I think that is one of the marks of a really good writer. The ability to draw the reader into what they are reading and make them feel like they are there. That can not only apply to fictional writings, but other kinds as well. A good writer has the ability to get across whatever point that he is trying to make in his writings and essentially make the reader feel the same way. Fictional writers' goal is to take you on a journey such as to Narnia to sail on Dawn treader to the end of the world, or Middle Earth to visit the Hobbits. I can only hope to be a fraction as good of a writer as the brilliant minds of C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien. For now I will settle with this little blog that only a few people read, but someday maybe I will come up with my own Narnia and Narnians. I know that it will by no means happen overnight, it may never happen at all, but all I can do is strive to be a better writer all the time. Seek advice wherever I can get it, and always be reading new books to inspire creativity. Most importantly of all though I just have to keep writing. And if anyone who is reading this is in the same position that I am in, wanting to write but too afraid of what people will think, or you think you are no good, I encourage you to follow the same advice. The worst thing you can do is not write. Even if you decide not to let anyone read it, start a blog like this. As you become more confidant in your writing then let a few close friends read it and tell you what they think. Do not be discouraged in your writing in the beginning, only strive to be better.
-Danny
"Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it."
-C.S. Lewis
-C.S. Lewis
This is excellent insight, and I can tell that Lewis is rubbing off on you much in the same way that he rubs off on me (and millions of others). It’s life-altering stuff!
ReplyDeleteI think the Voyage of the Dawn Treader is the greatest adventure story of the entire series. That scene at the pool that turns everything into gold always gives me chills.
I like the quote you listed as well. I was listening to a Peter Kreeft lecture on apologetics recently and he referenced the same quote at one point. Kreeft went on to make another great statement along those lines:
“Insofar as we think about method, we are not doing it. Insofar as you think about what notes you’re playing, you’re not playing them. Total self-forgetfulness, total honesty and total love is the most effective apologetic.”
I am by no means a professional writer but I would say that you do have a way with words.
ReplyDeleteWriting has become a huge part of my life both cathartic and spiritual in nature. I can see that you have the ability to communicate easily and clearly with the medium. Keep it up!
Let me encourage you to follow Lewis' advice and as an add on to take those themes and circumstances that move you and make your heart fly and describe them as clearly and as full of imagery as you can. To me the key is to make the "Theater of the Mind" (as I like to call it) come alive for others by simply describing either in detail or by contrasting with imagrey the movie that plays inside my head. Go deep! Then write it down.