Ideas that resonated…
Shared in the name of nurturing emerging writers!
‘Writers do not write. We re-write.’ (47)
Truth
The central theme of The Writer Laid Bare is honesty.
The writer must resist the question of ‘what sells’ and write from a place of honesty. Because if the author truly cares, the reader will too.
Write what is urgent. Write for the self. ‘Write what makes you blush.’ (25)
Read
‘Writers read analytically; they read slower and more attentively…’ (76)
A naturally curious writer will read beyond the story, analysing narrative elements, eager to understand how the story is made.
Kofman refers to a ‘reading diet’, suggesting the best training is to read ‘up’. (80)
Why Write
‘The self-sufficient solitude, and the temporary quietening and focusing of the mind that writing, like prayer, affords…’ (14)
Kofman likens writing to prayer, as something spiritual; the power of a writing routine as a kind of ritual.
Whilst acknowledging the inevitable lows of being a writer, Kofman understands what it gives.
‘As much as writing causes me pain, nothing matches those rare hours, when the words flow smoothly…’ (15)
Self-doubt
Many prominent writers experience ‘…wild swings between highs and lows, creative joy and profound self-doubt — the perpetual fear of falling short…’ (90)
Yet, Kofman reflects on the way ‘failure’ is necessary for ‘success’. How self-doubt can be ‘trained’ to become useful ‘self-criticism’ and ‘…one of your best workmen…’ (94)
Rejection
For the writer, rejection is inevitable — some rejections felt more deeply. In these times, Kofman suggests, often what is needed is to understand that writing isn’t ‘everything’. (247)
As well as some perspective, and a lot of perseverance; other qualities must be called upon to face rejection and move to a point of growth.
‘…honest self-insight. Humility too.’ (247)
Sometimes, as Kofman suggests, rejection simply means ‘…there is more work to do’. (247)
Dreaming
The Writer Laid Bare shows how writing and life may come together; that a greater richness of life and depth of creativity awaits when we allow space for dreaming, thinking and play.
Share with me…..
Have you read The Writer Laid Bare? What did you get out of it? I’d love for you to leave a comment and let me know!
Note: some links are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a small affiliate commission.
Reference: Kofman, L. (2022). The Writer Laid Bare: Mastering Emotional Honesty in a Writer’s Art, Craft and Life. Ventura Press.