avatarIlana Lydia

Summary

The article emphasizes that time is a crucial element in developing a successful writing career, as it allows writers to refine their message and understanding of their subject matter.

Abstract

The article "Why Time is the Secret Ingredient in Your Successful Writing Career" delves into the importance of time in honing writing skills. It argues that the adage of writing more to become a better writer holds true because time enables a writer to listen to their own voice and clarify their message. The author suggests revisiting past writings to observe personal growth and the evolution of one's interests and knowledge. This process of reflection and iteration over time is what sharpens a writer's work, making their stories clearer, sharper, and truer. The article also provides examples of how the author's understanding of topics like "Doctor Who" and fear has deepened over time, illustrating the transformative effect of time on writing.

Opinions

  • Writing frequently is not just about paying dues but about developing the ability to listen to oneself and refine one's message.
  • The more a writer writes, the clearer their communication becomes, as they learn to articulate their thoughts more effectively.
  • Time is essential for thought development, learning, and producing new work based on a deeper understanding of the subject.
  • Revisiting past interests and writings helps a writer to recognize their growth and the maturation of their ideas.
  • The article suggests that the evolution of a writer's perspective, influenced by time, is a key factor in their success.

Why Time is the Secret Ingredient in Your Successful Writing Career

It’s not about paying your dues

Photo by Fernando Andrade on Unsplash

Perhaps the most boring advice in the universe is also the most true. It’s boring for a reason. The logic has been heard thousands of times before.

But what if there was a new way to appreciate this sage advice for what it really was?

“To become a better writer, you have to keep writing,”

said every authority on writing ever.

But what they don’t tell you is why.

WHY do you become a better writer when you write more?

It’s certainly not because hard work always pays off. Sometimes it does, but other times it doesn’t. If we’re being honest, we wouldn’t count on a big break for every writer in every case.

Okay then wise guy, what is it?

The more you write, the more you learn to listen to yourself. And the more closely you listen, the clearer your message becomes.

It’s that simple

You need time to hear what you’re saying, and time to retranslate your message again and again.

If you’re lucky, each iteration of your story becomes clearer, sharper, truer. But it all starts with developing your ear, and specifically, your ability to hear yourself.

Try this: re-immerse yourself in what you were on about six months ago. Make a list of your obsessions. Go on. I’ll wait here. X

Now that you have this list, scribble a few notes on what you’ve learned about the subject since the six month mark. Things like, “Tom Baker lost the role of the Doctor by daring the new producer to fire him — and to his immense surprise, he did — despite his popularity” under the topic “Doctor Who.”

I didn’t know this story six months ago. I know it now. And it shapes the way I’m going to view the whole topic from here on out.

Or: “Fear is a constant companion,” is an idea which has blossomed into “I owe my life to fear on several occasions.” With this retell, I’ll have a different path to my stories.

How time focuses your understanding

Once you’ve seen what you were interested in 6 months ago, and the new, specific ways you’ve developed that interest since then, you’re in a position to appreciate the gift of time.

You cannot develop thought or undertake learning outside of time. We need time not only for the initial thought, but to gather evidence, question what we learn, synthesize, and produce new works based on our understanding.

If you liked this story, you might also like the work of Angie Smartt:

Kunaal B.:

Or Meliha Avdic:

You can find more of my work here:

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