Session extract from the Develop Your Writing Module
MY STORY
Looking at the different ways writers write about themselves
When we write, we write about ourselves. In the very process of writing we self-express, which means that in some sense we take form within our own creativity. To some people, this is a logical observation, but to others it is a controversial statement. For some, the idea that the writer is his own writing wanders into dark waters, when we consider the characters and subject matter that writers might explore.
‘The writer just thinks it up. He just creates these characters from his imagination. He just makes it all up.’ These are typical comments made by people from the perspective that a writer is a creator who is separate in some way from his creations. But is it possible to be disconnected from your own creativity? And does this view of ‘making it all up’ not contribute to a concept of the imagination as an ‘unreal’ process, as exemplified in the derisory use of the word imaginary?
Take a few moments to write down your thoughts on the question of whether a writer can be separate from his own writing, and then apply these observations to yourself.
Memories and the art of self-recording
In recent years, the field of reminiscences has been revolutionised by the rise of interest in family history research. This has led to a range of developments, from people passing on desktop-published memoirs to future generations, to people writing novels based on the exploits of their ancestors. Technology has paved much of the way in opening up the resources to make this happen. Another aspect of this growth in self-recording is the blog (short for web log): a personal online journal produced for general viewing. Then there is the social networking phenomenon, such as Facebook. What is clear is that a desire to record memory is more vibrant than ever, presenting itself through word, sound, picture and film.
Choose a personal memory and explore its factually and visually remembered dimensions.
Write it in one of these three forms:
• A diary extract
• A letter to the grandchildren
• An explanation for someone’s behaviour
MY STORY
Looking at the different ways writers write about themselves
When we write, we write about ourselves. In the very process of writing we self-express, which means that in some sense we take form within our own creativity. To some people, this is a logical observation, but to others it is a controversial statement. For some, the idea that the writer is his own writing wanders into dark waters, when we consider the characters and subject matter that writers might explore.
‘The writer just thinks it up. He just creates these characters from his imagination. He just makes it all up.’ These are typical comments made by people from the perspective that a writer is a creator who is separate in some way from his creations. But is it possible to be disconnected from your own creativity? And does this view of ‘making it all up’ not contribute to a concept of the imagination as an ‘unreal’ process, as exemplified in the derisory use of the word imaginary?
Take a few moments to write down your thoughts on the question of whether a writer can be separate from his own writing, and then apply these observations to yourself.
Memories and the art of self-recording
In recent years, the field of reminiscences has been revolutionised by the rise of interest in family history research. This has led to a range of developments, from people passing on desktop-published memoirs to future generations, to people writing novels based on the exploits of their ancestors. Technology has paved much of the way in opening up the resources to make this happen. Another aspect of this growth in self-recording is the blog (short for web log): a personal online journal produced for general viewing. Then there is the social networking phenomenon, such as Facebook. What is clear is that a desire to record memory is more vibrant than ever, presenting itself through word, sound, picture and film.
Choose a personal memory and explore its factually and visually remembered dimensions.
Write it in one of these three forms:
• A diary extract
• A letter to the grandchildren
• An explanation for someone’s behaviour
words and pictures © 2011 John Brewster music ℗ 2011 John Brewster graphics public domain, courtesy of wpclipart.com and karenswhimsy.com
