Complex Numbers

A Unique Perspective

So today I'm going to discuss actual writing again.

https://ideas.ted.com/helpful-advice-for-aspiring-writers-of-all-ages/

Helpful advice for aspiring writers of all ages

I find when something is targeted at "all ages," it often ends up being infantile. Lowest common denominator and all that. Let's see here...

Being a writer is all about expressing your unique perspective with feeling and originality, not about having a huge vocabulary or getting published, says author Jacqueline Woodson.

Let's get this out of the way first: You don't have a unique perspective.

Neither do I.

In the time BI (Before Internet), you only had to be unique among a small group in order to stand out. Two things have happened in the last 50 years to change the landscape entirely: the population of the planet quadrupled, and we all started talking to each other. Now, in order to the the "best," you're competing with 7 billion other people. It can't be done. Not only that, but even if you're not concerned about "best," with that many people, statistically, someone else shares your opinions and talents.

And second, there's no such thing as "originality," unless you want to make up your own language.

“Write something good, and feel good about writing it.”

in response to the question “What’s the goal of writing when you’re 15?”

I know when I was 15, I felt good about my writing. Boy, am I embarrassed. Fortunately, none of that tripe survived.

“Writing is about narrative language and creative language and being able to get a point across in a way that is not ordinary. More than having a large vocabulary, one needs a large vision and be able to see the world in a different way than other people see it.”

Despite what I said above, I think this is decent advice as far as it goes -- though it doesn't express how someone without this ability for perspective might gain it.

If it’s possible, set limits on the initial feedback you receive

“When I first write something, I show it to three people I trust. I tell them: ‘Tell me every single thing you love about it.’

Doesn't really work on this site, unless you have a group set up for just that.

Being a writer means being a re-writer

Yeah, that's where I always stumble.

“Whenever kids start asking me about their stuff getting published, I’m like, ‘That’s not what you should worry about. You should worry about writing the best piece that you possibly can.’ Writing is such a process.

And again, not bad advice. But the promise of the headline - "for all ages" - fails, as usual.