Maria Popova’s The Marginalian blog, has been on my radar for a number of years and she posts such perceptive content.
This article focuses on Ursula K Le Guin’s thoughts concerning the role of the writer and the arts. She has this to say…
“The daily routine of most adults is so heavy and artificial that we are closed off to much of the world. We have to do this in order to get our work done. I think one purpose of art is to get us out of those routines. When we hear music or poetry or stories, the world opens up again. We’re drawn in — or out — and the windows of our perception are cleansed, as William Blake said. The same thing can happen when we’re around young children or adults who have unlearned those habits of shutting the world out.”
I love this idea of the arts cleansing the lens of our perception. As part of my writing practice, if I can’t settle into writing and my mind is cluttered with a thousand other things, I will listen to Coltrane, Davis or Tyner. It has never failed to help me settle before the notebook or laptop and do a little work. How about you? What’s your go-to thing, to clear your mind and get down to writing?
“Our culture doesn’t think storytelling is sacred; we don’t set aside a time of year for it. We don’t hold anything sacred except what organized religion declares to be so. Artists pursue a sacred call, although some would buck and rear at having their work labeled like this. Artists are lucky to have a form in which to express themselves; there is a sacredness about that, and a terrific sense of responsibility. We’ve got to do it right. Why do we have to do it right? Because that’s the whole point: either it’s right or it’s all wrong.”
Sacredness and responsibility. Is that how you view your writing practice? Do you see your work as transformational?
There are so many inspirational thoughts collected in this article. Let me know which stands out for you.
Enjoy!
https://www.themarginalian.org/2018/01/30/ursula-k-le-guin-walking-on-th...
1 person likes this
My go-to thing to clear my mind and get down to writing is opening Microsoft Word and outlining a script, Geoff Hall. If I've already outlined the script, I'll reread the outline to clear my mind before working on the script for the day. I mainly see my scripts as entertainment, but I see them as transformational too. I don't think a story has to be just one.
1 person likes this
Maurice Vaughan Absolutely Maurice. If a film isn’t entertaining, then no matter how profound the story may be, no one will watch it.
Yes, I like your practice for clearing your mind. I know when I get back in to The House of Memories, I will be going over the 30 pages I’ve written, as well as my notebooks and story apps. Thanks for commenting.
1 person likes this
This is my favourite quotes:
“One of the functions of art is to give people the words to know their own experience. There are always areas of vast silence in any culture, and part of an artist’s job is to go into those areas and come back from the silence with something to say. It’s one reason why we read poetry, because poets can give us the words we need. When we read good poetry, we often say, ‘Yeah, that’s it. That’s how I feel.’”
1 person likes this
You're welcome, Geoff Hall. I got a script idea while on social media yesterday, and I'm about to open up Microsoft Word, do a quick outline, and jump into the script. It'll either be a short script or feature. Probably a short script.
1 person likes this
Maurice Vaughan great news, Maurice. Let me know how it goes.
These are my last few words on Stage32, till after the memorial service tomorrow. We travel to the south-east of the country in a couple of hours. See you on the other side of silence.
1 person likes this
I got another script idea while outlining the first idea, Geoff Hall. My condolences to you and your family. Safe travels.
2 people like this
Something I find extremely helpful is to put on my earphones and go for a walk, Geoff Hall
1 person likes this
Maurice Vaughan thank you, Maurice. That is greatly appreciated.
You're welcome, Geoff Hall.
3 people like this
Chiara Torrisi hi Chiara. My morning practice is 20 minutes silent meditation. Exercises followed by a 30 meditation walk, when I attempt to close off internal traffic and any external stimuli. If I hear music I’ll just end up singing it to myself and not concentrating when I sit down to write. Each of us has a different method and if it works for you. Do it!
What mind of music do you listen to?
3 people like this
For me, the best music is movie soundtracks, Geoff Hall: they usually don't have lyrics, and I can pick the tracks according to the mood of the piece I'm writing (or editing). It's perfect for brainstorming!
Yet, I'm totally unable to write while listening to music. It distracts me and I can't focus on what I'm doing.
3 people like this
Chiara Torrisi that’s a great way of not having lyrics buzzing around your head, so I’ll work on that - otherwise my characters may start quoting Radiohead!