A Bathtub Revelation
There I was, lounging in the bath, leafing through my trusty yellow Joseph Campbell book, when a passage struck me like a lightning bolt. Campbell spoke about two crucial elements in writing: the lyrical factor and the critical factor. This got me thinking about how often writers, myself included, fall into the trap of inviting the critical factor – that voice of review, scrutiny, and editing – too early into the party. We end up mired in self-criticism, dissecting our work when we should be reveling in the joy of creation.
The Trap of the Eternal Lyrical
However, it's possible to get too cozy in the lyrical realm. You might know the type: eternal dreamers, perpetually 'writing their book in their head' or researching a single idea for decades with no end in sight. Writing, in this case, can become a never-ending battle with no strategy for retreat. It's essential to have an exit strategy, a plan that prevents you from getting lost in the labyrinth of endless creativity.
Sequencing: The Secret Key to Creative Flow
This brings us to the crux of the matter – sequencing. Put things in the right order, and the process becomes a joyous, block-free journey. Just like in storytelling, structuring a story in the correct order ensures that it makes sense and flows naturally. The audience intuitively understands that A leads to B, and B inevitably results in C.
The Critical Factor: A Necessary Counterbalance
Don't get me wrong; the critical factor is not the villain of our story. I adore it, need it, in fact. It’s essential for effective rewriting and refining. The trick is not to let it overstep its bounds too early. In the initial stages, it's all about letting your pen (or keyboard) run wild, giving your story room to breathe and take shape. Then, as the story matures, the critical factor comes in, guiding these ideas to their fullest potential – no need for detailed flying instructions when the idea is still growing its wings.
Honoring Each Stage of the Creative Process
Now, I've learned to honor each stage equally. Early on, if I hit a snag, I ask myself, "Am I letting the critic in too soon? Should I be dancing with the lyrical instead?" Conversely, in the later stages, I remain vigilant against introducing new, unfiltered ideas when it's time to refine and polish.
A Creative Challenge
So, here’s a gentle nudge for my fellow writers: Can you recognize and honor the stage you're in? Whether you're letting your imagination run wild or meticulously crafting your narrative, each phase has its tools and its time.
Just for today, let’s acknowledge and embrace where we are in our creative journey. Whether you’re weaving tales from the lyrical mists or sharpening them with a critical eye, remember, it's all part of the beautiful dance of creativity.
