Every
once in a while I make a list of my obsessions. Some obsessions change and
there are always more. Some are thankfully forgotten.
Writers
end up writing about their obsessions. Things that haunt them; things they can’t
forget; stories they carry in their bodies waiting to be released.
I
have my writing groups make lists of their obsessions so that they can see what
they unconsciously (and consciously) spend their waking hours thinking about.
After you write them down you can put them to good use. You have a list of
things to write about.
Excerpt from Natalie Goldberg's
Wild Writing Down The Bones: Freeing the Writer Within
Goldberg, Natalie. Writing
Down The Bones: Freeing the Writer Within. Boston: Shambhala, 1986
Love the graphic and love this idea. I used to write down obsessions when I was younger and I often find such lists in my old notebooks that I have squirreled away. Also - I just rented Goldberg's book from the library and I'm excited to delve into it.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I have never done this. I have been trying to wrack my brain trying to think of things I obsess over and I have discovered that some are mundane, and other lead me to think I need help.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see you're referencing "Writing down the Bones". I have a copy I tried to get Crimson Lantern to read when she was still at home. Not sure if she ever did. At least she's getting it in small doses from you now.
ReplyDelete