5 also stood out to me because up until 2 weeks ago, I thought I wanted to go into academe—into teaching, but I discovered that’s not where my heart is. I would be miserable and my students would suffer. So I’ve opted to go the route of editing and publishing (hopefully), so it was nice to hear affirmation that there isn’t only one path to go down as a writer. Overall a delightfully funny and helpful read. And after step 10…I’m hungry. I hear a Popsicle calling my name. Hmm….that gives me an idea for a story…

-Katie Huffman