I’ve been thinking for the past few days about priorities, those a dedicated writer should have if he or she is to be successful. Perhaps not in the financial sense, but at least through mastery of the medium. When I’ve been isolated and unbothered by the stress of a deadline, I have been content and productive. But this setting, college, where socializing is so inevitable and encouraged, how am I to get anything done? How am I to truly focus on the worlds and people in my head when the real world and its people constantly demand my attention? Many famous authors, male and female, have described strict routines performed in complete isolation while producing large bodies of work. One, whose name I dont recall, said that he had to wear a reflective vest while writing at home so his family would know not to disturb him. Will this isolation be necessary for me as well? I wish to meet new people, encounter new ideas, learn how to think. That’s part o what college is about, but I wish to practice as a writer too. Whenever I isolate myself, or try to in this environment, people around me cock their heads and their brows crease. “You can always write tomorrow,” they say. “This (insert event here) will only happen once in a lifetime.” So will the next event, and the next, and the next. There will always be a missed opportunity in their eyes, and a sad, introverted young man who shuts himself in and has no fun. When I was in Iowa, I was happy yet torn. Being among so many kindred spirits was new and exciting, for with a supportive and experienced audience, I could express my passions and their eyes wouldn’t glaze over. I thank the Iowa Young Writers Studio, both staff and fellow students, for making my time there wonderful. Yet it was hard for me to focus on both socializing and writing a satisfactory volume of work. I don’t regret the experience one bit, no sir, because the classes I took and the readings I attended gave me a broader perspective on writing styles and helped me become more skilled in giving feedback. In addition, it gave me connections to an international community of fellow writers. But now I face the same dilemma at UCSC as I did in University of Iowa: when do I socialize, and when do I write? Thoughts?
Posted on: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 19:19:35 +0000
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