This time of year can be very hard, it is often dark and
grey outside. There might’ve been pressure over the holiday period when well-meaning
people ask, ‘Are you STILL wring your book?’ or ‘When IS your going to be
published?’ It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, particularly if you feel like you
have
 |
| Writing pressures |
One of the most important things you can focus on is the
difference a story can make to the reader, particularly if you are writing for
children or young adults. A story can help a reader escape their reality. It
can provide a sense of hope and a belief that things can be all right in the
end. Stories can be a way to understand the world we live in. We hear the term ‘windows
and mirrors’ a lot, but it is important. A book can provide a window on someone
else’s life, so a reader can walk in their shoes, or it can be a mirror, so a
reader can see themselves in a story. This is particularly important when
thinking about creating stories that are inclusive. Writers should not shy away
from difficult and challenging themes as well because a book is a safe place
for a reader to explore said themes. The stories provide an opportunity to ask
questions of the narrative but also for the reader to ask questions of themselves.
It helps them work out who they are, but just as importantly, who they are not.
In a world that is becoming increasingly hostile and intolerant, it is important to encourage empathy. It
is proven that reading stories can create empathy. Empathy Lab is doing great things
to #EmpathyDay is 9th
June this year. They also create a reading list entitled Read
for Empathy Guides for Primary and Secondary which schools. Empathy is a key
element of emotional intelligence, and part of helping children to appreciate
others. As writers we understand we need to create fully rounded characters and
that includes emotional depth: even the ‘baddies’ in a story should be making
decisions that are right for them, emotionally, at that particular moment. |
| Philip Pullman |
When thinking about your writing, I will add a caveat for
all writers. I have spent many years supporting aspiring writers in my jobs
either as a Creative Writing Lecturer or working as an editor/workshop leader
at The Golden Egg Academy. There is a moment when a new writer comes to me and
confidently tells me about their story starting with the words ‘My story is going
to give a message about…’ It might be any contentious subject or a moral message
of some sort, whatever it is my heart sinks. I can understand the desire to
want to write a story like that but invariably they become didactic. Philip
Pullman summed it up brilliantly in his acceptance speech for his Carnegie
Medal when he suggested ‘”Thou shalt not” is easily forgotten but “Once upon a
time…” is remembered forever.’ What this means to me is that the story has to be
the priority, not the message. Focus on that and let the narrative do the work
rather than lecturing the reader.
Keep writing your stories, focus on the hope you can create and empathy. Remember books show that the world can be a better place and
that the reader can make it so: as Neil Gaiman has suggested when talking about
reading: ‘You’re finding something out as you read that will be vitally
important for making your way in the world. And it’s this: The world doesn’t
have to be like this. Things can be different.’
Stories bring hope, even in these difficult times.
Remember the difference you can make. Good
luck with your writing. I know it’s hard, but you can do it.
'Those Sweet Words' by Norah Jones for today
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